Audiobook Review: To Walk It Is to See It by Kathy Elkind
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For many of us, a walk is an important part of every day. But, for most of us, that means a few miles around the neighborhood or a walk on our favorite trail. In the audio edition of To Walk It Is to See It: 1 Couple, 98 Days, 1400 Miles on Europe’s GR5, though, author Kathy Elkind takes readers on a very different kind of walk.
The story follows Kathy and her husband, Jim, on a walking adventure through Europe. Kathy and Jim have always been active and adventurous—so, after their kids were grown and out of the house, they decided to take an extended vacation to walk the GR5, a trail that travels through 1400 miles of Europe, passing through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. The book follows the couple on their journey, as they battled sickness, storms, and occasional mishaps throughout their trek through mountains and small villages.
As the couple makes their way along the trail, they meet new people and occasionally connect with friends—but they also have a lot of time on their own, to think. And while the book talks about the trails and the villages, the accommodation hassles, and the stunning scenery, the author also takes the time to discuss the other things that went through her mind throughout the walk. She discusses her struggles with dyslexia, her unhealthy childhood relationship with food, and even her marriage. While these topics often feel more like filler than like an important part of the story, they do allow readers to get to know the author well.
Along the way, it becomes clear why the author chose to narrate her own story—but the narration sometimes feels awkward and stiff, her New England accent often coming through. And while there’s something special about hearing about the journey in the author’s words—and in her voice—there are times when I wished she’d gone with a professional narrator instead.
Still, through the story’s ups and downs—its good points and its not-so-good—this story is a fascinating one, allowing readers to join on this remarkable journey. It’s sure to encourage you to get out more—to explore more and to venture out to places you’ve never walked before.
To Walk It Is to See It is an often inspiring choice for listening during your daily walk. Though it sometimes wanders into unrelated topics, joining in the author’s adventure will make you want to go on an adventure of your own.
Pros:
– Inspiring travelogue of the ups and downs of long-distance walking
– Follows real middle-aged people on a real adventure
– Explores the author’s personal journey
Cons:
– Author’s narration can be awkward
– Tends to wander off on unrelated tangents
You can find To Walk It Is to See It in various formats on Amazon.
