Walk with Me: Pilgrim's Progress for Married Couples

by Annie Wald, Eugene H. Peterson (Foreword)

Peter and Celeste choose to travel as one on the lifelong journey to the King’s City. They are blissfully in love and bound to each other by the Cords of Commitment. Shortly after visiting the Moon of Honey they discover that the journey proves much more difficult than they expected. When they find themselves laboring through the Swamp of Selfishness, crossing the dismal Plains of Distance, and nearly becoming separated by the River of Unfaithfulness, their love for each other and for the King is challenged. They must choose whether to continue on together, not knowing if they can be warmed again by the Kindling of Affection, or visit the Valley of Cut Cords to journey alone once more.   Inspired by the timeless classic Pilgrim’s Progress , Annie Wald’s Walk with Me exposes the journey of marriage as the epic passage that it is and the refining process it can become. 

Genres: Marriage, Christian Fiction, Family, Christianity, Christian, Fiction, Fantasy

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2012

Reviews

[Tucker David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely, if ever, give a 5 star review. This is worthy. A wonderful (and accurate, if extreme) narrative of marriage. Does Bunyan, and Christ's church, proud.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is very recognizable and well done. I think all married couples will find encouraging and convicting passages in this book.

However, the author kept jolting me out of the story by regularly stepping back and reminding me that 'in my dream....'.

I didn't completely like the tone of the writing either, it was as if it was written for young teenagers. Since this is a book on marriage, I didn't think that tone was fitting.

Maybe I'm not a big allegory fan - I can't say I've read a lot of this genre - but I found that most of my work was done for me, and I didn't like that. Most of the time, the meaning and lesson was so oversimplified and over explained that the mystery was taken out of the story.

Still, I did enjoy reading this book and took away some valuable thoughts. I would recommend giving it a read.

[Katelyn Bolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictional “Pilgrim’s Progress for married couples,” Walk with Me by Annie Wald is an inspired allegory written to show the pitfalls of life with a partner. The walk of a Christian is a dangerous one, filled with challenges and difficulties. Many times, a person chooses a companion to travel with, but having a partner brings its own challenges.

Celeste began her life in Slouching City, a town poor in spirit and in money, whereas Peter was born in Upright Village, a self-righteous town. When the two meet on their journey toward the King’s City, they think each other the perfect travelling companion. After a while, they decide to bind themselves to one another with the Cords of Commitment. After their visit to the Moon of Honey, it becomes apparent that their life together won’t always be holding hands and walking through fields of wildflowers. Peter soon becomes disenchanted with Celeste, as she does with him. She longs for romance, while Peter wishes his wife was more attractive and a better homemaker.

Nearly every difficulty a couple could go through is covered in this book. The couple journeys through the “burr patch of unkind words,” the “sand dunes of folly,” the “orchard of earthly delights,” “the swamp of selfishness,” and the “crossroads of divorce.” The book deals with pornography, temptations to cheat, rearing children, and even times when couples are not of the same mindset spiritually. Wald also covers the often-overlooked problem of women lusting over romance and “the grass is always greener” syndrome.

The most interesting part of the book deals with Celeste and Peter’s partnership. While the couple journeys through an especially rough part of road, Celeste’s Cords of Commitment begin to chafe at her wrists as Peter walks on faster. They run into Respect, a guide along the trail who quotes to Celeste Ephesians 5:22: “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” However, Respect goes on to explain that whereas they are co-heirs and equals, this does not mean they are the same. He says that being one, they should complement each other’s weaknesses. “You are asked to defer to Peter’s leadership when the two of you come to an impasse,” Respect says.

The fictional allegory style makes this intensive “couples counseling” easy to follow and understand. The metaphors in the book make discussing problems like sexual relations outside of marriage, pornography, and lust over romance tactfully appropriate reading for its Christian audience. Due to the great amount of biblical references and research woven into the story, Wald has included 12 pages of her Scripture references and sources in the back.

The target audience for this book is obviously Christian married couples, although ...

Read the rest of the review at http://www.christianbookpreviews.com/...

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Wald in her new book, “Walk With Me” published by River North Fiction Division of Moody Publishers gives us Pilgrim’s Progress for Married Couples.

From the Back Cover: Journey of faith…taken together

Peter and Celeste choose to travel as one on the lifelong journey to the King’s City but it proves much more difficult than they expected, and their love for each other and for the King is challenged. They must choose whether to continue on together, not knowing if they can be warmed again by the Kindling of Affection, or visit the Valley of Cut Cords to journey alone once more.

Inspired by the timeless classic Pilgrim’s Progress, Annie Wald’s Walk with Me exposes the journey of marriage as the epic passage that it is and the refining process it can become.

Let’s face it being married is not easy. It is a daily experience filled with all kinds of new experiences, some good, some not so good and being married does not come with an owner’s manual. Annie Wald has taken “Pilgrim’s Progress” and re-imagined it as an allegory for the walk that married couples take. “Walk With Me” is a beautiful story of Peter and Celeste and their journey to the King’s City. This is a journey they take until death parts them and along the way they encounter all kinds of challenges. In between this couple also finds periods of rest, times of refreshing, relaxation, and a rekindling of the old flame. Let me assure you that this is an exciting book. “Walk With Me” is a wonderful romance. If you are married then this book is for you. If you are thinking of getting married then this book is for you. If you have friends that are getting married then give this book as a gift. If you have friends that are married then give this book as a gift. It is that good. You will be blessed and they will thank you for it. I liked this book and recommend it highly!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter and Celeste choose to travel as one on the lifelong journey to the King's City. They are blissfully in love and bound to each other by the Cords of Commitment. Shortly after visiting the Moon of Honey they discover that the journey proves much more difficult than they expected. When they find themselves laboring through the Swamp of Selfishness, crossing the dismal Plains of Distance, and nearly becoming separated by the River of Unfaithfulness, their love for each other and for the King is challenged. They must choose whether to continue on together, not knowing if they can be warmed again by the Kindling of Affection, or visit the Valley of Cut Cords to journey alone once more.

Inspired by the timeless classic Pilgrim's Progress, Annie Wald's Walk with Me exposes the journey of marriage as the epic passage that it is and the refining process it can become.

My Review:

A modern twist on an old classic, Walk With Me is Pilgrim's Progress re-imagined for couples. While I am not a fan of old favorites being changed, Wald paints a completely different story that only serves to add to Bunyan's work. An allegory, the writing doesn't flow like a normal novel would. Peter and Celeste are a couple that have every good intention in the world - but good intentions and reality are never the same thing.

For me, what makes the book so fascinating and enchanting, is how Wald makes the connection between marriage and the Christian life. It is creative, imaginative, and filled with timeless truths. Marriage is a journey, not a destination. We can't "arrive" and proclaim ourselves accomplished. The language of this novel reads easily despite the style, and I highly recommend it to anyone; married or not. Very insightful and a resource that goes a long way in understanding marriage.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: WALK WITH ME
Author: Annie Wald
Publisher: River North
September 2012
ISBN 978-0-8024-0593-7
Fiction/General/Classic & Allegory
Reviewed by Steve Hilton

A new twist on an old classic, Annie Wald has innovatively re-written Pilgrim’s Progress for couples. In doing so, she has managed to grasp the core essentials of what marriage is really all about, and provides sage advice on how one can successfully navigate the oft times rocky terrain of married life. For Annie, marriage is more than a one-day affair; it’s a daily walk in a sometimes cold and unfriendly world. There are snares and pits that the married couple must avoid (or work their way out of). There are also periods of rest, refreshment, relaxation, and a rekindling of the old flame. Truth be told – if you are married to the same person that you said your vows to, whether that was 5 years ago or 50 – then there is something definitely wrong. Mark Lowry stated it something like this: “Life is birthdays, and bills; it’s good, and bad, and ugly; it’s new cars and skinned knees. And Jesus came to give life . . . ABUNDANTLY!” In this allegory, Annie invites you to take a walk with Peter and Celeste as they journey toward the King’s City. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, weeping with them and rejoicing with them. And you might even find yourself in this book, as well.

Inventive, imaginative, provocative, and compelling are just a few of the words I would use to describe WALK WITH ME. One last adjective might suffice: life-altering. Read it as a couple, share it with your couple friends . . . but don’t ever forget the invitation to WALK WITH ME.

5 Stars. 288 pages. $15.99.

[Leah Beecher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book I read as part of a book club.
Using the the entire allegory style of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress Annie Wald has written a inspiration Christina book solely for married couples.
I liked everything she wrote and thought she did a great job taking the biblical and relational perspective of marriage.
More importantly, the biblical and relational aspect of God.
One of the most poignant parts of the marriage journey, in my opinion, was the "echo gap" where the young couple keeps hearing the echos of their own parents and home life norms; and them wants their spouse to adjust accordingly. The only way to quiet the echo is to speak loving whispers into their spouses ears.
That said, I will say that I just can't get behind allegories, that are so allegorical. I mean Narnia is one thing;, that has an exciting plot and characters to tell the story{not to mention written for children, what does that say about me!} I could not finish the original Pilgrim's Progress and I did speed read the 2nd half of this one. It would be a good book for couples just starting out. It really hits head on the common failing, and above all SELFISHNESS that plagues married couple, because at our core, that is what we humans are, and yet at the core of every successful marriage is just the opposite: servant-hood.
I am glad to say: that after 11 years of fights and apologies, eating crow,make up sex, and lots of praying,that most of the lessons of Walk With Me have been learned and then poured out as blessings in our married lives.

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Every married person should read Annies book that mirrors marriage inspired by John Bunyan's classic, Pilgrim's Progress...***

Annie Wald’s, “Walk with Me: Pilgrim's Progress for Married Couples” is a parable of marriage inspired by John Bunyan’s, “Pilgrim’s Progress.” While Christian’s journey in “Pilgrim’s Progress” takes him to the Celestial City, Peter and Celeste’s journey take them to the “King’s City.” Their story, although similar to Christian’s, is that of two lonely travelers united in relationship, their common struggles, fears, promises and commitments.

Annie starts with Celeste, who journey’s from “Slouching City,” a town that had forgotten the “King of Love” except for a faithful few, such as Celeste’s beloved grandfather. Upon her grandfather’s death she finds his copy of the King’s guidebook and begins to read. At first the book makes her feel closer to her grandfather. Soon it shapes a growing spiritual hunger and thirst to learn more about the “King and His Son the Servant.”

Unlike Celeste, Peter was raised in “Upright Village.” His parents had taken him to the “gathering hut” every week where the King’s guidebook was read. Peter learned about the King and why his rules should be followed, although Peter’s parents never “…ventured onto the King’s path themselves….”

Thus begins Annie’s powerful allegory of marriage…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/9kp26xr

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk With Me is a fresh retelling of the classic allegory, Pilgrim's Progress, but this time its for married couples. The two travellers, Peter and Celeste, start off their journeys with differing backgrounds, meet, fall in love and start on their journey to the King's City together. Everything begins tranquil and full of beauty and promise, but quickly the road is revealed to be even more difficult with a partner along. Before they know it they are joined by a couple of little travelers and things get even tougher. As they travel along together through the ups and downs, the detours and obstacles, they find that things aren't always what they seem to be, but the journey is worth the trouble.

This story was such a great picture of what marriage really is: a journey not a destination. It is a beautiful depiction of the struggles, triumphs and ultimate reward that married life provides. I absolutely loved the narrative and highly recommend it to all married couples and those planning to be married.

I received this free copy for review from Moody Publishers.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept slipping down my "to read" stack of books. There was always something that seemed a bit more pressing or captivating. And another marriage book? The church has already been blessed with a number of insightful books on marriage. I'm so glad Walk With Me finally pushed its way to the top of my stack.

Annie Wald has given the church a wonderful treasure in this book. Wald takes on a difficult and rare (for the contemporary world) medium in allegory and does so masterfully and elegantly. Peter and Celeste stand not only as allegorical cut-outs, but as characters with whom the reader can intimately connect with. The book is packed with wisdom, never shirking from the hard realities of married life, and infused with the great grace of Jesus Christ. It's a book I wish I would have read earlier, a book I will certainly read again, and a book I will give my children to read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very easy read. In the beginning of the book, you learn a little about Peter and Celest separately before they come together as partners. The author takes you through her dream as Peter and Celest go towards the King's City. The moments where it's said "in my dream," or anything like that, I did feel distracted - I don't think it was necessary. Peter and Celest must make it through the Swamp of Selfishness, Desolate Canyon, and Mountains of Maturity (to name a few stops on their journey) in order to make it to the King's City. As a married woman, I can attest to the difficulty of their journey. I have been to many of the places they walk. This book would be a good addition to any library.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Annie Wald has written an allegory for modern couples based on the ancient text, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. Peter and Celeste's story is riveting and filled with humor, wit and insight. While the book has a religious undertone, this does not limit its audience. Members of my book group who consider themselves "non-religious" thoroughly enjoyed it. Every chapter provokes thought and discussion. I understand there are several marriage counselors who have borrowed some of Wald's ideas for their own therapy sessions. In sum, Annie Wald shows us that as far as married people go, we are all "mixed couples."

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, so much so that I'll probably buy it as a gift for others. Maybe it's the story, the allegory that you have to read into a little, that gripped me. Maybe it was all the twists and turns that are so true to life that kept me riveted. There was nothing fluffy, no wasted words, in this story. It gave a powerful journey through the joys and triumphs, as well as the tough parts, of walking through life with another person.

I'm not married, but I got a LOT out of the book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be an absolute "must-read" and required for all couples: dating, engaged, newlyweds, those who've been married up to their dying day. If you read this, you will hopefully escape the many pitfalls that can make a miserable marriage, or figure out how to traverse the path you are on to get to the love you want to have and give. If see yourself in one of the scenarios in this book (chances are, you probably are), don't lose hope. My boyfriend and I have read it together, and hope to read it once a year to remind ourselves of our goal. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a "Pilgrim's Progress"-like allegory about the challenges of marriage. Certain aspects of marriage (children, for example!) are difficult if not impossible to make into an item that fits in an allegory, but this book does an admirable job. While no married couple is likely to find every aspect of their marriage in this book, I think every couple will find some aspects of their marriage here. Also, it's a quick read - but one to which one can come back again and again. The event that takes place on "Skull Hill" alone is worth the price of the book.

[Jason Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written allegory of marriage following after Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress." It's the kind of book that could either be utterly hokey or quite profound, and it is most certainly the latter. A deep challenge and encouragement to me in my own marriage I plan to read it again at regular intervals.

[Audrey Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. I saw what the author was trying to do and for an engaged couple or young newly weds I could see where this might be a cute fun book to go through together.
But when you have put in 26 years and have a soon to be 18, almost 13 and an 11 yr old it seemed like I was reading about children and it didn't have anything to help me personally at this time.

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable take on marriage which looked at the problems and challenges of marriage in pilgrim's-progress genre. Worth reading for a fresh look at some important issues.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well-written and insightful. I liked the style and the realistic portrayal of love in story form. Definitely worth reading.

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read for married people. This book has blessed me so much!

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though touted as a Pilgrim's Progress for married couples, it had none of the rich language or powerful symbolism. In fact, some of it was just plain goofy.

[Katie Pozzuoli]

I've had this book on my Kindle for years, and finally decided to take a shot at reading it. But...no. There's no subtlety to the plot and it drags on.