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A Thousand Miles To Santiago: Moments and Meditations along Europe’s Great Pilgrimage
Believing a more fulfilling future awaits him elsewhere, Shawn leaves his career in Washington, DC, and embarks on a year-long adventure. On the final leg of his journey, he travels to Europe and spends months walking a thousand miles across France and Spain, following the ancient pilgrimage road known as the Camino.
Part memoir and part travelogue, in this book Shawn vividly describes some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes, and shares the challenges he encounters with language barriers, foreign customs, and the physical hardships of life as a pilgrim. Travelling in the centuries-old footsteps of the pilgrims who've gone before him, he seeks to uncover the true meaning of a pilgrimage.
As he adjusts to the day-to-day rigors of such a long journey, Shawn sees the Camino's rich connection to history. He delves into the lives and legacies of the figures associated with some of the milestones along his walk, revisiting the folklore surrounding the lives of Sainte Foy and the rise of Christianity, Roland and the advent of chivalry, and El Cid and the fate of the Reconquista.
Sharing tales of thieving monks, savage priests, and banished knights, Shawn brings Europe's colorful past to life. While sifting through fact and legend, he provides a sweeping narrative of the medieval ages as it relates to Europe, Christianity, and this pilgrimage.
As his own journey unfolds, Shawn finds humor and wisdom in each misstep. He shares the insights that come to him as he faces the obstacles between him and his goal. Walking over mountains, across plains, and through storms, Shawn embraces the commitment required to fulfill his dream. Through this journey of self-discovery, Shawn learns what it truly means to be a pilgrim, and finds what we all seek-a life of meaning and purpose.
Pick up your copy of A Thousand Miles to Santiago and start the adventure today!
Part memoir and part travelogue, in this book Shawn vividly describes some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes, and shares the challenges he encounters with language barriers, foreign customs, and the physical hardships of life as a pilgrim. Travelling in the centuries-old footsteps of the pilgrims who've gone before him, he seeks to uncover the true meaning of a pilgrimage.
As he adjusts to the day-to-day rigors of such a long journey, Shawn sees the Camino's rich connection to history. He delves into the lives and legacies of the figures associated with some of the milestones along his walk, revisiting the folklore surrounding the lives of Sainte Foy and the rise of Christianity, Roland and the advent of chivalry, and El Cid and the fate of the Reconquista.
Sharing tales of thieving monks, savage priests, and banished knights, Shawn brings Europe's colorful past to life. While sifting through fact and legend, he provides a sweeping narrative of the medieval ages as it relates to Europe, Christianity, and this pilgrimage.
As his own journey unfolds, Shawn finds humor and wisdom in each misstep. He shares the insights that come to him as he faces the obstacles between him and his goal. Walking over mountains, across plains, and through storms, Shawn embraces the commitment required to fulfill his dream. Through this journey of self-discovery, Shawn learns what it truly means to be a pilgrim, and finds what we all seek-a life of meaning and purpose.
Pick up your copy of A Thousand Miles to Santiago and start the adventure today!
- GenresAdventure
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 8, 2022
Extremely readable and engaging but it isn’t the book I expected. In some ways this is a positive in other respects it means the book fails to cover in depth aspects you may have hoped to read about.
The bottom line it isn’t a specific guide to the Camino in terms of route; preparation or handy tips. Furthermore it is quite superficial in the personal pilgrimage undertaken. It strikes me as quite generic and lacking first party testimony.
I
What I did enjoy was the background history and the evolution of the way, many pilgrims have trekked over centuries.
As someone who has read widely about this pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, I have much to draw on. This book didn’t really add to this.
It is not a clear diary but occasional thoughts and experiences. Yet you feel these are skimmed over rather than making a telling point. Some asides are more interesting and authentic but generally I wanted more personal insight and expression of the author’s journey through life as well as along his pilgrimage.
The experience is made more enduring and memorable for me with the links to photos. This is a real bonus for me.
The bottom line it isn’t a specific guide to the Camino in terms of route; preparation or handy tips. Furthermore it is quite superficial in the personal pilgrimage undertaken. It strikes me as quite generic and lacking first party testimony.
I
What I did enjoy was the background history and the evolution of the way, many pilgrims have trekked over centuries.
As someone who has read widely about this pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, I have much to draw on. This book didn’t really add to this.
It is not a clear diary but occasional thoughts and experiences. Yet you feel these are skimmed over rather than making a telling point. Some asides are more interesting and authentic but generally I wanted more personal insight and expression of the author’s journey through life as well as along his pilgrimage.
The experience is made more enduring and memorable for me with the links to photos. This is a real bonus for me.
November 19, 2022
(Review based on the ARC I received from the author). Last spring, my wife and I spent a month and a half walling the French rout of the Camino de Santiago. Since then I've enjoyed reading about others' experiences on the Camino. Shawn Herron's account is, without a doubt, one of the most well-written and interesting of the dozen or more that I've read. I especially appreciated the historical research and descriptions that went into his work. As a history buff myself, I wish that I had been able to take a copy of Shawn's work with me on the Camino - it would have helped bring to life many of the historical sites we toured and admired.
Unlike many memoirs of long-distance hiking, Shawn's doesn't include as much about the people he met or the relationships (temporary though they might be) he had with fellow walkers along the way, so if that is what you enjoy, this isn't the book for it. If, however, you appreciate cultural and historical insights blended with the thoughts of an observant traveler like Shawn, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended!
Unlike many memoirs of long-distance hiking, Shawn's doesn't include as much about the people he met or the relationships (temporary though they might be) he had with fellow walkers along the way, so if that is what you enjoy, this isn't the book for it. If, however, you appreciate cultural and historical insights blended with the thoughts of an observant traveler like Shawn, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended!
December 17, 2022
A thousand miles to Santiago is an intriguing work of part memoir and part travelogue that follows Shawn's one year journey of adventure and excitement as well as a life of a pilgrim.
His journey brings him closer to Camino's culture, vastness of great landscape, surrounded by the curious learning of historical and folklore walkthroughs. Throughout his incredible journey he takes us along the striking landscapes and the driven purpose of one's life which is astounding and impressive.
Rightfully, this book is a journey of healing and transformation. As you read about the pilgrims and their journeys it's like accepting solace. I read this book every night before going to bed and it was beautifully peaceful. I was in no hurry to complete it within a day because it has so many striking aspects that involve moments to pause and relish the opportunity to decompress.
The author's incredible writing style is highly polished and he has expressed his thoughts in a lucid and spectacular manner. It's a perfect book for hodophiles because they understand the significance of healing while realising that the journey encompasses a thousand possibilities.
The supremacy of the richly explored history and vividly described picturesque landscapes piqued my interest and I'm definitely sure others will feel the same.
His journey brings him closer to Camino's culture, vastness of great landscape, surrounded by the curious learning of historical and folklore walkthroughs. Throughout his incredible journey he takes us along the striking landscapes and the driven purpose of one's life which is astounding and impressive.
Rightfully, this book is a journey of healing and transformation. As you read about the pilgrims and their journeys it's like accepting solace. I read this book every night before going to bed and it was beautifully peaceful. I was in no hurry to complete it within a day because it has so many striking aspects that involve moments to pause and relish the opportunity to decompress.
The author's incredible writing style is highly polished and he has expressed his thoughts in a lucid and spectacular manner. It's a perfect book for hodophiles because they understand the significance of healing while realising that the journey encompasses a thousand possibilities.
The supremacy of the richly explored history and vividly described picturesque landscapes piqued my interest and I'm definitely sure others will feel the same.
November 13, 2022
The Camino de Santiago has long intrigued me, though I have yet to journey it myself. So, I jumped at the chance to read this book!
The read combines memoir and history--and focuses a fair bit more on the latter. Readers wanting to know about the historical element of the Camino, whether simply to learn, be an armchair traveler, or undertake the Camino themselves one day, will find this the perfect resource in that regard. I wasn't really familiar with its French element, and really appreciated learning more about that. Herron writes well, and made the history accessible and vivid in my mind's eye.
I wish we'd gotten to see more inside Herron's own head, though, as he walked: his whys and wherefores, thoughts and wonderings as he walked, and life decisions post-Camino. We got a little of it, but I came away definitely wanting more.
Still, a worthwhile read, and one I'd happily revisit either for the history itself or to continue contemplating my own (far, far, _far_ out there) Camino walk.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The read combines memoir and history--and focuses a fair bit more on the latter. Readers wanting to know about the historical element of the Camino, whether simply to learn, be an armchair traveler, or undertake the Camino themselves one day, will find this the perfect resource in that regard. I wasn't really familiar with its French element, and really appreciated learning more about that. Herron writes well, and made the history accessible and vivid in my mind's eye.
I wish we'd gotten to see more inside Herron's own head, though, as he walked: his whys and wherefores, thoughts and wonderings as he walked, and life decisions post-Camino. We got a little of it, but I came away definitely wanting more.
Still, a worthwhile read, and one I'd happily revisit either for the history itself or to continue contemplating my own (far, far, _far_ out there) Camino walk.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2022
Shawn Herron, decided to take a year off from his job in Washington DC and travel. On the last leg of his journey he decides to take a couple of months to walk the Camino de Santiago, first walking through parts of France and then into Spain.
This camino book was not like others I have read, where he includes a lot of history that revolved around that part of France and Spain, and how in the end it related to the walk.
In between the history, he does give us wonder descriptions of his surroundings, the terrain, weather and the towns he walks through.
I did miss the personal aspect in this book as I have read a lot of books about people walking this pilgrimage, who talk about why they are doing it, what they have gotten from it, how things and the people on the way have helped them. Shawn does not really talk about his personal journey, so that was missed.
For you history buffs, you should really enjoy this journey.
I would like to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a copy of this book.
This camino book was not like others I have read, where he includes a lot of history that revolved around that part of France and Spain, and how in the end it related to the walk.
In between the history, he does give us wonder descriptions of his surroundings, the terrain, weather and the towns he walks through.
I did miss the personal aspect in this book as I have read a lot of books about people walking this pilgrimage, who talk about why they are doing it, what they have gotten from it, how things and the people on the way have helped them. Shawn does not really talk about his personal journey, so that was missed.
For you history buffs, you should really enjoy this journey.
I would like to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a copy of this book.
November 17, 2022
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Thousand Miles to Santiago 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Shawn Herron ✍️
.
.
🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
"A Thousand Miles to Santiago" penned by the author Shawn Herron is part memoir and part travelogue.
Shawn resigned from his job in Washington, DC and said farewell to his friends and co-workers. He embarked on a year-long trip and added Camino to the end of his trip.
In this book, Shawn has described Camino's connection to history. On his journey, he met pilgrims from all walks of life. He walked in different seasons. Also, he went to the post office to parcel a few of his belongings to the States. With a lighter bag, he found some relief on his journey. It was interesting to read the words of wisdom from Shawn. The challenges he encountered made him wiser.
Those who love history and traveling should get their hands on this book for sure. It's well written. I enjoyed the narrative of this book. Shawn has well described his experiences. I am glad to read it.
• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5
★ Book Is Available On Amazon
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Shawn Herron ✍️
.
.
🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
"A Thousand Miles to Santiago" penned by the author Shawn Herron is part memoir and part travelogue.
Shawn resigned from his job in Washington, DC and said farewell to his friends and co-workers. He embarked on a year-long trip and added Camino to the end of his trip.
In this book, Shawn has described Camino's connection to history. On his journey, he met pilgrims from all walks of life. He walked in different seasons. Also, he went to the post office to parcel a few of his belongings to the States. With a lighter bag, he found some relief on his journey. It was interesting to read the words of wisdom from Shawn. The challenges he encountered made him wiser.
Those who love history and traveling should get their hands on this book for sure. It's well written. I enjoyed the narrative of this book. Shawn has well described his experiences. I am glad to read it.
• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5
★ Book Is Available On Amazon
November 11, 2022
A Thousand Miles to Santiago by Shawn Herron
If you re an adventurer or a historian, Shawn’s book of his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain will delight you.
Starting in France with a trip over the Pyrenees Mountains, Shawn hikes for months with barely a day off to arrive at this famous destination.
With his backpack loaded with everything he will need for his journey, Shawn grinds out many kilometers per day, only to rest overnight in a dormitory type space with other pilgrims. Getting to meet new people and challenge/find himself are his goals.
Interesting day to day treks are described and mingled with detailed stories of Spain’s ancient history. El Cid? Covered! Battles between the Moors and the Christians? Covered! Though a little too heavy on the history for me, I realize that it was difficult balance.
A thank you to#BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for this ARC for my review.
If you re an adventurer or a historian, Shawn’s book of his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain will delight you.
Starting in France with a trip over the Pyrenees Mountains, Shawn hikes for months with barely a day off to arrive at this famous destination.
With his backpack loaded with everything he will need for his journey, Shawn grinds out many kilometers per day, only to rest overnight in a dormitory type space with other pilgrims. Getting to meet new people and challenge/find himself are his goals.
Interesting day to day treks are described and mingled with detailed stories of Spain’s ancient history. El Cid? Covered! Battles between the Moors and the Christians? Covered! Though a little too heavy on the history for me, I realize that it was difficult balance.
A thank you to#BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for this ARC for my review.
November 12, 2022
This book concerns an American walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. If you are expecting any sort of guide book, you will be disappointed. For me the book fails to explain the route or tell what you see, other than a few snippets; nor does it concern his personal pilgrimage - we aren't really told why he threw up his job and home to have a year out, culminating in this walk. He explains a few historical elements and gives you pages of screed concerning Christ's disciples and the exploits of Rodrigo.
So for me, it lacked cohesion or a clear objective. Its well written (apart from one totally unnecessary swear word) but it just maunders along, telling you snippets of what he was seeing - and those descriptions are great, but they aren't really enough to tie the book together.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So for me, it lacked cohesion or a clear objective. Its well written (apart from one totally unnecessary swear word) but it just maunders along, telling you snippets of what he was seeing - and those descriptions are great, but they aren't really enough to tie the book together.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2022
Being a traveler, I enjoy reading travelogues. Recently I got my hands on Shawn Herron's "A Thousand Miles to Santiago". Leaving your well settled job to go on a year-long journey is something that requires gut and not everyone has that.
I appreciate that Shawn has taken this step. After seeing sorrows, joys, playing different roles in his life as a son, brother, uncle, government employee, Shawn wanted to embrace the unknown. He wanted to see the world without the restraints of a job.
When he started his thousand mile walk to the city of Santiago de Compostela, he didn't know what awaited him out there. But Shawn was curious to find that.
I have learnt many valuable lessons through Shawn's journey. One important lesson I learnt is not to be stubborn and to be a perseverance person. The book was worth my time. Add it to your tbr. The pace of the book is fine and readers would get to know a lot about the rich history associated with Camino. You would enjoy this book.
I appreciate that Shawn has taken this step. After seeing sorrows, joys, playing different roles in his life as a son, brother, uncle, government employee, Shawn wanted to embrace the unknown. He wanted to see the world without the restraints of a job.
When he started his thousand mile walk to the city of Santiago de Compostela, he didn't know what awaited him out there. But Shawn was curious to find that.
I have learnt many valuable lessons through Shawn's journey. One important lesson I learnt is not to be stubborn and to be a perseverance person. The book was worth my time. Add it to your tbr. The pace of the book is fine and readers would get to know a lot about the rich history associated with Camino. You would enjoy this book.
November 17, 2022
A Thousand Miles to Santiago
By
Shawn Herron
Review:
History buffs and adventure lovers would be delighted to read Shawn Herron's book. It is about his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In this book, the author has covered about his thousand mile journey that started from France and then in Spain.
Shawn realized that with such a heavy backpack, his journey is getting difficult. So, he sent a few items to the States. Shawn met pilgrims on his journey. Some of them were French speaking. When he found English speaking pilgrims, he was able to communicate with them.
Shawn has described in detail about Camino and the rich ancient history. I appreciate the knowledge that he has shared in this book. The narration is smooth and that kept me hooked to this book till the last page. His story has inspired me to go on an adventure. The title of the book is lovely and the writing is in a flow. I am definitely interested in reading more work by Shawn in the future.
Rating: 5/5
By
Shawn Herron
Review:
History buffs and adventure lovers would be delighted to read Shawn Herron's book. It is about his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In this book, the author has covered about his thousand mile journey that started from France and then in Spain.
Shawn realized that with such a heavy backpack, his journey is getting difficult. So, he sent a few items to the States. Shawn met pilgrims on his journey. Some of them were French speaking. When he found English speaking pilgrims, he was able to communicate with them.
Shawn has described in detail about Camino and the rich ancient history. I appreciate the knowledge that he has shared in this book. The narration is smooth and that kept me hooked to this book till the last page. His story has inspired me to go on an adventure. The title of the book is lovely and the writing is in a flow. I am definitely interested in reading more work by Shawn in the future.
Rating: 5/5
February 3, 2023
A Thousand Miles to Santiago was a informative book about the historical pilgrimage to the Camino. This book isnt actual travel guidebook but look like memoir which provided some insight, heavy background histories and sharing experiences. I found the writing is entertaining and perfect for people who planning to visit The Camino.
Thank you Netgalley and Book Go Social for provided my copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Netgalley and Book Go Social for provided my copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2022
Entertaining book about the Camino supplemented with lots of historical information about this famous pilgrimage. Perfect for those who love reading about the Camino or might be planning a trip to walk this famous trail.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2022
Brings back good memories of our walk from Leon. A mix of history and travelogue: especially detailed on the first half of the Camino Frances, a deep dive into the story of El Cid, and a bit of a rush to the finish line.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews