Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago???

[scruffy1]

My sister does not share this obsession with all things and the Camino but she does encourage my madness. She wroteto me about a book she found in the library, "Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago" by Mary O. Wyman. The book is highly recommended on Amazon, mostly read by non-pilgrims, and is expensive $25 even used. The book is intriguing has anyone read the narrative?

 

[petro]

I have the e-book and enjoyed reading it.

 

[nellpilgrim]

When I walked the CF I met up with two lovely Dutch Grandma's…….they partied the hardest, were usually the last into bed -sometimes sweet taking their way in by saying they were having a 'senior moment' and forgot the time, they were the last up "we need our beauty sleep", they talked incessantly even up the 'huff n puff bits'(ok I admit to murderous thoughts then but I just didn't have the necessary O2 levels), they had the smallest 'Tardislike' packs I've ever seen and were able to lend me a sewing kit (where did they fit that in?) and when back in Holland what did they do?….well when they weren't babysitting their adored grandkids they ran marathons "just for something to do"……….hardy gals!

 

[petitewalker]

My sister does not share this obsession with all things and the Camino but she does encourage my madness. She wroteto me about a book she found in the library, "Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago" by Mary O. Wyman. The book is highly recommended on Amazon, mostly read by non-pilgrims, and is expensive $25 even used. The book is intriguing

My husband and I just finished walking from SJPP to Santiago in October. This book was the first Camino chronical I read last winter and I thoroughly recomend it.
We are in our mid 60's, and I knew if grandma could do it, so could we.

 

[Theatregal]

My sister does not share this obsession with all things and the Camino but she does encourage my madness. She wroteto me about a book she found in the library, "Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago" by Mary O. Wyman. The book is highly recommended on Amazon, mostly read by non-pilgrims, and is expensive $25 even used. The book is intriguing has anyone read the narrative?

Yes, this is one of my favourite "memoir" type books I've read about the camino. Mary is truly inspiring.

 

[vgen5122]

I have also read the book and i really enjoyed it. It made me laugh and shake my head many times. i read it twice before my camino and i am reading now after my camino. the first time i read it, the book gave me courage to go on the camino. I also enjoyed because i use to live in the same area in San Francisco and my children attended "Most Holy Redemer school"before it became an aids care unit. A person can save money by ordering the kindle edition and read it on line. I believe it costs about$8.50 or if you want to feel the book in your hands you can order one for about $7.00 plus shipping. Just look at the other prices recommended by Amazon. I found one there that ships for about $12.00 also.

 

[Susanaz]

I've read 20 or more camino narratives and this is my favorite! I just read it for the second time. Mary did the camino alone at 70 and I hope to do the same next year. Her format is a daily postcard to her 5 y/o granddaughter, her journal from the day and then a reflection written after her return to San Francisco. I love her detail, her contemplative spirit and her determination to keep going in spite of serious foot problems. Very inspiring.

 

[smj6]

Presently on Kindle for only 9.26 euro instead of 25.
Suzanne

 

[Stefania13/14]

My sister does not share this obsession with all things and the Camino but she does encourage my madness. She wroteto me about a book she found in the library, "Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago" by Mary O. Wyman. The book is highly recommended on Amazon, mostly read by non-pilgrims, and is expensive $25 even used. The book is intriguing has anyone read the narrative?

Hi Scruffy1,
I read it and found it interesting for a number of reasons. This lady did not prepare for the camino by walking etc. so she had trouble with her feet, falling, etc. She did not ask for advise along the way hardly ever. She got good advise from people and when she finally did take some of it she did better (use of walking poles comes to mind). I must say she was strong willed and persevered. I enjoyed her postcards to her granddaughter (she wrote these daily). She kept a journal as well. These made up a large part of the book. She is a meditator (a type with a Christian focus) and spoke quite a bit about that with fellow travelers.
Hope this helps!
Stefania

 

[scruffy1]

Thanks

Presently on Kindle for only 9.26 euro instead of 25.
Suzanne

Thanks AMJ, <--- a quick look at the photo to the left and you will realize that I live very comfortably in an age with few electronics, no Kindle and no cell phone, I love the touch and smell of books and if someone wants to talk with me when I'm not at home, well too bad. Thank you truly thanks for the info but...

 

[Theatregal]

Thanks

Thanks AMJ, <--- a quick look at the photo to the left and you will realize that I live very comfortably in an age with few electronics, no Kindle and no cell phone, I love the touch and smell of books and if someone wants to talk with me when I'm not at home, well too bad. Thank you truly thanks for the info but...

I have a couple of "just in case I need to read" books on my phone for my caminos but I too would always rather have the pleasure of holding and reading a book with real pages to turn. I was thinking of the vast collection of camino books we all must have between us. It would be so great if there were some way to have an international sharing (or donating) library. With postal rates though, (at least from Canada) it's probably cheaper to order books on Amazon!

 

[scruffy1]

I have a couple of "just in case I need to read" books on my phone for my caminos but I too would always rather have the pleasure of holding and reading a book with real pages to turn. I was thinking of the vast collection of camino books we all must have between us. It would be so great if there were some way to have an international sharing (or donating) library. With postal rates though, (at least from Canada) it's probably cheaper to order books on Amazon!

Shalom and Greetings from Jerusalem
Your idea is marvelous, h-o-w-e-v-e-r shipping costs are now so high that whenever I order a book, the stamps cost more than the book! International shipping is no longer something to shrug off so I order my books used or from a discount online book service. Another reason to prefer last century!

 

[Kiwi-family]

I have just used the online form to suggest that our library purchase this book. Hope to read it soon!

 

[fraluchi]

"Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago" by Mary O. Wyman. The book is highly recommended on Amazon, mostly read by non-pilgrims, and is expensive $25 even used. The book is intriguing has anyone read the narrative?

I haven't, but as a grandpa who walked Caminos 7 times, I guess the content of this book must be hilarious. The book could generate an additional wave of walkers since Coelho, Kerkeling, The Way, and other people's social networks.

 

[pilgrim b]

Hi fraluchi, yes i read the the book and it quite inspired me on my camino. I was sent my copy free by Mary a friend of a friend maybe that helps.
Even though the book cost me nothing there was lots of honest thoughts to ponder and I shall read it again one day very soon!

 

[smj6]

Thanks.... I live very comfortably in an age with few electronics, no Kindle and no cell phone, I love the touch and smell of books ......

With only 61 years under my belt, I'm clearly a youngster in this forum ;-))). However I too thought I could never NOT read from an actual book until my daughter gave me a Kindle. Living/ working in often remote areas, being able to upload such a wide range of reading material (& inexpensively) is great.
BTW, Scruffy1, for a Luddite, how come you've got a computer & use social media forums like this one?? ;-)))
Regards Suzanne

 

[scruffy1]

Shalom Suzanne and Greetinngs from Jerusalem

We Luddites do occasionally trespass and sin. Here in Israel there is no Confraternity, our Christian brothers are mostly Greek Orthodox and have no idea concerning Saint James or Santiago and still, some 120-150 Israelis arrive triumphantly in SdC every year and claim their Compostelas despite having no organization to help and poor connection with other pilgrims. Computers and this forum are our window in the arc which is the Camino and a real lifesaver for the bewildered and lost.

 

[Kanga]

Dear @scruffy1 I do love that this forum is the Confraternity for the Bewildered and Lost. I feel completely at home.

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

My sister does not share this obsession with all things and the Camino but she does encourage my madness. She wroteto me about a book she found in the library, "Grandma's on the Camino: Reflections on a 48-Day Walking Pilgrimage to Santiago" by Mary O. Wyman. The book is highly recommended on Amazon, mostly read by non-pilgrims, and is expensive $25 even used. The book is intriguing has anyone read the narrative?

I loved the book!
It's quite bulky ... maybe that explains the price?
Amongst my collection of Camino books, it has to be one of my favourites.
When I read it, I can quite imagine myself back on the camino .... though it's rather unlikely I shall ever be a grandma
Go on - treat yourself!

 

[Kiwi-family]

Our library has ordered it and I get to read it first when it arrives! YAY.

 

[Theatregal]

Our library has ordered it and I get to read it first when it arrives! YAY.

You can look forward to a wonderful read!!

 

[basquelady]

Presently on Kindle for only 9.26 euro instead of 25.
Suzanne

£2.21 for me from Amazon UK. I've read about one third at the moment and find it well-written and honest. Worth reading.

 

[Tessera]

One of the most memorable books I read before my Camino.