Genre: Travel Books | Pages: 362
Star rating:
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Book Introduction by Rand Bishop:
In 2017, broken-hearted over the state of mean-spirited, hyper-partisan vitriol in these United States, I decided to do something fraught with potential peril... I walked home from Southern California to the Central Oregon Coast. Here's what makes this 900-mile trek even more insane: I was 67 at the time, with a history of chronic foot and knee issues, limited camping experience, and absolutely zero knowledge about long-distance hiking.
I've recounted that once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing adventure in a forthcoming memoir entitled, TREK: My PeacePilgrimage in Search of a Kinder America.
My review:
Let me start of by saying that I just had to love the way the author approached me for a review. I could sense the good spirited man behind the email. I went though the quickly and experienced everything the author did. I realized how there’s no way not to be changed after undertaking such an endeavor. It seems to provide answers and fills his trek with purpose in unexpected ways. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it wanting to know more.
As an Indian, I'm looking at America from another American's eye and not what Hollywood tries to portray and can see how similar and yet so different we all are. We are inconsiderate, arrogant and racists in our own ways and how a lot of us are making a conscious effort to address this gives me hopes about humanity. I resonated with the author when he said that "we’ve always managed to weather the turmoil, all the while evolving into a beautiful-but-messy, multi-cultural gumbo". He also goes on to tell that we seemed to be devolving into an unkind, cowardly nation of lazy-headed blamers, whiners, and name-callers- Although I believe that some part of is true only to an extent where this existed even before the millennial.
In this book, Rand Bishop - a 67 year old man hiked from Southern California to the Central Oregon Coast with a beagle and a modified cart- Pilgrimmobile he calls it. He did it with a desire and hope that the trail would be his pathway to find a kinder America. He wasn’t a hiker or athlete. He had no youth but determination, and a sense of purpose on his side along with the beagle. This is a gripping story about the author’s experience hiking the Trail, over a 90 day period.This book is much more than a guide for hikers. Rand wanted to make an impact. He wanted to make a truly meaningful action. So he though - I can walk. I can play the guitar. And, I can sing. So, that’s what I’ll do.
The 67 year old talks about his prep work to develop the right positive mindset by a comprehensive daily practice of visualization and affirmation over a period of years and I truly appreciate the determination and commitment one must have to achieve this for I know this is something that doesn't come by easily. He mentions a quote that is very close to this outlook in his book, that goes -"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” — Peace Pilgrim. Over this course, he is faced by the emotional conflict to choose between family and his intentions and the psychological struggle is real.
Throughout his journey, the author describes several influences and events that is defining the 20th century in the United States including and not limited to the Trump elections. Apart from having strong opinions about these events and having experienced different array of human personality traits, beliefs and faith from Dede and Bob, Kimberly and Henry, Rand finds humor even while he is alone with his thoughts and doesn't let his spirits tarnish.
I was as happy as the author when he realized that the country might not be as mean as he thought. He goes through a series of obstacles that he over comes with himself and the dog, with lodging and food. It is wonderful to see how the author was open to new learnings, to the vulnerability and to even have an open mind such as his at his age. There were several entertaining parts to the story, but mostly a window to how humans think- how we are all conditioned in our own ways.
Another beautiful statement that the author made was -"The God I believe in doesn’t tell me what to think. The God I believe in is what I think, added to the sum total of every thought that has ever been conceived or ever will be conceived" and it truly helps you see a new perspective to life experiences.
Towards the end, the Epilogue is a perfect summary to the story and the message he wishes to deliver.
For some reason, I’m attracted to real life stories of adventure, especially those with a huge amount of personal struggle and hardship. Having life altering experience? Struggling with life choices? Having a chaotic life? Count me in. No, I won’t go with you, not literally, but I’ll be there to cheer you on after you write about it.
About the author:
Rand Bishop is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, musician, singer, and platinum music producer. He has also authored five books, penned award-winning/optioned screenplays, stage plays, and a long-running magazine column. Know more about him on his website: www.randbishop.com.
About the book:
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