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Steps out of Time: One Woman's Journey on the Camino
Years ago, an overachieving and harried young mother accidentally flushed her gold watch down the toilet. Time passed, but the image of the lost watch continued to haunt her, a symbol of an overcommitted life. Two decades later, propelled by a series of curious coincidences, she leaves behind her busy professional life, her cell phone, and her family to escape the tyranny of time and walk 500 miles across Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela.
Steps out of Time brings the mysterious and wonderful world of the Camino to life with its tales of serendipitous encounters, new friends made (and one tragically lost), stunning natural beauty, and unforgettable food. By the end of her journey, an exhausted and exhilarated Katharine Soper is keenly aware she has completed much more than a monthlong walk.
Steps out of Time brings the mysterious and wonderful world of the Camino to life with its tales of serendipitous encounters, new friends made (and one tragically lost), stunning natural beauty, and unforgettable food. By the end of her journey, an exhausted and exhilarated Katharine Soper is keenly aware she has completed much more than a monthlong walk.
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First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 24, 2019
This book won a silver medal in the 2014 Independent Publisher Book Competition and an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Writer’s Digest Self-Published Award Program. The story is about a woman’s journey walking the Santiago de Compostela.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the book far more than I had expected to considering the subject. The book is well written. It is a memoir of her journey using her diary as a resource. She writes it like a travelogue and includes the history of the area. Soper also turned her trip into an epicurean delight with the description of all the food she ate. She appeared most interested in the people she met along the way. She also includes some of her reflections and inner thoughts. I was impressed that she could speak French and adequate Spanish. I am sure that made the journey easier. This is my first book about this subject. I found it interesting. I might have liked to walked it when I was young.
The author has an interesting background. She was a French instructor and now is an attorney practicing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has worked in Alaska and taught English in Bogota, Colombia. She walked Camino-France from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In 2017 she walked the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon to Santiago, Spain. Maybe she will write a book about that trip.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and twenty-three minutes. Donna Postel does a good job narrating the book. Postel is a long-time voice-over artist and audiobook narrator.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the book far more than I had expected to considering the subject. The book is well written. It is a memoir of her journey using her diary as a resource. She writes it like a travelogue and includes the history of the area. Soper also turned her trip into an epicurean delight with the description of all the food she ate. She appeared most interested in the people she met along the way. She also includes some of her reflections and inner thoughts. I was impressed that she could speak French and adequate Spanish. I am sure that made the journey easier. This is my first book about this subject. I found it interesting. I might have liked to walked it when I was young.
The author has an interesting background. She was a French instructor and now is an attorney practicing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has worked in Alaska and taught English in Bogota, Colombia. She walked Camino-France from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In 2017 she walked the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon to Santiago, Spain. Maybe she will write a book about that trip.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and twenty-three minutes. Donna Postel does a good job narrating the book. Postel is a long-time voice-over artist and audiobook narrator.
January 14, 2016
I thought it was insightful. I admire the people who walk the Camino! We were lucky to have the author at our book club.
May 7, 2023
I enjoyed this recounting and some practical advice for a modern pilgrim of the Camino. Kate does a good job at blending the historical fact, with personal insight and humorous stories. There was a lot of background but since most people do use the Camino as a way to grieve/to grow/to learn thats sort of the standard formula for these books. All in all it was an enjoyable book.
June 7, 2021
Listened to the audio book narrated by the author while walking. Enjoyed her story of traveling The Camino.
June 7, 2014
A marvelous book of honest self-discovery. Katharine writes in a way that quickly drew me in and I felt as if I was walking the 'Camino' with her as the silent witness, the observer. A fabulous adventure book that flows as if life is being lived at its fullest. I appreciate her ability to travel solo, remain strong and thoughtful. It had great appeal to me as an introvert.
I frequently asked myself if I could walk the 'Camino' and the next question was "would I want to walk the Camino?" Now that I've read this book, it doesn't matter whether I do or not, fore I've gleaned the experience as a voyeur with Katharine. It was fun meeting with Katharine the other pilgrims and how lives became weaved together during the 500 mile pilgrimage.
The introspective nature of her personal journey and spiritual insights makes this book a personal favorite. Its an inspiring book, and it combined my love of hiking and quest for meaning and purpose.
I frequently asked myself if I could walk the 'Camino' and the next question was "would I want to walk the Camino?" Now that I've read this book, it doesn't matter whether I do or not, fore I've gleaned the experience as a voyeur with Katharine. It was fun meeting with Katharine the other pilgrims and how lives became weaved together during the 500 mile pilgrimage.
The introspective nature of her personal journey and spiritual insights makes this book a personal favorite. Its an inspiring book, and it combined my love of hiking and quest for meaning and purpose.
February 11, 2020
I have read a lot of pilgrimage memoirs, some better than others. This may be the most poignant, an uniquely feminine journey. Frankly, the title sounded boring to me, and I wasn’t expecting much. Instead I was almost instantly engaged in her story. It isn’t that Camino literature is so different. It’s that each one is so intensely reflective of its author, and this author is one with which I could relate, deeply.
November 10, 2024
This is a beautiful account of a woman’s physical and spiritual journey on the Camino—the blisters, the pilgrims she meets along the way, and the multi-sensory experiences she enjoys. I read a chapter each night, which gave me the feeling of hiking along.
It was a pleasant diversion from the acrimony in the world, as people helped one another along the way.
It was a pleasant diversion from the acrimony in the world, as people helped one another along the way.
May 17, 2024
Great memoir about the authors experiences on the Camino. A must read for those considering a pilgrimage.
July 1, 2021
My Favorite Camino Memoir (so far)
I really liked this book, as I prepare to walk the Camino myself in 14 months, in 2022. I really connected with Kate. Her book made me think, feel, cry and cheer. I know I will reread it closer to my walk.
I really liked this book, as I prepare to walk the Camino myself in 14 months, in 2022. I really connected with Kate. Her book made me think, feel, cry and cheer. I know I will reread it closer to my walk.
November 22, 2020
I so enjoyed this book by a contemporary, thoroughly modern career woman with a husband and children, who sets out to complete the 500-mile pilgrimage to Santiago, hardly knowing why she feels compelled; evolving before the reader’s eyes as she puts one aching foot in front of the other, learning about herself and life... and death, with every step.
June 18, 2014
A gripping read, an inspiring story. The author reaches out, grabs the reader, and doesn't let go until the final page. The experience is exhilarating. Kate Soper's insights and observations, not to mention her physical and emotional fortitude, are extraordinary.
This book was printed locally. It has limited distribution. It should be read widely. It tells of an important journey that would have value and meaning to people the world over. In fact, it was people the world over, traveling with Kate Soper on the Camino, who helped make this experience (both the walk and the read) so universally appealing.
Kate Soper, an attorney, taught French before entering law school. She speaks Spanish, too. She is quiet and reserved but wildly adventurous. Kudos to you, Kate! And thank you for this wonderful book.
This book was printed locally. It has limited distribution. It should be read widely. It tells of an important journey that would have value and meaning to people the world over. In fact, it was people the world over, traveling with Kate Soper on the Camino, who helped make this experience (both the walk and the read) so universally appealing.
Kate Soper, an attorney, taught French before entering law school. She speaks Spanish, too. She is quiet and reserved but wildly adventurous. Kudos to you, Kate! And thank you for this wonderful book.
July 28, 2025
One of the best
As I plan my Camino for next year (2019), I have found this memoir the most emotionally and practically engaging. Kate speaks of the discouragement of the Camino in a way that speaks to my own call to try. I’ll be 76 when I start walking the Way.
Edit/2025: Alas, the pandemic altered my world, as it did for so many. My Camino experience must be the narratives of the peregrinas/peregrinos who, like Katharine, have committed to share their experiences. I am grateful to all of them.
As I plan my Camino for next year (2019), I have found this memoir the most emotionally and practically engaging. Kate speaks of the discouragement of the Camino in a way that speaks to my own call to try. I’ll be 76 when I start walking the Way.
Edit/2025: Alas, the pandemic altered my world, as it did for so many. My Camino experience must be the narratives of the peregrinas/peregrinos who, like Katharine, have committed to share their experiences. I am grateful to all of them.
August 29, 2019
An extremely well documented and well written Camino travelogue of one woman’s journey to Santiago. There are a few laugh out loud moments, but the majority of this read is very deep. She experiences a death on the trail, extreme pain and Katie’s description of each town is astounding - I was right back with her as she took each step.
If you have walked the French route previously then this is a great book that will take you down memory lane in detail. I loved the epilogue and her reflections on the whole experience. A good read.
If you have walked the French route previously then this is a great book that will take you down memory lane in detail. I loved the epilogue and her reflections on the whole experience. A good read.
June 2, 2017
Sharing a Personal Journey to Santiago
While considering a journey on the Camino. I found Katherine Soper's honest, heartfelt memoir. She relates the trying, yet achingly beautiful, experiences of her solo 500-mile walk to Santiago. Along the way she meets fellow pilgrims who add richness and compassion to her month on the road. I'll remember her words as encouragement as I venture there.
While considering a journey on the Camino. I found Katherine Soper's honest, heartfelt memoir. She relates the trying, yet achingly beautiful, experiences of her solo 500-mile walk to Santiago. Along the way she meets fellow pilgrims who add richness and compassion to her month on the road. I'll remember her words as encouragement as I venture there.
August 19, 2018
Best pilgrim book so far
I’m planning on hiking the Camino soon so I have been reading books about the experience. This one has proven to be the most interesting so far. I could feel all the emotions, anxieties, pain, and camaraderie that Kate described. I can’t wait to see what my own experience will be.
I’m planning on hiking the Camino soon so I have been reading books about the experience. This one has proven to be the most interesting so far. I could feel all the emotions, anxieties, pain, and camaraderie that Kate described. I can’t wait to see what my own experience will be.
March 26, 2018
Straightforward, unglossed account of an arduous walk through history, modern hazards and daily pleasures and aggravations of the Camino. Both the outer travelogue and the inner growth of a long, long walk.
November 15, 2020
All I can say is - I will follow in this author’s footsteps someday. Soon I hope.
June 30, 2024
Rating: 4.5 An accidental flushing of her GOLD watch haunted Kate Soper for years; it had become symbolic of the time she had “lost” with her overly scheduled life. Two decades later, she leaves behind her busy professional life as lawyer and university administrator, her cell phone, and her family. She escaped the pressures of them all and walked five hundred miles across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. In the book, Soper shared her perspective of the walk to Camino through serendipitous encounters, new friends made (and one tragically killed along the way), stunning descriptions of natural beauty, and the hospitality of the locals by providing food and shelter. At the end of her journey, she is exhausted but exhilarated and very much changed; aware that she had completed much more than a 5 week walk. One fellow American pilgrim shares with Kate:” Everyone lives in cars or indoors with air conditioning at full blast. There is no place to walk, no public gardens for evening strolls, not even a city center where people gather and talk to each other. PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BREATHE THIS AIR.”
May 2006, armed only with a small rucksack and a walking stick, Soper set off for a very long walk that hundreds of thousands have taken (100,000 each year in recent times) since the Middle Ages, to the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela.
What motivates people of all ages and countries to make this long trek, through ALL types of weather (winterish blizzards over the mountains, powerful thunder storms, and intense heat) to participate in a medieval Christian liturgy of spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God? Pilgrimages are such deeply personal experiences that have the potential to unlock the deepest recesses of hidden memories and experiences, they are also a profound personal meditation on modern life. Kate reflects on her father’s death: “the sadness and loss I felt when I thought of him remained, but affection and gratitude were claiming the foreground, and that made all the difference.” My exposure to the El Camino was by watching The Way movie starring Martin Sheen, who played a father walking to Santiago to honor his son, killed early in his trek to the Cathedral while caught in a snow storm in the French Perrine Mountains. Subsequent movies and documentaries I’ve watched feature others who ‘process’ a major loss in their life through the grueling yet therapeutic walk.
“If you go in a spirit of meditation and reflection, it is a pilgrimage; otherwise, it is a tourism experience.”
Steps out of Time describes the realities of a pilgrim’s journey – the pain, the humorous, unexpected, and the moving experiences. It is also a deeply reflective memoir on ageing and the pace of modern life as seen through the eyes of a fifty-seven-year-old wife, mother, and professional. Her gender, stage in life, age (and hopefully, her maturity!) set the stage for her journey and the discoveries she makes along the way.
• Coincidentally and purposefully, I read this book during the last week my hairstylist and friend finished her own pilgrimage to the Santiago. She had posted, to FaceBook, breathtaking photos and observations of her journey. In many ways, I felt like I was walking with her.
May 2006, armed only with a small rucksack and a walking stick, Soper set off for a very long walk that hundreds of thousands have taken (100,000 each year in recent times) since the Middle Ages, to the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela.
What motivates people of all ages and countries to make this long trek, through ALL types of weather (winterish blizzards over the mountains, powerful thunder storms, and intense heat) to participate in a medieval Christian liturgy of spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God? Pilgrimages are such deeply personal experiences that have the potential to unlock the deepest recesses of hidden memories and experiences, they are also a profound personal meditation on modern life. Kate reflects on her father’s death: “the sadness and loss I felt when I thought of him remained, but affection and gratitude were claiming the foreground, and that made all the difference.” My exposure to the El Camino was by watching The Way movie starring Martin Sheen, who played a father walking to Santiago to honor his son, killed early in his trek to the Cathedral while caught in a snow storm in the French Perrine Mountains. Subsequent movies and documentaries I’ve watched feature others who ‘process’ a major loss in their life through the grueling yet therapeutic walk.
“If you go in a spirit of meditation and reflection, it is a pilgrimage; otherwise, it is a tourism experience.”
Steps out of Time describes the realities of a pilgrim’s journey – the pain, the humorous, unexpected, and the moving experiences. It is also a deeply reflective memoir on ageing and the pace of modern life as seen through the eyes of a fifty-seven-year-old wife, mother, and professional. Her gender, stage in life, age (and hopefully, her maturity!) set the stage for her journey and the discoveries she makes along the way.
• Coincidentally and purposefully, I read this book during the last week my hairstylist and friend finished her own pilgrimage to the Santiago. She had posted, to FaceBook, breathtaking photos and observations of her journey. In many ways, I felt like I was walking with her.
November 3, 2021
Every time I read a different book on a pilgrim's perspective of their own journey, I learn something new. This one was no different; I enjoyed it very much and was happy to travel along from the comfort of my armchair. This book is the first I have read, however, where the participant has been so forthcoming with what they took away from the experience.
I know that pilgrims on this journey experience pain and bone-tiredness beyond what any of us who have not experienced it can imagine. But I also notice as I read these stories, that the authors really don't dwell on it much.
Last, I have found that for many authors, the accomplishment of reaching Santiago is somewhat of a let down, that it is actually the journey, and those they meet along the way, that was the most uplifting part of the journey.
I know that pilgrims on this journey experience pain and bone-tiredness beyond what any of us who have not experienced it can imagine. But I also notice as I read these stories, that the authors really don't dwell on it much.
Last, I have found that for many authors, the accomplishment of reaching Santiago is somewhat of a let down, that it is actually the journey, and those they meet along the way, that was the most uplifting part of the journey.
February 1, 2021
I'm a big fan of Camino books. It seems like everyone who walks the Camino eventually wants to publish their memoir of it- and those stories can vary a lot. Soper's experience is shared with honesty, humor, and great personal insight. She gives the usual references to noteworthy sights along the way, but doesn't become too bogged down in the academic side of the journey. I also appreciate that while she gives a nod to the spiritual side, she's honest about her own motivations for walking which align more with personal achievement than spiritual enlightenment. From her practical suggestions, to her amusing encounters with other pilgrims and personalities she meets along the way this book was both entertaining and helpful in planning my own Camino journey.
November 17, 2019
I read this book at the same time a dear friend of mine was walking the Camino alone and sharing her experiences and photos along the way. I was totally hooked by the author’s experiences and comparing them to my friend’s. I wish I wasn’t 72 years old and totally out of shape before I even heard about El Camino. Both the book and my friend are so inspiring that I would love to do the same myself. I HIGHLY recommend the book to anyone considering the Camino or any other similar journey. I also recommend it highly to those who love to read uplifting true life accounts of a spiritual nature. Wonderful!
August 20, 2018
This is a personal account of a 57-year-old woman's solo walk on El Camino de Santiago. As she was close to me in age when she did her solo pilgrimage in 2002, I could relate to her story as an insightful and thought-provoking look ahead to my own Camino beginning September 3, 2018. I love reading the multitudes of personal accounts out there before embarking on this journey to get different perspectives and experiences. I sense a great underlying intolerance for snorers, of which I am sadly one, so I dread being maligned by fellow pilgrims!
May 8, 2021
A fifty-seven-year-old mother has dreamed of trekking the 500 mile Camino in Spain to Santiago de Compostela. It's a catholic thing. However, the author is not particularly religious as are many who make the trek. She meets lots of characters and makes friends and often treks alone. It's grueling at times but there are lots of small villages along the way that cater to the trekkers. There's natural beauty, good food, and lots of rituals in the chapels along the way. It takes her over a month to finish the trek as people move at their own pace. It was a fun read.
July 10, 2021
So, my friend Deby and I are walking an abbreviated version of the Camino next year, and I needed a book to read on my trip to my sister's house in Colorado this summer. I really enjoyed listening to Katherine's story, who she met, what she ate and drank, how she solved all of her issues, and especially the suggestions she made. Even though we will be pampered, I think the most important take away for me was to make sure we have times of silence while we walk, to truly appreciate our pilgrimage.
March 24, 2025
This book is a memoir of the author's journey on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This was a perfect time for me to read this book as I am going on the camino in a month. I learned so much from her expereinces and it is helping me as I prepare for this adventure. My journey will not be the same as hers as she did it for 40 days, and did it mostly as a solo traveler staying in hostels. I apprecaited her honesty and clever storytelling of her adventures. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Camino de Santiago.
September 13, 2025
I wish I’d found Steps Out of Time before I walked my first Camino. Katharine Soper’s memoir has the right mix of practical advice and transformational emotional journey that I couldn’t find. The book itself is beautiful, starting with the front cover design incorporating one of the pilgrim statues from the art installation at Alto de Perdón with echoes of colorful stamps that every pilgrim collects for their pilgrim passport. The interior design is gorgeous with easy-to-read layout incorporating photos and insets. And page after page, it’s a good story!
June 10, 2018
Now I’m sure I’m doing the Camino
I’ve read several books about the Camino and have had it tucked in my list of “must dos” for a while.... and now I know I will do it. This beautifully told, personal journey captures just what I wanted to know - what I fear and what I anticipate - in well written style that thoughtfully shares the experience author’s experience with the reader. Many thanks, Kate.
I’ve read several books about the Camino and have had it tucked in my list of “must dos” for a while.... and now I know I will do it. This beautifully told, personal journey captures just what I wanted to know - what I fear and what I anticipate - in well written style that thoughtfully shares the experience author’s experience with the reader. Many thanks, Kate.
October 20, 2022
This was the first memoir venture into the Camino de Santiago that I've been researching for my trip next year. The author was 57 when she walked the 700 km plus journey and I was relieved by the frankness about the mental and physical tribulations she endured. It was also heartening to read that many other people she met were even older, in their 70s and 80s. Regardless, the hardships are real and at the same time, the personal gains were also evident.
June 11, 2023
Well-written, personable. Her writing appeals to the senses, yet is never overdone. She gives enough history of the 'trail,' but doesn't bog down in details.
Even though Katharine went on her Camino pilgrimage to Santiago twenty some years ago, many things stay the same.
This book got me excited about my upcoming walk, 2nd time - though I will only be doing 75 of the 500 miles she hiked.
October 19, 2023
Well written book on pilgrimage on the Camino francés including many historical facts. Contains the familiair elements of a Camino diary: the unique Camino family of the author, the blisters, tendinitis, other hardships and descriptions of the way itself. Also descriptions about what is the ‘real’ pilgrim and what not. It is part memoir with many descriptions of her family, which weren’t that interesting to me as a reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews