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To Walk It Is to See It: 1 Couple, 98 Days, 1400 Miles on Europe's GR5
In 2018, Kathy Elkind and her husband decided to take a grown-up “gap year” in Europe and walk the 1,400-mile Grande Randonnée Cinq (GR5) across The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.
At fifty-seven, Kathy has chosen comfort over hardship: Unlike the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Coast Trail, the GR5 winds from village to village instead of campsite to campsite. She and Jim get to indulge in warm beds and delicious regional food every night and croissants in the mornings. The GR5 is not all comfort. Walking day after day for ninety-eight days bring sickness, accommodation struggles, language barriers, and storm-shrouded mountains in the Alps. Meanwhile, Kathy finds herself reflecting on difficult topics—primarily, her struggles with dyslexia, overeating, and shame. But she also finds that the walking becomes a moving meditation and the beauty of the landscape heals; she begins to discover her own wise strength; and as the days unfold, she comes to the gratifying realization that a long marriage is like a long trail: there are ups and downs and it takes hard work to keep going, but the beauty along the way is staggering.
Written with raw honesty and compassion, and rich with dazzling scenery, To Walk It Is to See It will inspire you to lace up your walking shoes and discover your own path.
At fifty-seven, Kathy has chosen comfort over hardship: Unlike the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Coast Trail, the GR5 winds from village to village instead of campsite to campsite. She and Jim get to indulge in warm beds and delicious regional food every night and croissants in the mornings. The GR5 is not all comfort. Walking day after day for ninety-eight days bring sickness, accommodation struggles, language barriers, and storm-shrouded mountains in the Alps. Meanwhile, Kathy finds herself reflecting on difficult topics—primarily, her struggles with dyslexia, overeating, and shame. But she also finds that the walking becomes a moving meditation and the beauty of the landscape heals; she begins to discover her own wise strength; and as the days unfold, she comes to the gratifying realization that a long marriage is like a long trail: there are ups and downs and it takes hard work to keep going, but the beauty along the way is staggering.
Written with raw honesty and compassion, and rich with dazzling scenery, To Walk It Is to See It will inspire you to lace up your walking shoes and discover your own path.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2023
25 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 10, 2023
There is a saying: An adventure is not worth telling if there are no dragons. (loc. 127)
I say that I'm a semi-reformed nomad, and it's books like these that keep the 'semi' part of that in play. Surely I could lace up my boots, lock up my apartment, and go out into the mountains for a few weeks...or months?
When Elkind and her husband Jim wanted an adventure, they did that: they picked the GR5, a route that winds from the Netherlands all the way down to the south of France. As the kilometers slipped by, the route got tougher—but so did they.
This is the second book I've read in as many months about the Grande Randonnée network (the first was The Twenty, about the GR20), and my goodness it fuels the wanderlust. Elkind and her husband had pretty quiet dragons on the trail, all things considered—occasional wrenches thrown in the works, but it would be stranger if there were none in 98 days of walking! Her dragons tend to come more from within, when looking back at years past. I'm particularly intrigued by Elkind's writing about her dyslexia, for which she did not receive adequate support as a child—not learning to read until grade seven—and the fact that she ended up teaching elementary school, with a focus on reading. We teach what we need to learn, she says (loc. 775), and I wonder how much else that might apply to.
I read piles and piles of books about the Camino before I walked that, and another stack or two after—perhaps these books about the GR trails herald a new adventure? One can dream.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
I say that I'm a semi-reformed nomad, and it's books like these that keep the 'semi' part of that in play. Surely I could lace up my boots, lock up my apartment, and go out into the mountains for a few weeks...or months?
When Elkind and her husband Jim wanted an adventure, they did that: they picked the GR5, a route that winds from the Netherlands all the way down to the south of France. As the kilometers slipped by, the route got tougher—but so did they.
This is the second book I've read in as many months about the Grande Randonnée network (the first was The Twenty, about the GR20), and my goodness it fuels the wanderlust. Elkind and her husband had pretty quiet dragons on the trail, all things considered—occasional wrenches thrown in the works, but it would be stranger if there were none in 98 days of walking! Her dragons tend to come more from within, when looking back at years past. I'm particularly intrigued by Elkind's writing about her dyslexia, for which she did not receive adequate support as a child—not learning to read until grade seven—and the fact that she ended up teaching elementary school, with a focus on reading. We teach what we need to learn, she says (loc. 775), and I wonder how much else that might apply to.
I read piles and piles of books about the Camino before I walked that, and another stack or two after—perhaps these books about the GR trails herald a new adventure? One can dream.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
August 20, 2023
Full review on my blog!
🥳Ĥⓐ𝕡𝕡Ｙ ק𝐮ｂ ⓦ𝐄𝐄𝓀! 🎉 August 15 2023
🚶♀️ℙ𝕦𝕓 𝕎𝕖𝕖𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨!🚵♂️
ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀʟᴋ ɪᴛ ɪs ᴛᴏ sᴇᴇ ɪᴛ
by 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘌𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥
She Writes Press
260p 𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘸
Thank you to the author Kathy Elkind, publishers She Writes Press, and as always, NetGalley for an advance digital copy of TO WALK IT IS TO SEE IT. All views are mine.
Three or more things I loved:
...
2. I really respect the author's openness about communication challenges with her partner. This connects for me, to work through challenge to achieve a shared goal. She is so honest about tge troubling feelings she has for him and hoe her actions contribute to conflict. It's so rewarding to watch them grow as individuals and as a married couple.
...
6. The author hits on what I consider to be some salient points about food: The cheese melts in my mouth. Eating food right at the source is miraculous. We see and hear cows grazing up above us on the slope . We witness milk boiling over the wood fire. I taste fire, copper, sun-soaked grass, and the loving energy of the farmer and his sons. It’s all there in the cheese. We consume the atmosphere of the alpage. (Loc. 2271)
...
Three or less things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. There's a line at loc.620 that I take issue with: The birds singing in the upper branches are the authors I want to listen to. First, this is a really overused image and idea, and stilted-- nature as author or artist. Is the author waxing eloquent or being serious? Surely it's just a metaphor, but metaphors describe ideas, and this one just might be deriding the written voices of humans. Or maybe books in general. I'm not a fan of the suggestion that the written word or ordinary books are common and some other version of narration is superior. In this case, bird chatter.
All said, I really enjoyed Elkind's travelog and memoir, which tells a story of extraordinary growth and the humbling beauty and challenge of nature and human nature.
Rating: 🚵♂️🚵♂️🚵♂️🚵♂️ / 5 mountain journeys
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: August 17 2023
Format: Advance Digital, NetGalley
Read this if you like:
🧭 Travelogs, travel books
🗣 Memoir
👩🦳 Stories about middle life
👰♀️ Stories about marriage
🎉 Personal growth
🥳Ĥⓐ𝕡𝕡Ｙ ק𝐮ｂ ⓦ𝐄𝐄𝓀! 🎉 August 15 2023
🚶♀️ℙ𝕦𝕓 𝕎𝕖𝕖𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨!🚵♂️
ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀʟᴋ ɪᴛ ɪs ᴛᴏ sᴇᴇ ɪᴛ
by 𝘒𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘌𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥
She Writes Press
260p 𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘸
Thank you to the author Kathy Elkind, publishers She Writes Press, and as always, NetGalley for an advance digital copy of TO WALK IT IS TO SEE IT. All views are mine.
Three or more things I loved:
...
2. I really respect the author's openness about communication challenges with her partner. This connects for me, to work through challenge to achieve a shared goal. She is so honest about tge troubling feelings she has for him and hoe her actions contribute to conflict. It's so rewarding to watch them grow as individuals and as a married couple.
...
6. The author hits on what I consider to be some salient points about food: The cheese melts in my mouth. Eating food right at the source is miraculous. We see and hear cows grazing up above us on the slope . We witness milk boiling over the wood fire. I taste fire, copper, sun-soaked grass, and the loving energy of the farmer and his sons. It’s all there in the cheese. We consume the atmosphere of the alpage. (Loc. 2271)
...
Three or less things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. There's a line at loc.620 that I take issue with: The birds singing in the upper branches are the authors I want to listen to. First, this is a really overused image and idea, and stilted-- nature as author or artist. Is the author waxing eloquent or being serious? Surely it's just a metaphor, but metaphors describe ideas, and this one just might be deriding the written voices of humans. Or maybe books in general. I'm not a fan of the suggestion that the written word or ordinary books are common and some other version of narration is superior. In this case, bird chatter.
All said, I really enjoyed Elkind's travelog and memoir, which tells a story of extraordinary growth and the humbling beauty and challenge of nature and human nature.
Rating: 🚵♂️🚵♂️🚵♂️🚵♂️ / 5 mountain journeys
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: August 17 2023
Format: Advance Digital, NetGalley
Read this if you like:
🧭 Travelogs, travel books
🗣 Memoir
👩🦳 Stories about middle life
👰♀️ Stories about marriage
🎉 Personal growth
August 19, 2023
This book was very inspirational and showed me that you're never too old to dream a new dream or set a new goal!!
September 6, 2023
I’m 57 and I’m dyslexic and nearing the ending my hot flashes after years of misery with menopause. So I couldn’t get enough of this book. The author was struggling too! And it felt like Kathy Elkind wrote this book just for me. Many times while reading this I would say, Yes, yes, yes I feel the same way!
KE wrote a realistic and honest account about her 1400 miles trek on the GR5. She did this with her husband but it was also so much more. At 79% I was laughing and so relieved to see that Im not the only wife to loose it with her husband. Everything she said was exactly how I’ve reacted! And probably word for word. **SIGH**
I’m glad I read this and I loved the ending.
I’m ready to plan my next adventure. Thank you Kathy for sharing your journey with me. You’ll never know how much it meant to me.
I recommend this book if you want to experience a lengthy backpacking trip with a woman in her fifties.
Thanks PR by the Book and She Writes Press via NetGalley.
KE wrote a realistic and honest account about her 1400 miles trek on the GR5. She did this with her husband but it was also so much more. At 79% I was laughing and so relieved to see that Im not the only wife to loose it with her husband. Everything she said was exactly how I’ve reacted! And probably word for word. **SIGH**
I’m glad I read this and I loved the ending.
I’m ready to plan my next adventure. Thank you Kathy for sharing your journey with me. You’ll never know how much it meant to me.
I recommend this book if you want to experience a lengthy backpacking trip with a woman in her fifties.
Thanks PR by the Book and She Writes Press via NetGalley.
February 26, 2024
I’m hovering between 3 and 4 ⭐️s for Kathy’s memoir of her hike along Europe’s GR5, with her husband. It started off so well and I hit 50% complete within a few days. I enjoyed the descriptions of the journey and especially the food they ate.
After a few days I found myself not rushing to get back to listening to the audiobook. Rather than notice the beauty of this unique voyage, I was deflated by Kathy’s constant negativity, as she described her relationship with her husband, other travellers and her lack of understanding the French language. However this is Kathy’s experience and she has struggled with dyslexia so writing this book is a huge achievement.
Therefore 3.5 ⭐️ bumped up to 4⭐️
After a few days I found myself not rushing to get back to listening to the audiobook. Rather than notice the beauty of this unique voyage, I was deflated by Kathy’s constant negativity, as she described her relationship with her husband, other travellers and her lack of understanding the French language. However this is Kathy’s experience and she has struggled with dyslexia so writing this book is a huge achievement.
Therefore 3.5 ⭐️ bumped up to 4⭐️
February 20, 2024
Inspiring memoir of a couple’s 1400 mile journey on Europe’s GR5. I loved the heartfelt descriptions of the scenery, challenges, victories, surprises and emotions Kathy experienced along the way. Especially notable that she not only conquered the GR5, but also her dyslexia by writing this beautiful book. Bravo
August 29, 2024
Since I love hiking, I knew I wanted to pick this book up. It made me want to see some of these beautiful areas of the world, but I’d never do this long of a hike.
The GR5 is a GR footpath that starts in the Netherlands, crosses Belgium and Luxembourg before crossing France from north to south. It is part of the European walking route E2. This trail is famous for its route through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice, called Grande Traversée des Alpes.
Highlights |
•scenery descriptions ⛰️ would have liked more.
•food, croissants, pastries 🤤
•self-reflection & growth as a woman 🙆♀️
This was much more than a book about hiking, it contains a lot of personal reflections, struggles and life experiences and lessons. I was a bit bothered by the author's frequent criticisms of her husband. I can understand that this would be a long trip together and nerves can become frayed, but it came across as petty. That took away from my enjoyment of the book. It would be interesting to read more books like this in the future.
CW | Contains a bit of strong profanity.
The GR5 is a GR footpath that starts in the Netherlands, crosses Belgium and Luxembourg before crossing France from north to south. It is part of the European walking route E2. This trail is famous for its route through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice, called Grande Traversée des Alpes.
Highlights |
•scenery descriptions ⛰️ would have liked more.
•food, croissants, pastries 🤤
•self-reflection & growth as a woman 🙆♀️
This was much more than a book about hiking, it contains a lot of personal reflections, struggles and life experiences and lessons. I was a bit bothered by the author's frequent criticisms of her husband. I can understand that this would be a long trip together and nerves can become frayed, but it came across as petty. That took away from my enjoyment of the book. It would be interesting to read more books like this in the future.
CW | Contains a bit of strong profanity.
September 12, 2023
I always love a pilgrimage/long walk/journey type memoir, and when I saw the premise for this one, I knew I had to read it!
I absolutely loved it! Kathy’s writing and her voice bring the reader right into every step of the journey- her candidness and honest allow the reader to hear her thoughts as she processes them, and the format of the book realistically carries the reader through each stage and place of this walk.
I really enjoyed all the people they met along the way, the food the savoured, and the scenery they explored. I loved listening to Kathy’s reflections on her life, womanhood, marriage, our bodies, aging, and friendship. I felt so many lines or paragraphs were so inspiring and honest.
The whole book centres on her and Jim- her husband of many years who she is walking with- and I think this was the perfect way to ground this story. The ups and downs of marriage, the imperfections, the challenges in communication- and the love, devotion, and appreciation & growing love for one another AS they age and change.
Now I want to do a walk, and do some beautiful self-reflection, and read more long journey type stories.
I absolutely loved it! Kathy’s writing and her voice bring the reader right into every step of the journey- her candidness and honest allow the reader to hear her thoughts as she processes them, and the format of the book realistically carries the reader through each stage and place of this walk.
I really enjoyed all the people they met along the way, the food the savoured, and the scenery they explored. I loved listening to Kathy’s reflections on her life, womanhood, marriage, our bodies, aging, and friendship. I felt so many lines or paragraphs were so inspiring and honest.
The whole book centres on her and Jim- her husband of many years who she is walking with- and I think this was the perfect way to ground this story. The ups and downs of marriage, the imperfections, the challenges in communication- and the love, devotion, and appreciation & growing love for one another AS they age and change.
Now I want to do a walk, and do some beautiful self-reflection, and read more long journey type stories.
April 8, 2023
It’s 2018 when Kathy and her husband decide to take their own version of a gap year and walk the 1,400-mile Grande Randonnée Cinq (GR5) across The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. Compared to most long, long hikes this long walk includes comfort, delicious local dishes and pastries, and a nice bed and bath at the end each day. Yes, this is how I’d love to do it. Kathy is eloquent in her descriptions of the sites that they visit and of the sights, sounds, smells and feelings along this journey. She also reflects on her childhood when she struggled with dyslexia, eating and weight issues and self esteem. Kathy write beautifully.
I enjoy memoirs that tell of long walks, bicycle rides or horseback journeys and this one did not disappoint. I recommend #ToWalkItIsToSeeIt for any reader who dreams of their own adventure. Thank you #netgalley for allowing me to read about Kathy’s life and journey through Europe.
I enjoy memoirs that tell of long walks, bicycle rides or horseback journeys and this one did not disappoint. I recommend #ToWalkItIsToSeeIt for any reader who dreams of their own adventure. Thank you #netgalley for allowing me to read about Kathy’s life and journey through Europe.
August 23, 2023
Elkind’s storytelling effortlessly transports readers into a world where each step unveils a new layer of beauty and meaning. The book’s unique premise, centered around the act of walking, serves as a metaphor for exploration, both external and internal, leading readers to discover the intricacies of the human experience.
I bumped on her judgment of people. It felt unnecessary to write about a woman’s “dyed-black/blond hair.” Why not just write the color? There was also a description of “creepy people” - without defining what she meant by that that felt awkward and uncomfortable. At this point I wonder to myself if I would pass her on the trail what her thoughts would be of me? This takes me out of the read. She mentioned that she had utilized therapy in the past, so I have compassion for her - as I do all writers. Her anger and control issues (with her husband) are clear, and (in her defense) so is her mature love for him and the time they are sharing. What I don’t see on the page is her self awareness of her (current) flaws beyond worrying. Childhood issues are written about and her self-compassion has brought her to a place of some clarity, yet as she writes about a desk clerk giving her a “funny look” she defends her ego by saying her French (or lack thereof) is causing her (the desk clerk’s) confused expression. Why not just say confused in the first place? It comes across as insecurity - as does her mention of wondering what people are thinking about her. My guess is they were thinking about their day, the mountains, food, family, challenges of their own, etc. Writing is hard.
The “judgement” of the landscape (aka, her prose) is eloquent yet it feels like she passed back through inserting similes and metaphors at spaced intervals.
Besides valuable details about some elements of how to navigate the trail as they did, there was an additional gift in her writing: I decided if I ever try to write a blended travel essay and personal narrative I will strive to make a pass at editing with her writing style in my mind and leave out (hopefully) the pieces that did not feel inclusive.
All in all did this book inspire me to consider walking the GR5? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to a book club or a friend, probably not. I shy away from writing a critical review because I admire her ability to complete such an adventure, yet I feel compelled to write this as an exercise in my own personal “judgment” of a fellow author and adventurer. If projection is my issue here, and I come away thinking I need to work on my judgment of others, then she gets a gold star for writing something where the reader has grown from the book. Just as she developed new insights and deeper self-awareness from the GR5, I did as well.
I bumped on her judgment of people. It felt unnecessary to write about a woman’s “dyed-black/blond hair.” Why not just write the color? There was also a description of “creepy people” - without defining what she meant by that that felt awkward and uncomfortable. At this point I wonder to myself if I would pass her on the trail what her thoughts would be of me? This takes me out of the read. She mentioned that she had utilized therapy in the past, so I have compassion for her - as I do all writers. Her anger and control issues (with her husband) are clear, and (in her defense) so is her mature love for him and the time they are sharing. What I don’t see on the page is her self awareness of her (current) flaws beyond worrying. Childhood issues are written about and her self-compassion has brought her to a place of some clarity, yet as she writes about a desk clerk giving her a “funny look” she defends her ego by saying her French (or lack thereof) is causing her (the desk clerk’s) confused expression. Why not just say confused in the first place? It comes across as insecurity - as does her mention of wondering what people are thinking about her. My guess is they were thinking about their day, the mountains, food, family, challenges of their own, etc. Writing is hard.
The “judgement” of the landscape (aka, her prose) is eloquent yet it feels like she passed back through inserting similes and metaphors at spaced intervals.
Besides valuable details about some elements of how to navigate the trail as they did, there was an additional gift in her writing: I decided if I ever try to write a blended travel essay and personal narrative I will strive to make a pass at editing with her writing style in my mind and leave out (hopefully) the pieces that did not feel inclusive.
All in all did this book inspire me to consider walking the GR5? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to a book club or a friend, probably not. I shy away from writing a critical review because I admire her ability to complete such an adventure, yet I feel compelled to write this as an exercise in my own personal “judgment” of a fellow author and adventurer. If projection is my issue here, and I come away thinking I need to work on my judgment of others, then she gets a gold star for writing something where the reader has grown from the book. Just as she developed new insights and deeper self-awareness from the GR5, I did as well.
October 31, 2025
Kathy Elkind's memoir of her and her husband Jim's 98 days walking Europe's GR5 provided the kind of quiet, real adventure that spoke to this reader fully. I loved her descriptions of the scenery, the food, and the trials and joys of walking both with and without her husband. Where I connected most deeply, though, was with her honest insights of how the journey gave her new and provocative insights into past challenges, present circumstances (on the walk), and future possibilities. And really, the memoir just made me want to get outside, take a long walk, and be grateful for all the beauty in the world. This book would make a perfect holiday gift for readers--yes, women of a certain age especially--who love walking and/or the idea of spending a solid chunk of time abroad really settling into the adventure of being in another culture. Highly recommend!
July 24, 2023
I have never seen the word I used this much in any book I have read. What could have been a great story collapsed under the weight of horrible writing.
June 24, 2024
Glad I read it as I learned about a new-to-me trail system that has peaked my interests, but could have done with less negativity/whining. More trails, less trials.
October 17, 2024
Unlikeable author.
October 8, 2023
I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
To be absolutely honest, I was really excited about this book when I requested it and when I got accepted for it, but when the time came to read it I had no desire whatsoever to do so. I was in the middle of reading something that I was wayyy more excited about, a faster read that would have helped me more with my never ending post-pandemic reading slump, and a non-fiction sounded like the less appealing thing ever. But I threw myself into this book regardless, because NetGalley.
And I was kind of pleasantly surprised. I think it was exactly what I thought it would be, but I just didn't hate it nearly as much as I thought. It truly felt like going along with the author to the places she visited, and not like she was trying to show off what she could do. The times she mentioned her relationship with her body and age were so interesting and inspiring - I still have more than 30 years to go before I turn 58, but already I'm being fed with the scaremongering about aging as a woman. Reading her accomplish what she did, even at that age, honestly did wonders for me. Yes she was tired, and sometimes her body made her stop, and she hurt all over by the time she was done, but she did it! I know I won't ever be as fit, so extrapolate to other life events at your discretion.
I wish we were invited into the logistics of it all more. I wanted to talk about money and wi-fi and showers and calls home and work and did they just lock their house for three whole ass months and come back to a dusty hell??? I've been gone from home for a month-ish at a time, not knowing where I would sleep on the way, and personally find that kind of stuff fascinating. Along with all the fascinating stuff she's already telling us, like her experience on the French countryside and what their walking pace looked like and where they slept. To my taste, there was just a little bit more detail missing.
I would really recommend this book to people that are into travelling, but not the most common way. If you go on vacation to have a good time and relax that's okay but it could never be me lol
To be absolutely honest, I was really excited about this book when I requested it and when I got accepted for it, but when the time came to read it I had no desire whatsoever to do so. I was in the middle of reading something that I was wayyy more excited about, a faster read that would have helped me more with my never ending post-pandemic reading slump, and a non-fiction sounded like the less appealing thing ever. But I threw myself into this book regardless, because NetGalley.
And I was kind of pleasantly surprised. I think it was exactly what I thought it would be, but I just didn't hate it nearly as much as I thought. It truly felt like going along with the author to the places she visited, and not like she was trying to show off what she could do. The times she mentioned her relationship with her body and age were so interesting and inspiring - I still have more than 30 years to go before I turn 58, but already I'm being fed with the scaremongering about aging as a woman. Reading her accomplish what she did, even at that age, honestly did wonders for me. Yes she was tired, and sometimes her body made her stop, and she hurt all over by the time she was done, but she did it! I know I won't ever be as fit, so extrapolate to other life events at your discretion.
I wish we were invited into the logistics of it all more. I wanted to talk about money and wi-fi and showers and calls home and work and did they just lock their house for three whole ass months and come back to a dusty hell??? I've been gone from home for a month-ish at a time, not knowing where I would sleep on the way, and personally find that kind of stuff fascinating. Along with all the fascinating stuff she's already telling us, like her experience on the French countryside and what their walking pace looked like and where they slept. To my taste, there was just a little bit more detail missing.
I would really recommend this book to people that are into travelling, but not the most common way. If you go on vacation to have a good time and relax that's okay but it could never be me lol
October 25, 2023
To Walk It Is To See It
By: Kathy Elkind
Review Score: 3 1/2 Stars
Five Key Feels
-I loved that this book gave me another view of Europe.
-It was fun to see the different parts of the GR5 trail.
-Kathy and Jim show the dynamics of their relationship in different ways, and you can see how they care for one another.
-It was great to see Elkind find her own strength as the trip progressed.
-This made me want to research hiking this trail!
————
To Walk It Is To See It was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and PR by the Book, She Writes Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!
Release Date: 8/15/23
To Walk It Is To See It tells of the grand adventure of Kathy and Jim, a married couple in their fifties who decide to hike the GR5 trail.
This book was definitely a reflection on life, love, long term marriage, and finding your own strength.
Kathy does an amazing job of describing the different parts of the trail, it definitely made me curious about hiking it (although maybe not all at once, as she did).
I also liked that this book gave me another perspective of Europe. I have been many times, and love visiting the cities and historical landmarks. This book gave a different feel to such a beautiful place.
#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #nonfiction #arcreview #netgalley #towalkitistoseeit #kathyelkind
By: Kathy Elkind
Review Score: 3 1/2 Stars
Five Key Feels
-I loved that this book gave me another view of Europe.
-It was fun to see the different parts of the GR5 trail.
-Kathy and Jim show the dynamics of their relationship in different ways, and you can see how they care for one another.
-It was great to see Elkind find her own strength as the trip progressed.
-This made me want to research hiking this trail!
————
To Walk It Is To See It was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and PR by the Book, She Writes Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!
Release Date: 8/15/23
To Walk It Is To See It tells of the grand adventure of Kathy and Jim, a married couple in their fifties who decide to hike the GR5 trail.
This book was definitely a reflection on life, love, long term marriage, and finding your own strength.
Kathy does an amazing job of describing the different parts of the trail, it definitely made me curious about hiking it (although maybe not all at once, as she did).
I also liked that this book gave me another perspective of Europe. I have been many times, and love visiting the cities and historical landmarks. This book gave a different feel to such a beautiful place.
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May 15, 2023
*I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
I love travel memoirs, and this one delivered - the author Kathy and her husband embark on a walking tour through Europe, and I loved reading about their physical and metaphorical journeys. This is a slightly different take on a travelogue compared to other recent versions - Kathy and her husband are older, and have decided to take a more luxurious approach, spending their days walking through beautiful scenery but definitely not roughing it!
As a teacher I find Kathy's reflections on her career and her experiences of dyslexia fascinating and relatable, and her personal journey with eating and her body is such an important one for women to share. I'm not quite at Kathy's stage in life but it's wonderful to read a book by a woman at a different stage in life - so often women over 30 are all but forgotten, and I found a great deal of value in seeing things through her eyes.
This book, like a walking tour itself, can be slow-paced and meandering, but I enjoyed dipping in and out of it, and found myself daydreaming about my own future adventures as I went. As food for thought, a meditation on a life, and inspiration, I really recommend this one!
I love travel memoirs, and this one delivered - the author Kathy and her husband embark on a walking tour through Europe, and I loved reading about their physical and metaphorical journeys. This is a slightly different take on a travelogue compared to other recent versions - Kathy and her husband are older, and have decided to take a more luxurious approach, spending their days walking through beautiful scenery but definitely not roughing it!
As a teacher I find Kathy's reflections on her career and her experiences of dyslexia fascinating and relatable, and her personal journey with eating and her body is such an important one for women to share. I'm not quite at Kathy's stage in life but it's wonderful to read a book by a woman at a different stage in life - so often women over 30 are all but forgotten, and I found a great deal of value in seeing things through her eyes.
This book, like a walking tour itself, can be slow-paced and meandering, but I enjoyed dipping in and out of it, and found myself daydreaming about my own future adventures as I went. As food for thought, a meditation on a life, and inspiration, I really recommend this one!
July 12, 2023
Long-distance walking has enormous appeal: You can see places at a human pace rather than racing through in a car. Interact with the terrain and local people —and other walkers— to experience what is there. Long walks also allow time for introspection., and that’s what makes this book magical.
To Walk It Is To See It by Kathy Elkind is a daily travelogue of the author’s 1400-mile/90+ day walk along the Grand Randonnée Cinq (GR5), billed as one of the world’s most spectacular long-distance hikes. The author’s GR5 starts in the Netherlands, then crosses Belgium and Luxembourg before traversing France through the Alps, ending at Nice on the Mediterranean.
Each day’s entry includes what the author is seeing and experiencing as she and her husband cover the terrain, as well as musings on life, the past, and the future. As she nears the end, the author starts to wonder about what’s next and tells herself to be present in that moment, and the next, and the next. Great advice for any day.
This lovely book combines travel writing, tour guide, and heartfelt memoir. This was Elkind's grand adventure, and wandering with the author and her husband was wonderful.
To Walk It Is To See It by Kathy Elkind is a daily travelogue of the author’s 1400-mile/90+ day walk along the Grand Randonnée Cinq (GR5), billed as one of the world’s most spectacular long-distance hikes. The author’s GR5 starts in the Netherlands, then crosses Belgium and Luxembourg before traversing France through the Alps, ending at Nice on the Mediterranean.
Each day’s entry includes what the author is seeing and experiencing as she and her husband cover the terrain, as well as musings on life, the past, and the future. As she nears the end, the author starts to wonder about what’s next and tells herself to be present in that moment, and the next, and the next. Great advice for any day.
This lovely book combines travel writing, tour guide, and heartfelt memoir. This was Elkind's grand adventure, and wandering with the author and her husband was wonderful.
July 31, 2023
“To Walk It Is To See It” is a captivating memoir telling the story of a trek 1,400 miles across Europe in 98 days! (Just for the record, that is roughly the equivalent of walking from the Empire State Building to Mount Rushmore but with more elevation.)
In 2018, Kathy Elkind embarks on the long-distance GR5 trail across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France with her husband of 27 years. With personal insights about marriage, midlife, and the female experience as well as beautiful descriptions of the landscapes they cross, this memoir never drags but only inspires as Elkind weaves a tale of adventure and reflection.
It’s an absolute joy to be able to tag along with Kathy and Jim on this magnificent journey through the author’s personal thoughts and recollections. Most hiking memoirs are about solo experiences and I appreciated that this tackles not only the challenge of the terrain but the need to consider a partner as you travel. What Kathy discovers is that “a long marriage is like a long trail: there are ups and downs and it takes hard work to keep it going, but the beauty along the way is staggering.”
I highly recommend it.
In 2018, Kathy Elkind embarks on the long-distance GR5 trail across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France with her husband of 27 years. With personal insights about marriage, midlife, and the female experience as well as beautiful descriptions of the landscapes they cross, this memoir never drags but only inspires as Elkind weaves a tale of adventure and reflection.
It’s an absolute joy to be able to tag along with Kathy and Jim on this magnificent journey through the author’s personal thoughts and recollections. Most hiking memoirs are about solo experiences and I appreciated that this tackles not only the challenge of the terrain but the need to consider a partner as you travel. What Kathy discovers is that “a long marriage is like a long trail: there are ups and downs and it takes hard work to keep it going, but the beauty along the way is staggering.”
I highly recommend it.
August 25, 2024
And to read it is to want to walk it... A well-written diary/journal-style tale of walking the GR5 from the Netherlands to Nice France by the female author. A married US female/male couple take a sabbatical after their kids have left the nest and the couple has just sold their home in MA and moved to VT. Using this time to trek the GR5, they find their individual and paired paces in how they traverse the increasingly difficult trail as well as how they manage their decision making, how they interact with others on the trail, and how they reflect on their long and evolving marriage.
Given the rich descriptions of the trail views and the places in which they stayed along the way, this book would benefit tremendously by some photos!
And I would have appreciated a bit more about the physical exertion and challenges of making this trek. Aside from being ill at the beginning of the trip, the author made it sound rather easy-breezy which is more daunting than inviting.
Lastly, props to the author Kathy Elkins, who briefly shares the impact of living with dyslexia, for writing such an engaging book.
Given the rich descriptions of the trail views and the places in which they stayed along the way, this book would benefit tremendously by some photos!
And I would have appreciated a bit more about the physical exertion and challenges of making this trek. Aside from being ill at the beginning of the trip, the author made it sound rather easy-breezy which is more daunting than inviting.
Lastly, props to the author Kathy Elkins, who briefly shares the impact of living with dyslexia, for writing such an engaging book.
July 25, 2023
“To Walk It Is To See It” is an inspirational book revealing more than fitness to walk a trail, it’s about soul searching and finding what matters in life.
I loved following Kathy and Jim’s journey as they challenged their bodies and minds. Written by Kathy, clearly she learns a lot, thinks more and shares her views with emotion and honesty, a wonderful read.
Kathy wanted to share this journey with Jim, taking time to plan their individual needs to achieve an adventure that they’ll both enjoy.
It’s an amazing story, I particularly enjoyed hearing Kathy work on her confidence to find herself, allowing her to realistically explore her strengths and weaknesses! .
I would recommend this book, it truly takes the reader on a journey too, visiting and exploring the great outdoors.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and amazing author for this informative and inspiring story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved following Kathy and Jim’s journey as they challenged their bodies and minds. Written by Kathy, clearly she learns a lot, thinks more and shares her views with emotion and honesty, a wonderful read.
Kathy wanted to share this journey with Jim, taking time to plan their individual needs to achieve an adventure that they’ll both enjoy.
It’s an amazing story, I particularly enjoyed hearing Kathy work on her confidence to find herself, allowing her to realistically explore her strengths and weaknesses! .
I would recommend this book, it truly takes the reader on a journey too, visiting and exploring the great outdoors.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and amazing author for this informative and inspiring story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2023
This is a travelogue of a couple’s adventure on foot through Europe. Kathy and her husband Jim decided to walk the GR5 which traverses Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France.
I felt like I had just been on this walking expedition without leaving my couch. Kathy painted a good picture of the journey she and Jim had in great detail. It was enjoyable to be able to read about their adventures. I also liked her honesty throughout as she pens down her thoughts about everything including her relationship with her husband. It was also a good addition to know about her past. It would be good to put in some pictures. I watched some of her videos on YouTube just to experience graphically what she was writing about.
Overall, a very engaging travel memoir. You can really feel like you are walking along the GR5 yourself. Recommended read indeed!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like I had just been on this walking expedition without leaving my couch. Kathy painted a good picture of the journey she and Jim had in great detail. It was enjoyable to be able to read about their adventures. I also liked her honesty throughout as she pens down her thoughts about everything including her relationship with her husband. It was also a good addition to know about her past. It would be good to put in some pictures. I watched some of her videos on YouTube just to experience graphically what she was writing about.
Overall, a very engaging travel memoir. You can really feel like you are walking along the GR5 yourself. Recommended read indeed!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2023
I love books and nature and books about nature so this choice was a no-brainer for me. If you're looking for instructions on a GR5 thru-hike, this isn't the book for you. If you are looking for a book about a woman sometimes barely tolerating her husband while she walks the GR5, then this IS the book for you. At first, I was put off by the seemingly simple sentence structure (lack of contractions, etc.), but it became almost lyrical as I read. When the author explained that she struggled with dyslexia, it made sense. It's no Wild or In Beauty May She Walk or even Grandma Gatewood, but it was a good story about a woman on a trail questioning her life at the age of 50-something. Other 50-somethings, like me, will enjoy it. (I really, really hope that the finished book includes some of the photos that she alludes to throughout the book.)
August 4, 2023
💭Thoughts:
I love travel memoirs and try to read them often. I love learning about new places and the struggles that others overcome. That being said, this book was not for me. The author appears miserable on this trip and comes across as very self centered. She’s always fatigued and fantasizing about going home. She also clearly isn’t a fan of her husband or men in general. She makes her feeling about the patriarchy well known.
The countries the author visited are incredible. I have personally traveled to many of them myself. I didn’t hike the GR5, but I did do a lot of walking and hiking. I understand this book is about this woman and her personal experiences, but reading how miserable she is really puts a damper on enjoying the descriptions of the scenery.
I could say a lot more, but I’ll leave it at that. This book is not for me and I wouldn’t recommend it.
I love travel memoirs and try to read them often. I love learning about new places and the struggles that others overcome. That being said, this book was not for me. The author appears miserable on this trip and comes across as very self centered. She’s always fatigued and fantasizing about going home. She also clearly isn’t a fan of her husband or men in general. She makes her feeling about the patriarchy well known.
The countries the author visited are incredible. I have personally traveled to many of them myself. I didn’t hike the GR5, but I did do a lot of walking and hiking. I understand this book is about this woman and her personal experiences, but reading how miserable she is really puts a damper on enjoying the descriptions of the scenery.
I could say a lot more, but I’ll leave it at that. This book is not for me and I wouldn’t recommend it.
April 18, 2025
I found this to be a heartfelt, honest and well written story. Her back story and openness about her fears, self-doubts and her marriage made the book compelling. She brings out some of the great things that come out of doing something grand and challenging.
The most off-putting aspect of it was her obvious feminist viewpoint sprinkled with new age spiritually. Listening to her objections to religion was like listening to a bunch of talking points that have been accepted without looking at the counterarguments.
Also, she commits the classic error of saying that Catholics worship Mary, so why can't we have female priests. Catholics do not worship Mary, we honor her as the mother of Jesus. The honor she is due is because of the worship due her Son. Many others can explain better why only men can be priests.
The most off-putting aspect of it was her obvious feminist viewpoint sprinkled with new age spiritually. Listening to her objections to religion was like listening to a bunch of talking points that have been accepted without looking at the counterarguments.
Also, she commits the classic error of saying that Catholics worship Mary, so why can't we have female priests. Catholics do not worship Mary, we honor her as the mother of Jesus. The honor she is due is because of the worship due her Son. Many others can explain better why only men can be priests.
April 5, 2023
Walking for 98 days? Not my cup of tea at all, even if it's through some of Europe's most beautiful countries! But I sure enjoyed doing it vicariously through Kathy Elkind's writing. I loved her sometimes poetic descriptions of her experiences, sometimes with the environment and often with food! She also deftly recounts how the walk reflects various aspects of her life and her relationship with her husband. I highlighted some sentences that I had to stop and reflect on, such as those on self-compassion.
I don't necessarily agree with some of her points of view, especially of the "white bearded man", but overall, this was a 4-star read for me. I was interested enough to view some of her videos which are online.
I don't necessarily agree with some of her points of view, especially of the "white bearded man", but overall, this was a 4-star read for me. I was interested enough to view some of her videos which are online.
June 27, 2023
A travelogue with enticing description of a couple’s 2200 kilometre journey by foot across the Grand Randonnée Cinq interwoven with a deeply personal internal monologue in which the author reveals her early life’s struggles with dyslexia and ongoing work to overcome its limitations through self acceptance and self improvement. The author is always candid in her revelations. Whilst the scenery is vividly relayed and ‘Insta worthy’ the personal journey is presented matter a fact, warts and all, and rather then presenting as ‘I’m all good now and here’s what you can learn from me’ it speaks to a willingness to share the hard stuff even as it is happening, which I found disarming. A very easy book to recommend both as travel lit and as biography.
July 29, 2023
My Thoughts:
Kathy and Jim decide to walk the GR5 and We get to follow their journey through 98 days and 1400 miles across The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France in this book.
Kathy was 57 years old when she did this and I admire that The only comforts they had was staying in warm bed and the regions food at night.
This is actually the third book I’ve read about people traveling on foot to see different parts of this world we live in and it seems they usually get to reflect and learn more about their lives and what they want. Kathy does write about this journey with raw truthfulness I enjoyed her honesty.
This sounds like a beautiful way to see parts of our world Thank you Kathy and Jim for sharing yours.
Kathy and Jim decide to walk the GR5 and We get to follow their journey through 98 days and 1400 miles across The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France in this book.
Kathy was 57 years old when she did this and I admire that The only comforts they had was staying in warm bed and the regions food at night.
This is actually the third book I’ve read about people traveling on foot to see different parts of this world we live in and it seems they usually get to reflect and learn more about their lives and what they want. Kathy does write about this journey with raw truthfulness I enjoyed her honesty.
This sounds like a beautiful way to see parts of our world Thank you Kathy and Jim for sharing yours.
May 30, 2023
To Walk it is to See It was a delightful reading experience. Elkind does a magnificent job of pulling the reader in and taking us on the journey with her and her husband, Jim. I felt like I woke up each day and walked with her, getting to know her better day by day. The descriptions of the scenery along the way are beautiful and grounded – easy to picture with a touch of poeticism. The reflections on her life struggles and triumphs are accessible and done with the perfect touch; they are present and relatable while not overwhelming the mood of the book. Walking the GR5 is an accomplishment worthy of writing about, and Elkind does a beautiful, inspiring job!
August 15, 2023
This is a travel memoir - with comfy beds, hot showers, and can you imagine the guilt-free indulgence of European cuisine - just walk the calories off! The vivid descriptions of the sights, as well as all that is unseen, were wonderful. The challenging and inspiring setting along the way provided introspection on life, something we’re often too rushed to recognize.
When a husband and wife wanted an adventure, they set out walking across Europe! I’m in awe. They took the GR5 across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. 1400 miles. The route got tougher, they faced peril, and not only survived but thrived. Remarkable.
When a husband and wife wanted an adventure, they set out walking across Europe! I’m in awe. They took the GR5 across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. 1400 miles. The route got tougher, they faced peril, and not only survived but thrived. Remarkable.
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