Reviews - The Walk | The StoryGraph

157 reviews for:

This was a fast, easy read. But it is the type of book that you need to go back and re-read more slowly and reflect on what the author is saying. It provides some self reflecting thoughts on life, death, and what our purpose is here in life. I thought it would be more of an inspirational fiction type story and in parts it was but overall it really wasn't.

literaryliz98's review against another edition

3.0

I read this book over the weekend. It was a pretty short, easy read. I was kind of bummed though, because the story ends at a real cliff hanger...apparently this is the first in a series. I wish I'd realized that up front, so I would have waited until the others were out. Now I have to wait a year to find out what happens! That said, it is a typical RPE book, with a sad storyline.

keisenbraun's review against another edition

1.0

I would have given this book zero stars, but I wanted it to be clear that my low rating was intentional. The best thing I can say about it is that it's a quick read. Otherwise, it's largely unremarkable, except for its flaws. The book begins with a flash-forward that we never return to (I guessed I missed the note that this is "the first in an unforgettable series of books" [interesting that the series is described as "unforgettable" when the sequels aren't even published yet]).

We are led to believe that the protagonist, Alan Christoffersen, walks from Seattle to Key West after losing his wife, his business, and his home. Actually (at least in this book), he only makes it as far as Spokane. The first half of the book is setup; the actual walk doesn't start until page 146 (of 289). Along the way, of course he curses God and throws a Bible against a wall. Of course he meets a woman who once tried to commit suicide and is now a walking billboard for life. Of course he meets a woman who once had a near-death experience and makes him consider the possibility of a spiritual realm. Of course he meets a woman named Angel. I mean, really?

The writing is also bland, and we're also treated to a painstakingly detailed account of every meal he eats and other non-essential tidbits such as what he is wearing, how often he shaves, and how often he stops to put on or take off his parka. The ending is abrupt, but I guess faithful readers will be treated to more of Mr. Christoffersen's tedium in part 2. I will not be among them.

tracymboyle's review

5.0

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

bookworm_mommy's review against another edition

4.0

Synopsis from Borders.com: What would you do if you lost everything�your job, your home, and the love of your life�all at the same time? When it happens to Seattle ad executive Alan Christoffersen, he�s tempted by his darkest thoughts. A bottle of pills in his hand and nothing left to live for, he plans to end his misery. Instead, he decides to take a walk. But not any ordinary walk. Taking with him only the barest of essentials, Al leaves behind all that he�s known and heads for the farthest point on his map: Key West, Florida. The people he encounters along the way, and the lessons they share with him, will save his life�and inspire yours.\nThis book was a really quick read. The chapters are short (some just a page), and the narrative really moves along. \nI love Al�s determination to just walk away from it all. I don�t know if it�s courage or stupidity on his part. He really doesn�t have anything to stay for. But still, that takes guts.\nThis first book in the series covers only the first leg of his walk. He doesn�t even move past his home state of Washington. However, he journeys many miles emotionally and learns from others along the way. And the reader gets to learn from him.\nIt�s written as a personal narrative with some bits of journaling thrown in. I can�t wait to read the second book (which is next up in my stack). Unfortunately, I�ll then need to wait until April 2012 for the third book. \n

mary00's review

4.0

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. It may be overly sentimental for some, but I enjoy a good sentimental read that pulls on the heart strings now and then. I will certainly be reading the next one in the series when it comes out.

soubhi's review

1.0

I wouldn't have picked this up if I had realized how much of a preachy religious book it was. I guess I need to read blurbs more closely.
I did read the whole thing. I found it predictable and cliche.
I really wanted it to be about walking across the country. It's not. It's about a guy who meets one person after another who all have a religious message for him. Don't let the title fool you.

tylskie's review

1.0

I read this book in a day or two. Well, I listened to it on an audiobook, so maybe my experience will be different than others. The author read the book himself, and I gotta say it really threw me off. He has a slight lisp, and so trying to get into the character of a got-the-world-on-a-string ad guy, really was not working for me. Sorry to say it, but there is a reason that actors are hired to read audiobooks.
Additionally this is the type of books that takes it's cheesy descriptors just a little too seriously, and has just the thinnest of veils on its God message. Mr Evens has also done the bad author habit of making his characters just a little too flawless, so that they the main character becomes one shade off ever being real to me. I do not think I will be pressing onward with this series.