Il linguaggio nascosto della vita

The Walk #1

by Richard Paul Evans, Valentina Zaffagnini (translator)

Cosa faresti se in un solo istante perdessi tutto? La casa, il lavoro, la persona che ami? Quando la tragedia piomba nell'esistenza fino a quel momento perfetta di Alan Christoffersen il suo primo pensiero è di farla finita. Non ha più niente per cui vivere, tutto ciò che gli resta è il tubetto di pillole che stringe in mano... All'improvviso, come colto da un'illuminazione, Alan decide di non lasciarsi andare e di intraprendere un viaggio. Non un viaggio qualunque, ma una traversata a piedi degli Stati Uniti da Seattle, dove vive, al punto più lontano sulla mappa: Key West, Florida. Nelle persone che incontrerà lungo il cammino, nelle loro storie e nelle loro esperienze cercherà di ritrovare il significato della propria presenza nel mondo. Con "II linguaggio nascosto della vita", Richard Paul Evans ha inaugurato una serie che seguirà Alan e le sue vicende, la sua strada.

Genres: Fiction, Inspirational, Book Club, Christian Fiction, Christian, Adult Fiction, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 24 hours, I have digested the 290 pages that comprise this book. To some, this is no extraordinary feat. For me, it is certainly not the norm. I have read several good books over the years. There are books that tell a good story. This book is one of those books. However, it went much further than that. This book grabbed me and sucked me in emotionally opening my eyes to things that have been buried for far too long. There are so many messages that are conveyed as a part of this story line. Some of these are direct and to the point. Others are much less obvious and perhaps only comprehended on a subconscious level. This is the first book I have read from this author, but I immediately felt connected to the main character in the book (Alan) along with the challenges and emotions that he experiences along the beginning of his journey. Everyone will have their own take on each book they read and I would never suggest that any one book will be life changing for everyone. But, it is certainly possible that this book can be life changing for someone. I don't know if it has been life changing for me, but it certainly has set me out on the first step of my own "Walk" and time will tell if this step helps me learn to live every moment to the fullest.

[Starjustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every reader can take a lesson in life and living from this first in a series, easy read book. To attempt to see how our decisions and our actions, r/t our experiences in life can decide our future and ultimately can determine our fate in life.

[Michelle Devine-Traxler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, easy read. Words are fast flowing and I finished this book in one sitting.
Alan, the main character loses everything in this tale of woes. His job, his cars, his house, then.. his wife dies - all in six weeks.
In his grief, he decides to walk - from Seattle to Key West, Florida. Walk. Yep. I suppose that is why the book is called THE WALK.
His journey on the walk was actually REALLY interesting.

I always include a passage (something, anything) from the book that resonates with me.

"Life Hugger"

Isn't that a great word?
Here's the definition from the authors point of view.

"They're people who hang on to this life because they think this is it. But they're fools, thinking they can hold on to this life. Everything in this world passes. Everything. You can't hold on to a single thing. But God knows they try. Some people even freeze their bodies so they can be woken up at some future time. Fools. All they have to do is look around and they can see that nothing here lasts."

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband listened to this book on CD thinking it was just one book, not realizing it is part of a series. He loved it and suggested I read it. The very first thing I did, was go online and read all the negative reviews. The two complaints were that this book was a waste of money because it is part of a series (I don't care because I will just get it from the library) and the second complaint was that is was too much writing about food...all the bed and breakfast food, cafes and small diners. Neither of these complaints were offensive to me. I am very picky about reading books on grief. I would hate the complaints to be over simplified the devastation a person feels when losing a loved one or unrealistic romances shortly after etc. I actually find it interesting that a book about grief would center a lot on food but from my own personal experience, food was not something that was helpful but for others, it was. So I read it and found it was very interesting, an easy read, a well written and thought out story line with just enough drama to keep it real and interesting. I think most people would enjoy it.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite quote of the book: On the heels of "We understand our lives backward, but must live them forward", Richard says through Alan, "He was right, of course; but in looking back on the hammer strikes that chisel and shape our souls we understand more than our lives and even ourselves--we begin to comprehend the sculptor."

Other LTJOAM:
"We can deny reality, but we can't deny the consequences of denying reality."
"You can tell alot about a man by watching how he treats those he doesn't have to be nice to."
"Some people have stopped looking for beauty, then wonder why their lives are so ugly...Look for beauty in everyone you meet, and you'll find it."

[Kimberly Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not usually a reader of Richard Paul Evans' books, but a friend basically ended up placing it in my hands saying you HAVE to read this, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it bogs down a little when the walk actually begins, It was still a very quick read, a good story, & full of little nuggets of truth.

Here are a couple favorite quotes from the book:

"You can tell a lot about a man by watching how he treats those he doesn't have to be nice to."

"We can spend our days bemoaning our losses, or we can grow from them. Ultimately the choice is ours. We can be victims of circumstance, or masters of our own fate, but make no mistake, WE CANNOT BE BOTH!"

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I should be ashamed to admit that I generally love Evans' novels. But, I do. This one gets one star because of it's shameless marketing ploys (ironic since the main character is an ad exec). So, Alan loses everything and decides to walk across the country. Fine. The book is fairly interesting. We see Alan dealing with grief, learning from people, meeting people who are kind to him, tenuously reaching out to others. I could do with far less narration of Alan's food choices, though, just for the record. Anyway, I start to notice that Alan is still in Washington state when he is supposed to be walking to Florida. I am 3/4 of the way through the novel. My suspicions are raised, and I finish only to find that this is part of a series. Moreover, the novel just cuts off. There is zero sense of finality or closure, very little emotional resolution. It's like Evans just decided, hmmm... that's long enough for a book. I'll stop there and use the rest of the story to write another one. Then, I make twice as much money. Um... you are breaking the rules! You are intentionally chunking up your already stretched-thin story into a money-making series. I have no problem with series that also function as individual books or functional cliff-hangers (Narnia, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings). I have a major problem with essentially chopping a novel in half and selling it in two parts. Not to mention, half of this novel is blank pages...chapter headings take up a whole page. There is a page with each chapter that contains one quote and nothing more. Most chapters are engineered to end in such a way that there is at least a page and a half of blank space before the chapter heading. I have taught college students, and Evans has essentially turned in a ten page paper in a size sixteen font with two inch margins. There is no reason, other than money, that Evans couldn't have cut all that crap and written a single self-respecting novel rather than an ode to publishing and the sheep who will buy this crap. Had I paid for this novel, I would be seriously aggravated...oh wait, I already am.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!The story is one that will resonate with pretty much everyone. Those that may be in a similar situation as Alan, or those that are not, but all are able to experience and feel the hardship, the rise to success and the desperation and unfulfillment. It’s a story that comes from the soul. It’s one of those stories where there are signs that are not heeded, bad and hurtful impulses that are given into without a second thought, good advice from a friend or loved one is blatantly ignored. All these things are set into motion of a life that becomes rich, successful, but is not happy, is not satisfying, lessons from the past are not realized and used to get through to the future.

It is a story of loss, an untethering, sadness, loneliness, self-absorption, the loss and happiness of...feeling. The only way for this guy Alan, to find his way back to finding his heart and his soul is to pretty much shed his former self, his possessions and thoughts and start all over again. He begins “The Walk” to Key West, Florida and along the way, keeps a diary, recalls memories, and learns lessons all along the way from the people he meets, to the places he goes, to the experiences he has. It’s as if he trying to do a re-programming of himself. A re-boot.

It’s a tough journey, physically, mentally and emotionally. I give Alan so much credit for coming up with this plan and actually going through with and surviving it (?) to find his true self. He was so dissatisfied with his life and abused love, friendship and family and took them all for granted.

I hated that it ended the way it did! I wanted to read MORE MORE MORE right away because he had only just begun his transition and I wanted to find out what his journey entailed and what kind of redeeming man he ended up being in the end and how he survived. Gosh, what a big step in a re-awakening, not knowing how it will finally end. I wished Alan well on his personal journey.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job of letting the reader feel Alan’s love for his wife McKale, and his pain over her accident and loss. He also did a great job of letting us go on Alan’s journey with him. The people were real, the places were real, and every thing/one was alive on the pages.

Now I know we all have different ideas as to what we like and don’t like in books, but really, how could anyone not like this book? I thought it was SO GOOD! I read some of the negative reviews that said the book didn’t have enough action, was boring, was only about the people he met and that they were all too nice. Did they forget about the “bad” people he met? They were about as bad as you can get. Anyway, the book is not a thriller, suspense or murder mystery. It’s a book about a man on a walk across the U.S. to clear his head and heart of some very bad stuff. Of course it’s not going to be full of action. After all, he spends his days walking, What else could the book be about other than the people he meets, where he eats/sleeps, and the scenery? And the way the author writes the story, that’s enough.

I loved that Alan met Angel. I don’t know yet, but I’m thinking they’ll be friends for life.

The book was a quick read, but I didn’t want to put it down for anything. It was so good that even though it was 3:00 am when I finished it, I got up, went to my TBR shelf, got book #2, Miles To Go, and started reading it. I’m now on book #3, The Road To Grace, so check back for my reviews on these two books.

I was getting sad because I thought the series ended with book #3, but I just learned that there will be a #4, and it’s coming out in May! Hopefully there will be #’s 5, 6, 7, ….

I'm giving this book 5 stars. I'd give it more if that was an option.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in “The Walk” series. I actually read the third one first and thought it was a true story of someone walking across the country. This book explains why Alan decides to walk from Washington State to Key West, FL. His one true love his wife has an untimely death, his partner steals his clients and Alan loses everything. This is why he starts his walk. This is the best book series I have ever read. I have now read the first three books in the series. If you enjoy a short read you will enjoy this book. I highly encourage everyone to read this book! The second book in the series, “Miles To Go,” I will include lots of quotes.

[ij · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.

[The Dusty Jacket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Christoffersen had it all: a successful advertising agency, a big house, luxury cars, and a beautiful wife who was the love of his life. But a horrible accident would set off a series of events that would send his world crashing down. Within weeks, he would lose everything and Alan Christoffersen, the man who had everything, was suddenly left with nothing. It seemed that even God had abandoned him. So, Alan decided to walk away from his troubles…literally. With nothing more than a backpack and a few essentials, Alan set off on a near 3,500 journey stretching from Seattle, Washington to Key West, Florida hoping that this walk might bring him some clarity to a life that didn’t make sense anymore.

I’ve read many What-would-you-do-if-type books: What would you do if you could live forever? What would you do if you had one wish? Go back in time? Trade places with someone? Were invisible? This one was different. Tackling the idea of how to move forward after you’ve lost everything is daunting. Alan faced this situation, questioned his own faith, and wondered why love, hope, and grace had been so mercilessly taken from him.

"The Walk" is the first in a series of five books in The Walk Series by Richard Paul Evans. This first installment takes Alan all the way across the state of Washington: from Seattle to Spokane. During this first leg of his journey, he meets several people who remind him what kindness, generosity, and gratitude look like: a handless man looking for answers, a scarred woman offering hope, an innkeeper who faced death, and a stranger returning a favor. Each person along his journey offers Alan little bits of wisdom and insight and their brief presence in his life leaves him undeniably changed.

"The Walk" is an easy and quick read. Evans deals with religion and faith without being overly preachy and gives us a likeable protagonist who seeks the good in humanity although he himself has been betrayed by those he had trusted most. In the opening pages, we know Alan completes his walk and eventually reaches Key West, but as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey” and we know that Alan has a very long journey ahead of him. A journey that will hopefully answer some of his questions and perhaps even restore his faith.

Alan keeps a diary of his walk. In one entry, he wrote, “We truly do not know what’s in a book until it is opened.” Likewise, we often don’t know what’s in a person until we ask or until we have the opportunity to get to know them. We don’t know their past, the burdens they may carry, or the pain they may be enduring. The few people that Alan encountered during his walk through Washington began as unopened books, but by extending a kindness or even just a simple greeting, those books began to open and Alan discovered that perhaps the love, hope, and grace that he thought had been denied him had never really abandoned him after all.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Christoffersen has lost everything. His job, his home and his wife, the love of his life. All at the same time. What would you do? When it happens to Alan, a former Seattle ad executive he's first tempted by his darkest thoughts. With a bottle of pills in his hand he plans to end his misery. Instead he plans to take a walk. But not just an ordinary walk. Taking only the barest of essentials with him Al leaves behind everything he's known and heads for Key West Florida, the farthest point on his map. The people he meets along the way, with the lessons they share will save his life. A quick and easy read if your looking for a change of pace. Different from what I normally read but highly recommended.

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual book and interesting. It is the story of a man who basically has lost absolutely everything in his life that he holds dear and is on the brink of suicide for all hope has left his life. With the help and support of a friend this decision to end his life is stopped. He is prompted to "live" so sets out on a walk to the furthest point on his map - Key West Florida. He is lucky in that he has sufficient funds in the bank to help him on his way. On his journey he meets people who share their own captivating experiences with him and I found many touching and thought provoking moments along his journey. Good and really bad things happen to him as he explores his grief. On the negative side I felt there was far too much frankly rather boring descriptions of the food he ate at cafes et al but overall I was captivated by his exploration into his grief and journey towards a healing of his spirit. I will certainly read another of this author's books entitled "Miles to go"

[Christine Indorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3,5. I loved the Broken Road series by Richard Paul Evans and didn't know he wrote this series so I thought I would give this a try and I am glad I did, only wish I knew I needed tissues!! This book is about Alan, a man who lost his wife to death, his business that his partner stole from him, and his house due to the money he lost. Alan thought either kill himself or do something that could change him, walk to Key West Florida. So this books series is about his journey, the people he meets along the way and the things that happens to him. In this book he gets stab and then gets saved by a person he help along his way. If you read the Broken Road that he wrote it is like that book and as in that series this one is equally excellent, they need to put a warning that you tissue!

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars!

This book was a really quick read for me! Overall, I think the characters were interesting. But the story didn't blow me away entirely. I read this awhile ago, and usually, after reading a book I can remember small details, with this book, I can't. But I do think it's a great book for a quick read. Also, I didn't enjoy the ending of the novel, and I don't want to discuss spoilers but I thought the way the author ended it wasn't the best -- The whole point of the story and the ending just didn't fit well together, in my opinion.

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story and the characters there in even though parts were a bit hard to believe. A short inspirational peek at the inside of a mans life as it is crumbling and how he handles it.

[Valeria Schimizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Тази книга беше много приятна изненада. Когато ми я изпратиха от изд. Сиела нямах никаква представа за какво става въпрос, но бях очарована от корицата. Понеже беше тънка, реших да я взема в багажа за морето. (Не обичам да мъкна тухли по плажа.) И започвайки я, се озовах на едно емоционално пътешествие, рамо до рамо с главния герой.

Алън Кристофърсън има всичко, което желае - прекрасна съпруга, успешна кариера, голям дом. В рамките на няколко седмици той губи всичко това. Когато е на ръба на пълното отчаяние, решава да послуша вътрешния си глас и да тръгне на път. Така, както са странствали хиляди други хора преди него. По време на пътешествието си среща няколко души, които ще променят светогледа му и ще му върнат желанието да живее.

Като затворих последната страница, си казах, че нещо не ми достигна. Исках още. И тогава разбрах, че всъщност пътешествието на Алън продължава и това е едва началото на поредицата, така че се надявам скоро да видим и другите части на български. Иначе романът ме разчувства и ми напомни на историите на Никълъс Спаркс. И тук няма някакъв кой знае колко изненадващ сюжет, някои от героите и ситуациите са напълно предвидими, но пак ми беше приятно да разгръщам страница след страница и да съпреживявам всичко заедно с Алън.

П.С. И да не забравя един любопитен факт, който случайно открих и като цяло е напълно безполезен, но все пак ми се иска да споделя: Ричард Пол Еванс е бащата на Джена Еванс Уелч, авторката на "Любов и маслини" и "Любов и джелато". Това е. И да, аз съм абсолютен "нърд". 🤓

[Maeleah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Paul Evans has an amazing way of telling a fictional story that seems so real you think it really did happen. Infused in the story are these threads of wisdom that inspire you to think about things in a different way. This story is about a man named Alan Christoffersen who marries his childhood sweetheart, McKale. He starts his own advertising company which takes off and he lives the high life with a million dollar home and luxury cars. But then everything literally comes crashing down when his wife is in a severe accident, dies, and his business partner, literally steals his clients and starts his own business while Alan is being with his wife in the hospital. Left with nothing and despaired to the point he thinks about ending his life, he then remembers the one promise he made to McKae before she died-- she said, "Live." So he packs up a few things and starts walking--- to Florida from the state of Washington. This story describes Alan's physical walk but also his emotional walk through the anger, bitterness and sadness of what happened to him. I love at the end he says, "This is what I've learned. We can spend our days bemoaning our losses, or we can grow from them. Ultimately the choice is ours. We can be victims of circumstance or masters of our own fate, but make no mistake, we cannot do both."

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would rate this a 2.5 (It was okay/I liked it). At 25% in I didn't know if I would finish, but I enjoyed the second half more than the first. I don't feel a connection to any of the characters, and I don't understand many of the motives. Perhaps I'm different than others, but I don't kiss many people (friends or strangers) on the cheek or otherwise, and I found some of the scenes strange.

The book "felt" to be written by a man, not just from the main character's (Alan's) perspective (who is male), but that there were seemingly many women who were kissing (friendly) him, rubbing his feet, breaking up with a boyfriend after seeing the way Alan interacted with HIS wife. It felt that people were worshipping Alan in a sense, and I didn't find his character believable.

The Walk is easy to read with short chapters; I enjoy the description of meals and landscapes. I'm interested enough to continue the series (I've finished book #2 as well), but I don't think these will be books I'll cherish and look back to as an inspiration.

[Robin Meadows · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed reading the first book in this series and had given it a high rating. however, after trudging through the next 3 books and almost quitting during the 4rd, I went back and changed my rating. What began as a promising premise has quickly turned into a definite disappointment. The encounters made by the walker are so deeply contrived, they are unconvincing, and I grew very weary of what he saw and what he ate at every meal. Then, never heard what he was thinking or the inner conflict of his heart or his thoughts until the last chapter in book 4, which, ironically begins with these words: "A good read should introduce new drama in each chapter. But that's just in books. What may be enjoyable in literature is not so in real life."

I cannot recommend this series to anyone. It will be a waste of good reading time. And there is a 5th book coming in May. I don't even care how the journey ends.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh! hated this book! If had to read another word about what this character ate during his walk I was going to scream. this series of books is a rip off...he could have written one well thought out novel instead of a trilogy of short over priced books.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. Short book, but I didn't realize it was the first of 5 books. Man loses everything & decides to walk frorr Seattle to Key West. Learns life lessons from people he meets along the way. He is still in Washington State at fhe end of the book .

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one day. Extremely powerful book. Can't wait to continue in the series.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

On April 15th, my first love and best dad in the world passed away. The world came to a complete stop and I lost focus on basically everything.

Read a book? Nope. I could not sit still enough or have the mindset to dive into another world.

As the weeks passed by, I knew I needed to get back into a routine, starting first with something that was and will always be a comfort, reading.

The question was, what to start with? Something light? No. Something dark? Definitely not.
After some thought, I remembered a fictional book I read over 15 years ago about a man who lost his wife and decided to take a “walk”..…from Washington to Key West.

This book is a journey not only in the physical sense but spiritual as well. As Alan sets off on his quest, he meets a vast array of characters. Some sure to make you laugh, some to make you cry.

Rereading this book, at this precise time is providing a comfort I would not otherwise find. Finding peace within the pages is, as always for any book lover …pure magic.

I truly cannot recommend it enough.
It’s a read that will get you though.

Looking forward to the next in the series!

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Paul Evans is one of the best when it comes to writing emotional driven characters.

Alan Christoffersen realizes a childhood dream and that is to marry his childhood friend and first love McKale. McKale’s favorite pastime is horseback riding. One day she’s thrown from her horse, left paralyze, develops a fever and dies. While McKale was dying, Alan’s business partner steals their business, its money and its employees. After McKale’s death and the loss of his business Alan, to deal with his grief, embarks upon a walk from Washington State to Florida.

During the walk he meets people who help him realize the meaning of his life.

The Walk is a story for anyone in grief, depressed, or just feeling sorry for oneself because The Walk demonstrates how to enjoy life while going through these life’s crisis.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of those books you can't put down ... Mr. Evans is fantastic at what he does ... I am really enjoying this book, fast, easy read, on page 105 and I just started it yesterday. I am determined to read ALL of his books in 2012!!


I just read it for the second time ... it is even more awesome the second time around ... read March 30th, 2012!! I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a great storyline. You won't be disappointed!!

[Nina Draganova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Наивна до N-та степен. Пълна с поучителни слова. Прилича ми малко на книгите за самопомощ, нашумели напоследък .

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can whole-heartedly recommend this book.
I read it in a day, and I immediately went to the library to find book 2.
Very well done, and a thought-provoking story to boot!

[Presi · Rating 2 out of 5]

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