To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim's Journey to Santiago de Compostela

Bought this book after my own "pilgrimage" to Santiago de Compostela, albiet via airplane. Having witnessed the physical and spiritual beauty of Santiago and spectacular Cathedral and now read Father Codd's account of his journey, I feel compelled to return. This time it will be on foot so that I too can gain the full experience so wonderfully brought to life by Father Codd in "To The Field of Stars". Whether or not one ever has an opportunty to complete such a journey or to visit this spectacular part of the world, all can enjoy the experience through Father Codd's writing. This is fun to read; it not only inspires but entertains as well.

The story of this man's pilgrimage can be a metaphor for our walk of life. The human encounters and the spiritual insights are worth reading many times. I highly recommend it to anyone!

Kevin's book really describes the daily routine of the "Camino". The "Camino" is this friendship and fellowship among the pilgrims. It reflects with rich and live details the saga of a pilgrim. And I can affirm it, because I was one the Camino's family members that Kevin mentions on his book. I had the privilege to walk along with him and our other family members. Kevin thank you for this wonderful book.

In preparation for walking the Camino de Santiago later this year, I have read several accounts of pilgrim journeys. None has spoken to me as clearly to me as Kevin Codd's book. His humanity shines through the pages as he writes of both external and internal joys and challenges along the way. I read the book over a period of a couple of weeks, at a pace of one or two chapters a day. Nearing the end, I began to feel a sense of what I imagine is the rhythm of the Camino. This is a book that offers a beautiful experience in the reading.

After reading this book I've ordered several more for friends and family - a great read! What I liked most is that while Kevin walked the camino he looked - and acted - pretty much like everyone else. Few seemed to suspect, at least initially, that under that scruffy external appearance walked a deeply devout and religious man. Thus the conversations he relates were not restrained by how people might have expected a priest to behave - nor how one was supposed to behave in the company of a priest. To the other pilgrims he apparently came across a regular guy who liked to drink beer, and when irritated enough, could cuss as well as the rest. For anyone who has already done the camino, it will certainly bring back fond memories, and make them live again, as you follow the author, trudging from albergue to albergue, blisters and all. If you haven't already done the camino, you should certainly find a great deal in this book stimulating you to get on and do it yourself - without creating any illusions that such a pilgrimage would be like a big picnic! And finally, even those who are adverse to the idea of walking or biking the camino will certainly be fed spiritually and emotionally, by the many inner reflections that Father Codd shares with us as he walks along the pilgrim way of St. James.