• Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Book exchanging

The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Not common but it does occur. A book left on a communal table may be appreciated or may provoke a frantic search for the owner… a note in Spanish and English “in search of a new reader” might avoid the maybe 😉
I certainly don't want to create a headache, I'll bear this in mind
 
Train for your next Camino (or keep the Camino spirit alive) on Santa Catalina Island
I have seen books left in various languages by pilgrims at our albergues. There may also be some guidebooks or materials from the regional tourism office. We often had maps, pamplets, etc. I would check with the hospitalero/a if you are leaving or want to take a book.
 
That was interesting to read through. Weight is certainly an issue for so many it seems so a book is not going to make the cut for many. I think about down time personally, I walk now routinely for six hours and I sleep 5 to 6 hours a night. That leaves me with half a day. There's showering and a bit of laundry and getting a meal perhaps but that leaves a boat load of time to pass. I can't read anything on a phone for a prolonged time, five to ten minutes and I'm maxed out. Personally I'm tired of seeing everyone staring at screens no matter where you go ...especially the ones walking across the street pushing a pram and paying no attention to the dangers all around. Of course there's little to worry about in a bed
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I think it is fine to have a book, but they do add weight and frankly, there are so many different languages, it is hard to have a book exchange unless you read Spanish, French, Dutch, German, English, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, etc. I am certain you will find some books, but the selection may be slim.
 
I was surprised when I did a search that nothing came up on the topic so here we go.
Is it common in the albergues to have a few shelves of books free to take and exchange out ones you have?
10 years ago I had no problem exchanging books on the camino, but sadly those days have almost gone. Occasionally you might find a book left somewhere, and I still do leave paperbacks in albergues. Sometimes I have to carry it an extra day or two to be able to leave it where someone else can pick it up (in an albergue instead of a pension). But I have found good books recently – e.g. someone left “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed last year, which I devoured, and left at another albergue a few days further on. But don’t bank on finding anything. I download about 10 books onto my Kindle on my phone before I set off, in case I don’t find any hard copies along the way.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.

Most read last week in this forum

I am on CF right now and just stopped in Os Arroxos Crispeta bar in Trabadelo. A Spanish pilgrim had exactly the same order as me and he paid 6.50 euro and I was charged 10.00 euro!!! It is not...
My son is planning to do the Camino this autumn. He loves skateboarding (not the breakneck type - just for transport) and would like to take his skateboard. I did the Camino Frances seven years...
Hola, todos. It seems entirely likely this has been asked before, but I haven't been able to find any discussion. If (when!) one decides to have a day off from walking, is it possible to stay in...
Hi we will be in Pamplona on 28th July. We are Irish mostly from Armagh and would like to know where best to watch the all ireland gaa football final. Any Galway pilgrims walking too. Would...
In case you want to recreate this cake, here is an easy (and gluten-free) recipe, from a fairly well-known food maven. She's American but has lived and worked in Spain for a number of years...
Hi Camino pilgrims Thank you for having me on your forum. I will be travelling the Camino again this September,my second trip, and was wondering if it is acceptable to stay in the hostels and...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top