The Italian Walk

by Mike Warren

this is not a practical hiker's guide through Italy! It's the true story of an American expat who faces his longtime obsession to embark on a long journey on foot. THE WALK could have happened anywhere, as long as it covered hundreds of miles and no shortcuts. For years Mike was obsessed with the idea, but also avoided the challenge because of a stranger's foreboding omen and his own internalized fear. Finally, in 2010 he seized the opportunity to walk the entire length of Italy. With his loyal dog, Bo, he set off one summer day, exhilarated by the challenge. There was only one He had no actual plan, very little money, and no map (or smartphone). But Mike was built for this kind of epic impractical, yet more adventurous; unconventional and unpredictable. A mixture of a classic romantic tale and modern soul search, this is the story of Mike's truly unique journey from the southern coast of Italy to the city of Padova in the north.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2020

Reviews

[Lucia Rutili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one go.
the journey that Mike describes begins first within himself and then develops along the itinerary he decides to undertake. and Italy is the stage where Mike meets himself, the whole of humanity and his destiny.
the road, the path, is just a pretext.
and like Ulysses with his faithful Argus, Mike faces his Odyssey and tells every step, every emotion, and fear and describes the people he meets.

Mike describes Italy very well, from south to north.
He gives us a painting, drawn with the eyes of the attentive observer.
The attention that only the slowness and calm of a path undertaken on foot can give, the attention that only those who sweat every meter they travel can have.
Thank you Mike for this experience you have shared with us.
It enriches us

[Dominic Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to escape on a UNIQUE, classic journey in a modern age, told with Mike Warren's original, honest voice, then you should read this book. If you are interested in off-the-beaten-path travel deep within ITALY, then you should read this book. If you appreciate a true, soul-searching, adventure story with no new age bullshit and no virtue signaling, then read this book. But most importantly, if you've ever itched to do something unconventional and freeing, but didn't do it because of fear, excuses, etc., then read this book! It will not only entertain, but INSPIRE you.

[Janet Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Italian Walk” will show you the breathtaking interior of the Italian landscape from the vulnerable, honest, and wild interior workings of Mike Warren’s heart. His inexplicable compulsion to walk 1,500 kilometers on his own two blistered feet in tattered shoes carries the reader along on his journey. The religious pilgrimage is updated here. Instead of suffering along an arduous path to build religious piety, he travels step by step with his trusted dog, Bo, to create a true community of strangers along the route. He is blessed with true hospitality and some amazing sandwiches and strong, local wines. That’s a church I would attend. In the current age of isolation and fear, his story bears witness that humanity can be gracious and kind. And that the wild dogs of southern Italy are mean motherfuckers.

[Shannon Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The French author Anais Nin said, “We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.” Never has the sentiment rung so true as in this story of big ideas and small obsessions. This is a story of a man who finds what he seeks, mostly because he seeks it.
Most of us leave church in order to find our religion. Warren, on the other hand, leaves his religion and discovers the church. Pure of heart (but intoxicated by everything else), he stumbles into small cities and tiny towns to offer the locals, and the priests on the Vatican payroll, one honest chance at Christian kindness.
It is not the kindness of strangers that is so revolutionary in this story. Charity towards strangers is an old idea. Instead, it is the pureness of heart with which the author solicits the help that is so charming. There are no big miracles to be found along the way, but plenty of small ones. You will surely find yourself wishing, as you read, for a knock at your door and the small chance to shove a few dollars and a sandwich into the hands of a rambling, half drunken, OCD-riddled human and his canine. Why? Much for the same reason a dog licks itself…because you can. “Crime dogs and gravy.” (Read it. You’ll understand.)

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several "walk" books, from blogs of the Camino de Santiago to successful and unsuccessful attempts at the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Coast Trail. The blurb warned this was not like those, so I was prepared, and eager to see what this was.

In effect, this was a psychological study of someone who handles his unspoken needs by acceding to the "I have to" urges. It keeps him sane; it keeps him "normal". The walk causes him to review his life, in terms of people and sports and music and other influences of his 35 years. Meanwhile, we get an unparalleled look at the Italian countryside from south to north, and a look at the everyday people such as policemen, shop owners, and clergy.

Mike is not necessarily a person I would choose to befriend. Nor would I hate him; our outlook on life just doesn't seem to mesh. But he is an intrigue, and seeing his story on paper lends insights.

I only wish he'd have hired/found/enlisted a proofreader before publishing.

[Joan Buell · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of a beautiful adventure.

A very well written account of a young man who walked from the southern "heel" to the "top of the boot" of Italy. He was not well prepared, had neither plans nor money, and had never done anything like this before. The reader experiences his excitement, his wonder, and his exhaustion. The descriptions of the country are vivid, as are the author's introspection and angst. I read this with a map opened in front of me. I would have given five stars but the oftentimes crude language detracted from the beauty of the book.

[Konrad Plechowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought it directly from the author, while he played his guitar at the square in Arezzo. Honest and personal, I loved to walk his walk with him, and see it evolving. Playing on my own two dreams - of walking the long walk once, and of Italy in general.

[Debbie Haugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read of a man and his dog on a walk across Italy.