Camino de Santiago in 20 Days [Paperback]

When first deciding how to rate this book, I was originally going to give it a 3. It is a good solid book, although the sentences are short and choppy, and the paragraphs skip from topic to topic like a bee in a garden. However, as I continued thinking, I am truly impressed by this book. The sentences switch topics so often because it is a relative stream of consciousness in which the author has bravely shared a very personal experience. And I mean, Shared - with a capital S. At least a fifth of the book is a saga of blisters, and honestly (I don't know how) but its very interesting. All of the things most other people may leave out while trying to glorify their experience (how many Coke Lites were purchased and when exactly a dump had to be taken) are left in. And frankly, its these little things that make up much of a long solo journey like this. I appreciate the author's willingness to be so personal, to tell it like it is.
Speaking of which, Mr. St. Germain is rather judgmental, and it's pretty hilarious. :-) Working with passive aggressive people every day has made me tired of trying to guess what they are thinking... you know they're judging you on something! Here it was fun to have it told how it is. Very refreshing. And like I said, good for a few chuckles!

I am intrigued by this journey and can see it being the inspiration for others to partake in the Camino. I'm definitely going to lend this book to my friends and family and see if anyone shares an interest as well...

I applaud Randall St. Germain's courage in traveling alone ---walking the entire French Way with a heavy back pack --(filled with a tent he didn't use --clothes- wet socks often- needed supplies for blisters...etc.), and his commitment in writing this book....his FIRST!!! He did an job excellent sharing about his observations of villages, Cathedral's, Monuments, Art, the Ponferrada Castle, A former monastery which became an upscale Hotel, and the Old City. He shared that his favorite sculpture was a bearded shepherd with arms stretched to the heavens --(this was in the San Francisco Jardin area with beautiful gardens and fountains).

He visited bars and cafes which allowed smoking -- He faced washroom issues (as in "lack of washrooms") --He lost sleep due to snoring and farting of others. He made 'walking' friends. He enjoyed talking to pretty woman. (of course --the guy's not crazy).....NOT even crazy for WALKING 520 miles in 20 days. Some people 'might' think 'its crazy'.... (I say its inspiring!)

Randall's drink of choice was ***COKE LIGHT***. (no, I didn't count how many he had), but for a one-time special treat he once tried a Kaz Apple Drink. Other favorite foods were: Magnum ice cream chocolate, and mixed nuts. (what's not to like?)
I laughed silly when an old woman yelled at him to 'GET OUT' (in Spanish), when he tried to open up an old creaking Church door--no longer in use- when Mass was in session.

Rain-wind-chilly days: Randall kept walking ---(with painful blisters on his toes and heals).

I couldn't help but wonder at the end of the book if Randall ever kept in contact with anyone he met on the trail during those 20 days.

but....One of the MOST touching pages of the entire book is the small page with 9 words: "For My Mother...I think of You Every Day".

That 'special' page allowed me, (as the reader), to develop a deeper relationship with the 'human' side of Randall. I felt his heart --his pain- his goodness. I also felt his desire to be outlandish, (be willing to take this journey he did)-- -step outside the box of routine life -deepen his personal awareness of unlimited possibilities --and rejoice!

He said himself..."His mother would be proud". Randall can be proud too!

NOTE: THIS is not the SAME as every OTHER book on the market (related subjects maybe) as the next guy who takes a 'journey'.
"A Walk In the Woods" ..........is a 'Walk in the Woods"..........

"Camino De Santiago In 20 Days...MY Way on the Way of St. James" by Randall St. Germain is HIS 'wonderful' story! (a memoir not to get lost in the shuffle).(less)

I recently walked a portion of the Camino and before I left, I spent a great deal of time reading about it. Most of the books and websites I saw had advice for what to bring, what to expect, how to do this or that, etc. There were various guidebooks with history and other information. What this book brings to the table is a no-frills first hand view of walking the Camino. I read the book both before I left (cover to cover) and then I reread the sections that corresponded to the portions I had just walked at the end of each day on the Camino as a way to "relive". Besides my John Brierley guidebook, this was my other "go-to" book. Now of course I didn't walk the entire Camino in 20 days, and I didn't attempt to walk more than 20 km a day, in fact my longest day was 19, but the human experience the author had was very similar to my own. (Gosh I was excited to glimpse the airport at Santiago and see a RyanAir flight taxiing on the runway just as described in the book!). If you are considering walking the Camino de Santiago or even if you are just interested in the day-to-day life of a pilgrim on the way, this book is a value. Fairly short, but very readable. The author has a unique perspective which can certainly bring a laugh. Make sure to also read his blog online for photos and more perspective.