Staff Reviews & Reader’s Guides
Recent Reviews:
Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto
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A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend
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American Gods
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This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett
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Losing Julia
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“I’m Off Then : Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago” by Hape Kerkeling
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A journey into Spain...
El Camino de Santiago, also known as the way of St. James, is an ancient pilgrimage route across northern Spain that stretches nearly 500 miles. The pilgrims cross some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes and pass through the Basque lands, Navarra and La Rioja(wine country), Burgos, Leon, and Galicia. After they have completed the pilgrimage and obtained a document, the credential del peregrine, stamped at every stop along the way to verify the trip, they receive a compostela or certificate at the cathedral in Santiago, the burial place of St. James. Hiking the 500 mile trail is a personal challenge for everyone. For some making a pilgrimage to Santiago is borne out of religious faith. Others take a break from their daily routines to meditate or visit sites of Spanish culture and history. Hape Kerkeling, the author of “I’m Off Then, Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago”, is a renowned German comedian who was feeling overwhelmed by his daily routine in the spotlight and was suffering some health problems. He described himself at 36 as a “pudgy couch potato”. He sets out to find who God is and to meditate. Soon after beginning the trail through the Spanish Pyrenees, his knapsack begins to feel too heavy, the weather is rainy, he experiences painful knees, and he almost gives up. Thankfully, he perseveres and starts a journal. He travels alone and meets up with numerous unforgettable characters and relates some incredible laugh-out- loud episodes involving them. Forty stops along the way contribute to the details of an inspiring spiritual journey. The end result is an engrossing, humorous, and emotionally uplifting travelogue. ( This book is located in the travel section—914.611 Ker) This year, 2010, is a holy year because July 25, the Dia de Santiago and Galicia’s national day, falls on a Sunday. Thousands of concerts, dances, exhibitions and fireworks will be offered in Galicia-- a tempting suggestion to walk the Camino or visit Santiago, Spain
