Title: See You Along the Way: Reflections of a Veteran Hiking the Camino De Santiago
Author: Colonel Tracey Meck
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1642998986
Pages: 566
Genre: Christian Books & Bibles
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Hollywood Book Reviews
Whenever a person gets to a major milestone in their life, it is only natural to feel a need for a period of self-reflection. To stare into one’s own reflection in essence, or to look back upon the life they’ve led thus far, and see not only how they get to where they are but where they should go next, is not only common – but a rite of passage. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”
In author and Colonel Tracey Meck’s See You Along the Way: Reflections of a Veteran Hiking the Camino De Santiago, the author explores her incredible journey along the infamous pilgrimage known as “The Way of Saint Jam.” A journey of self-reflection after retiring from her military career, the author highlights not only their life in service of the United States Military but shows the spiritual growth she undergoes on this adventure in an effort to find her identity once more and prove to herself that she has the ability to overcome great challenges on this pilgrimage two years after her first attempt at the task.
A detailed and heartfelt expression of growth and strength in the face of adversity, this book is a marvelous read. The author does an incredible job of utilizing imagery and setting to highlight the adventure itself, showcasing the ancient and powerful pilgrimage in which so many have traversed before, while also showcasing the strength it takes to undergo a life of service to so many different causes; from the cause of a military life to the cause of volunteer work and faith as well. While the book is a lengthy read, the author does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in and capturing their attention early on, perfectly balancing the details and adventure with the raw emotions and reflection highlighted in this read.
This is the perfect book for those who enjoy non-fiction reads, especially those which incorporate travel and memoir-style storytelling with faith and spiritual reflection. The overall message of self-reflection and growing as a person can be felt in every page of this story, and the author’s hold-no-bars approach to telling her story is a breath of fresh air in this genre.
An emotional, engaging and thoughtful travel and adventure memoir with a faith-based underlying theme, author and Colonel Tracy Meck’s See You Along the Way: Reflections of a Veteran Hiking the Camino De Santiago is a must-read book. The story is told with heart and reflection, while the author’s words highlight a lifetime of sacrifice and service which speaks to the passion for which the author writes.