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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I've enjoyed other books by this author, and while this was an easy and interesting read, I was disappointed in the ending. There are so many themes begging to be developed, yet the story ends. Was the author against a deadline and just quit?
Though I have enjoyed and been touched by each of them, Richard Paul Evans' books seem to mostly begin with rather depressing life events - the serious illness or death of a loved one, professional breakdowns, family problems, etc. Part way through each book, things begin to pick up, until finally, by the end of the book, the problems or challenges are resolved in some way (not always the way I anticipated, but always good).
The Walk seems to be even more filled with doom and gloom than the usual Evans novel. I couldn't see how the issues could be resolved. The two main characters seem to be deeply in love, but I came to believe that their love was built on mutual co-dependence and a shaky foundation of materialistic self-interest, albeit as a couple rather than individually. In the light of rationality, most of the bad things that happen after McKale's death should not have been unexpected. They lived a life of near complete financial misconduct, and though appearing to have the world by the tail, like many people of less apparent wealth, they were just one small misstep from financial destruction, which of course is what happens. And then it gets worse...rather than stick around and work to fix the problems, pay off creditors, and return to making a real contribution in the world, instead Evans seems to think it is somehow noble for his main character to simply walk off and leave the whole mess for others to clean up...another, even more complete, act of self-absorption.
Despite those complaints, as one who loves travel, the rest of the book captured my attention as a travelogue, albeit fictional, and Alan's cross-country walk is something I would love to do...if I could somehow set aside my responsibilities and obligations to my faith, family, and freedoms. Which of course I can't and won't. I can taste it in small doses, though, in my professional and personal travels nationally and internationally. At one point mid-way through the book, Alan says "I believe that in spite of the chains we bind ourselves with, there's a primordial section of the human psyche that is still nomadic and still yearns to roam free...Every generation has dreamed of roaming. Deep in our hearts everyone wants to walk free." I tend to agree, at least for the more restless among us, and I am one of them. The second half of the book, dealing with Alan’s walkabout, was fascinating to me, and in my own travels, I have occasionally had positive experiences similar to his with the friendliness of small town folks.
I wish the second part of The Walk series was available now.
The Walk seems to be even more filled with doom and gloom than the usual Evans novel. I couldn't see how the issues could be resolved. The two main characters seem to be deeply in love, but I came to believe that their love was built on mutual co-dependence and a shaky foundation of materialistic self-interest, albeit as a couple rather than individually. In the light of rationality, most of the bad things that happen after McKale's death should not have been unexpected. They lived a life of near complete financial misconduct, and though appearing to have the world by the tail, like many people of less apparent wealth, they were just one small misstep from financial destruction, which of course is what happens. And then it gets worse...rather than stick around and work to fix the problems, pay off creditors, and return to making a real contribution in the world, instead Evans seems to think it is somehow noble for his main character to simply walk off and leave the whole mess for others to clean up...another, even more complete, act of self-absorption.
Despite those complaints, as one who loves travel, the rest of the book captured my attention as a travelogue, albeit fictional, and Alan's cross-country walk is something I would love to do...if I could somehow set aside my responsibilities and obligations to my faith, family, and freedoms. Which of course I can't and won't. I can taste it in small doses, though, in my professional and personal travels nationally and internationally. At one point mid-way through the book, Alan says "I believe that in spite of the chains we bind ourselves with, there's a primordial section of the human psyche that is still nomadic and still yearns to roam free...Every generation has dreamed of roaming. Deep in our hearts everyone wants to walk free." I tend to agree, at least for the more restless among us, and I am one of them. The second half of the book, dealing with Alan’s walkabout, was fascinating to me, and in my own travels, I have occasionally had positive experiences similar to his with the friendliness of small town folks.
I wish the second part of The Walk series was available now.
This is probably even a bit over 4 stars for me. I really liked this book - provides the right amount of introspect, good and bad - but without being obnoxious. I was set to read another book upon completion of this and immediately changed plans and checked out "miles to go" because I couldn't wait to continue with Alan on his journey.
This book takes you on such an emotional roller coaster and teaches you to be grateful for the smallest things in your life. I’ve learned so much about life in general from this story and I can’t wait to continue on with the rest of the series to see what happens with Alan.
I read it in about three hours. It's a very easy read, but very good. The main character loses everything towards the beginning of the book-his business, his wife, his house, his friends...everything. So he decides to take off walking from Seattle to West Key, Florida. Along the way he learns life lessons, like how not to be mad at God, what friendship really is, how to truly help people, and how to get over loss. It's touching, but it's also entertaining. Worth an evening.
This is a really interesting concept for a book series. I really enjoyed this first installment, but I'm not exactly running right out to find the rest of the series. Not sure if they are on audiobook, anyway, so in the middle of a pandemic, that is limiting.
The characters are mostly believable and the use of the fictional Alan's diary as the "source" of the book is certainly unique. I'm not so sure that I would love McKele as much as Alan does. She kind of comes off as a spoiled, high-maintenance pain as described. The fact that neither of them could be bothered to pay their bills or manage their money is really odd to me as well - and it strikes a sour note to those of us to are forced to watch every penny. But it is essential to setting up the story...so I guess?
I might continue the series in the future, but I'm not guaranteeing it. Definitely has serious religious themes, so that's a thing if you aren't so certain about the merits of Christianity as a way of life.
The characters are mostly believable and the use of the fictional Alan's diary as the "source" of the book is certainly unique. I'm not so sure that I would love McKele as much as Alan does. She kind of comes off as a spoiled, high-maintenance pain as described. The fact that neither of them could be bothered to pay their bills or manage their money is really odd to me as well - and it strikes a sour note to those of us to are forced to watch every penny. But it is essential to setting up the story...so I guess?
I might continue the series in the future, but I'm not guaranteeing it. Definitely has serious religious themes, so that's a thing if you aren't so certain about the merits of Christianity as a way of life.
Wow just wow. The book is amazing. It speaks to you in a way and gives you advice that you might have heard before and puts it into a very real perspective. However it ins't at all boring or repremanding (is that the word I am trying to say?). I cannot wait until the next book.
I had great hopes for this series, but it just solidified my conclusion that I'm not a Richard Paul Evans fan. The idea of wanting to walk across the US because of grief is an interesting starting point, but his journey felt so... soul-less.
He didn't really come to any conclusions or learn anything, and it drove me nuts that every woman who met him wanted to desperately throw herself at him. Alan ended the series pretty much where he started, but a little less grief stricken. Which probably would have happened in the same amount of time without the walk.
I don't know. I thought the main character was shallow and incomplete, and I disliked being in his head for a whole journey across the US.
He didn't really come to any conclusions or learn anything, and it drove me nuts that every woman who met him wanted to desperately throw herself at him. Alan ended the series pretty much where he started, but a little less grief stricken. Which probably would have happened in the same amount of time without the walk.
I don't know. I thought the main character was shallow and incomplete, and I disliked being in his head for a whole journey across the US.
For anyone who loves a good pilgrimage and a cast of memorable people! The chapters are short and quick; I breezed through!
Strongly researched and perfectly executed. This first book of the series shows how well the author planned the route for this cross country trek that the main character is on. It does not leave much for the reader to imagine for themselves, and the details make you feel like you are on the journey with him. For anyone who has ever had dreams of traveling the United States, this book is for you!