Stephanie Sullivan: Review - Walking with Sam

TITLE: Walking with Sam

RATING: ★★★★

RELEASE DATE: May 9th, 2023

Summary (from Goodreads): An intimate, funny, and poignant travel memoir following New York Times bestselling author and actor Andrew McCarthy as he walks the Camino de Santiago with his son Sam.

When Andrew McCarthy's eldest son began to take his first steps into adulthood, McCarthy found himself wishing time would slow down. Looking to create a more meaningful connection with Sam before he fled the nest, as well as recreate his own life-altering journey decades before, McCarthy decided the two of them should set out on a trek like few 500 miles across Spain's Camino de Santiago.

Over the course of the journey, the pair traversed an unforgiving landscape, having more honest conversations in five weeks than they'd had in the preceding two decades. Discussions of divorce, the trauma of school, McCarthy's difficult relationship with his own father, fame, and Flaming Hot Cheetos threatened to either derail their relationship or cement it. Walking With Sam captures this intimate, candid and hopeful expedition as the father son duo travel across the country and towards one another.

REVIEW: Okay… I will wholeheartedly admit that the main reason I wanted to read this book is because I spent most of the 80’s (my teenage years) pining after Andrew McCarthy. His posters blanketed my bedroom walls, and I could recite every line from his movies (especially Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire). But, anyway, I digress. I will also confess that I had never heard of the Camino de Santiago until I read this book. One of the main highlights of this story - in my opinion - is Andrew’s telling of the Camino’s history. This was my first time reading his work, and he has such a beautiful and eloquent way with words. I could almost picture in my mind every detail of their walk, from the cathedrals to the rustic towns along the way and all the fascinating people they met in between. When they finally reached Santiago, I cheered right along with them. I can only imagine what a truly amazing experience it was for them to share this adventure together. Well done, gentlemen…well done! 👏

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).