Guy Thatcher is not your average pilgrim... For one thing he is 70, for another he wears shorts. Based on daily e-mails home to his wife Carroll, he records in rich detail the friendships made and the bonhomie of locals along the way, which stay in the mind. The 200 pages of anecdotes, historical context and keen observation are peppered with photos.
Ottawa Citizen, 2 November 2008
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed the saga of your pilgrimage on the camino. I limited myself to two or three days' accounts to make the journey last a little longer. The book is so well written - I enjoyed myself and savoured every page. Grateful thanks.
Grete Hale
What a treat that was! I just finished reading your book and thoroughly enjoyed taking the trip with you and Marina and Kirsten, and Paula and Suzie, et al. Thanks again for sharing the intimacy of your pilgrimage. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Marjorie Shaver-Jones, Ottawa, ON
This is an elegantly presented, intelligent book. Your goal may not be to walk the camino, as Guy has done, but you'll come away informed, inspired and touched by this beautiful narrative. The style is so direct that it's easy to imagine sitting across a small bar table chatting with the author.
Judi Cova, Kingston, ON
I have been somewhat interested in travelling the camino but thought my age would be a hindrance. This book set me straight since the author is older than I am. … the real story is the pilgrims met along the way. This story would be of interest to the "senior" generation but also the 20 to 30 year olds as they were the ones the author walked with most often. So, an intergenerational story and an inspiration to all.
Colleen Colpitts, Ottawa, ON
A Journey of Days is a little triumph and quite emotional- I read it in one sitting.
Jackie Sage, Whipsnade, England
Thank you so much! I can't tell you what a joy it is to read your book. I get up in the morning and sit with it for a half an hour and it's like a meditation on living well.
Paddye Mann, Pakenham, ON
I just finished your book, and I thought it was great! … and of course, the pictures add a lot. The footnotes were invaluable in gaining a better understanding of the places and history through which you travelled. I found the book interesting, charming, kept me wanting to read more, and altogether a fine job. Congratulations!
Ance Thatcher, Candia, NH (He's my older brother)
I have just finished reading your account of the walk on the camino de Santiago and had the feeling that I was walking with you albeit without the aches, inconveniences and weariness. I enjoyed "our" encounters with the various fellow travellers.
Zita Whitehead, Toronto, ON
I can't help but recommend this book to any traveler of any age, I especially suggest it to high school graduates who want to travel! It probably also makes for a fun easy summer trip. It's a must read, and an easy read. That was a really cool life goal. I am a 22 year old working at Capital City Luggage and not only can I appreciate the story with the adventure and history lessons, but I can also appreciate the difficulty of starting off the trip with the frustrations of losing all your travel gear. Does anyone have the recipe for those Churros con Chocolate? Or do I have to go to Spain to get them. After reading of this Journey, the Camino de Santiago is on my bucket list.
Amanda Greenberg, Ottawa, On (from the Chapters site)
This is a gentle story written by a man who has flown helicopters in military service, given lectures on management and been strong enough to learn how to be silent and walk. His book is a quiet meditation on life. We hear stories of the people Guy meets and the lessons he learns about himself.
Paddye Mann, Pakenham, ON (from the Chapters site)
An absolutely great read! A fascinating account of the author's experiences in fullfilling his own dream, and as you absorb his daily challenges and triumphs it gives the reader 'pause' to reflect on what you can also accomplish in life. It is written with descriptive and exquisite detail. You not only learn about the wonderful people he met along the way but you also gain an insight into the history of the land the camino traverses. Guy mixes humour with some of his own philosophy; discovers 'churros con chocolate' and the reader finds out just how simple life can be if you just let it unfold. Sprinkled with really nice photos that puts faces on not only the people but the history & landscape as well. It is an excellent book worth reading at least twice to fully appreciate it - I did!
Geoff Clarke, Carleton Place, ON (from the Chapters site) (edited for space)
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