Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. Unfortunately the book didn’t open. Thank you!

I couldn't put my finger on what put me off about the writing, but towards the end I figured it out: this book is tell-not-show. It's written mostly in diary form, which forced me to believe what they're saying without much evidence. The characters also felt like cardboard cut-outs of themselves. Overall nearly every single one of the main characters' plot fell completely flat for me, hence why it took me a million years to finish the book.

Despite the negatives, towards the end I found myself rooting and caring for the wise and comforting old man they'd found along the way. Surprisingly, him and his story got me invested enough to upgrade to 2 stars.

Overall, this book wasn't for me, but there's nothing objectively wrong with it.

I really liked this one quite a bit! I found the concept interesting and the way the story was told to be something that I enjoyed.

The multiple points of view was a great touch to this story. Such a heartfelt book following these 6 kids as the learn that they found family with eachother. I loved this book.

This book snagged my interest immediately upon reading the synopsis. Unfortunately I am not the right reader for this one. The pacing felt very slow and it did not hold my interest. I will not be sharing my thoughts/opinions on this title outside of NetGalley.

My Review:

Fair warning, I am friends with Kevin. No, we’ve never met person to person, but via social media and MuseItUp Publishing we do know each other. No, I’ve never worked with Kevin.

Why this distinction? Simply put, this will be one of my raving reviews and it’s because Kevin has written a story and group of characters that I cannot forget. I have laughed with them; cried with them; yelled at their author (as much as you can yell through twitter, but still in a nice way, at least my intention was to be nice.) Kevin will put you through the emotional ringer with this story.

I know Kevin has done this trip himself, so he knows the area and experiences his characters are facing for their first time. I’ve seen his photos and can place them directly in this book…meaning he has the details painted in words for you. Now this is important in order to set the stage in your mind’s eye; however, it’s in the emotion where the story unfolds.

These teens aren’t your “bad” teens. They’re lost. They’re struggling to find their way, even to be seen. As a mom, my heart hurts. I want to gather them up close and protect them. This is one reason they will not be leaving me after I’ve closed the book and this review is posted.

I’ve been haunted by the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Kevin’s characters, and his writing. Going back to MuseItUp Publishing, the truth is, I have not read any of Kevin’s other books. I have heard their praise, but I just haven’t made the time. And for that I am sorry.

Maybe The Camino Club arrived when I was ready. Maybe timing just slapped me upside the head, finally. I don’t know, but I am thankful.

I knew kids like these characters, both growing up with them and a few of my own teen’s friends. Sure, breaking the law got them here, but if that’s what was needed for them to grow and be themselves, accept themselves and others, it was a small price. Yeah, it’s easy to say that when it’s a fictional price, but that’s what books are supposed to give us…hope.

I’m probably going off track here, but The Camino Club made me glad I stopped and read it. I’ve walked away from this book having been enveloped. Yeah, I’m going off on the whoo-hoo feeling. There’s not many books that have buried themselves in me like this one.

I have laughed. I have cried, boy have I cried. I’ve hurt and I’ve been lifted up. I’ve gone through this story remembering my teen years, living my current years, and as a mom. The age level on the Amazon site reads 12-99…too true.

Kevin and I are just a couple of years different in age, but we both know the movie connection…The Camino Club….The B…….. Club. Misfits uniting. I loved that movie. It brings fun memories and its message hits home. However, The Camino Club has claimed me.

I know, this review may come across as wishy-washy and overly gushing, that’s my fault for not being able to separate my reaction to these words and writing from a distance - a point of clarity and observation. Heck, when I opened this document I had intended to just set up the information and leave the writing till tomorrow, but…yeah, sometimes words really do just flow out of you.

So, what did my initial notes read like? Clear teen voices. Moves quickly, smoothly. Can feel their awe. Learning from others – see through their eyes. No, we are not alike. It’s okay to need help. Uhm…Chapter Eighteen….yeah, I yelled at Kevin. We’re all dweeps when we’re crushing.

MISSINGNESS!!!!! Saudade. BASTIEN! Kevin, did you meet a Bastien?

Discovery of belief in self and in others.

This book, yes, I bought the paperback after receiving the eBook, goes on my shelf to stay.

A fast paced read. Three POV’s, easy to tell apart. Likable characters. Diversity in color and sexuality. This is a book I stumbled upon on NetGalley and just wanted to try. Because the premise seemed interesting. Six Canadian teens who walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain instead of going to juvie for the crimes they committed.

From the start this story got my attention. The writing is direct and blunt with a lot of dialogue and banter in it. Although some of them seem surly at first, the teens are all likable. Despite their differences they bond, even with their counselors/guides Gil and Meagan and fellow walkers Bastien and Kei who they meet, walking the Camino. I really liked Bastien, the way he helped Diego and stayed with the group. And the other way round, six teens who bond so strongly with a seventy-four-year old man. The references to ‘The Breakfast Club’ were great.

The scenery is beautifully showed but somehow I missed some depth at times. I could have done with a little less description and a little more inside to the teen’s characters, who they really were and why they did what they did. The blunt and direct writing is the style I like most. I have one issue though that could have been solved by editing the story better. The author uses the words see and hear a lot and they pulled me out of the story over and over. It might be a minor detail because the pages flew by and the story never got boring. But still.

Overall it’s a really nice book that I’d like to recommend if you like different POV’s, a beautiful scenery and diverse characters that grow during the story.

3,5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I was intrigued by this book's premise-- a group of misbehaving teens sent to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Hit a bunch of buttons for me -- YA, travel, religion. But the characters just didn't grab me and I found I wasn't interested in their journeys.

This book is great, All of the characters were fleshed out despite only having the points of view from the three main characters. This book made me cry because it was that emotional, I could almost feel Bastien's pain from losing his daughter and his wife and Diego's pain when he lost his grandmother. I found Claire's character in particular interesting because of how it relates to the other characters', out of everyone we meet in this book her story is the worst, Not worst as in her story is bad worst as in her story is easily one of the saddest. Claire's home life isn't the greatest, she's gay and as she says in the book she was out at home and school and then wasn't anymore. The reason she walks the trail is because she was sent to conversion therapy by her parents and when her parents convinced themselves that she needed to complete the program after the doctors said she could go home she went on a rampage and destroyed a lot of things. While on the trip she meets Troy who is also gay and befriends him, she confides in Troy that she wants to runaway while she's there and get lost in Europe because she doesn't want to go back to that, she doesn't want to go back to hiding who she is. I could talk about these characters forever and a day and still have more to say, the story is so big, so enticing I couldn't put my e-reader down because it felt like watching a movie when if you look away even for a second you miss something big.

Oh boy, this book just stole my heart and I’m not mad about it. This story follows a group of Canadian teen criminals as they walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Spain as payment for their crimes in place of juvie. Even though most of them don’t initially want to be there, what unfolds on this journey will stick with every one of them forever and will leave them forever changed.

I absolutely fell in love with these characters. There’s 6 teens that go on this life changing pilgrimage, but the story is told from the perspective of 3 of them. They each come from such different backgrounds and it was so fun to see friendship and romance grow amongst the group as they got to know each other more. I loved that all the characters were different ethnicities and sexualities, yet found common ground with each other and really bonded by the end. This book definitely gave me The Breakfast Club vibes and I’m glad the author included that in both the title and the plot of the book. I really felt like I walked the Camino with these characters and I was honestly sad to part with them at the end of the book. You bet your bottom I cried the entire last 1/4 of the book because I wasn’t ready to see this journey end. The bonds these characters created just warmed my heart and I wanted to read about their little found family forever.

So, I think it’s safe to say I loved this book. The 6 little criminals stole my heart as well as the people they met along the way and I’m so happy I read this one. I really can’t recommend it enough. Walking the Camino de Santiago is definitely going on my bucket list now!

*Thank you to Netgalley & Interlude Press for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

A group of teenager delinquents accepted a punishment of a walk/hike across Spain in exchange for their records being cleaned.
Opinion
Modern day breakfast club? The book even mentions the similarity. I really liked this books. The characters are all tough and trying to prove themselves but along the way something changes. They stop thinking about themselves so much and start to think of others. This is a feel good book.

This is a road trip of a different kind. We follow an eclectic group of teenagers -- a little bit delinquent, a little bit neglected, and a lot in need of empathy -- across a section of the Camino Way, a route travelled by pilgrims, through Spain for many centuries. Researching this journey, I discovered that there are quite a few different routes a tourist can choose. Our young Canadians travel from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela, (see map below) walking many kilometres a day through amazing landscapes and historic villages, and not for fun, or as part of a school trip. These kids are strangers to each other before they begin what is basically a punishment as a consequence of their (relatively low-level) offenses. It was this or go into Juvenile detention. Not much choice, really, and for one of them, it’s actually on his bucket list!

Trent, the bucket list offender, is one of three narrative threads, and I think I enjoyed his feisty, no filter, unapologetic voice the most. As an out and proud gay young man, Trent has struggled, yet he remains vibrant and optimistic, and shows a generous big heart. The other two points of view are Diego, a Latino boy raised by his single mother and Abuela, and Shania (not Twain, thank you very much!) a hot headed angry young woman, mostly unlikeable at the start, who develops a crush on Diego, (which, you'll be pleased to know, is returned).

There are three other teenagers on the pilgrimage – Claire, Manny and Greg – but we only view them through the eyes of the other kids. This means we don’t really get to know them as well. Right at the beginning, Manny and Diego joke about being like The Breakfast Club crowd (hence the pronouncement ‘The Camino Club’), and it is actually a little bit like that: They are a range of ethnicities, with different socio economic backgrounds (& crimes), but ultimately, it is the ways in which they are similar that paves the way to find common ground and bond.

The Camino Clubbers are supervised by Gilbert and Meagan, a pair of counsellors, who keep them on the path (literally), but who are also there as guides and mentors. I can understand the role they are meant to play, but I was disappointed that readers are not given more of these interactions on the page. We are told that the eight of them will assemble at least once a day to share their experiences, unburden their troubles, presumably to develop a group bond. But the focus on encounters between two or three of the group at any one time means that a lot of their individual growth happens through these smaller dialogues, with the group bond developing almost incidentally. Craig also introduces a character called Bastien, an old man who joins them and acts as a parental figure, and while he is genuine, warm-hearted and responsible for many of my tears, I think he diminishes the roles of Gil and Meagan.

I enjoyed walking along these trails with these troubled teenagers. It becomes clear that they have had tough lives, through absent or narrow-minded parents, and through bullying and societal expectations. While it takes them a while (some more than others. I am looking at you Greg!) to face their actions and take responsibility, it’s also hard to imagine that such a trip wouldn’t have a profound effect. The community of pilgrims is tangible, and the demonstration of kindness and inclusivity is palpable, so their eyes are opened up to a world that’s bigger than themselves. They see their behaviours as they are: selfish and reckless, and are challenged to be better. They know now that there are others who have their back. This little group is strong and by the end of the book, we understand they will be okay, especially if they continue to support each other through difficult times.

Thanks to Duet Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I have not been lucky enough to journey along the Camino Way, so I loved living vicariously through Trent, Diego and Shania. Recommended for readers who love their protagonists damaged but not broken, who are interested in seeing new places, and who love snarky sometimes shouty conversation. I haven't mentioned it, but there is also grief here, but the healing is strong with the growth of characters an important part of the story. The Camino Club is out (but not in Aus) on October 6.

I had pretty high hopes for this book and was so excited for the direction it would go and I think I was let down a little bit. This book was good, don’t get me wrong, it was a solid read, but it wasn’t great or something I’d ever reread.

This book is about a journey to the Camino de Santiago following many characters (“delinquents”) thus the characters should have been at the forefront of the book. I don’t think the characters were anything different or special than others I’ve seen in books. Certain characters like Diego was going through grief and then half way through the reason Claire was sent to the program was shocking, but instead of expanding on those moments, the author spent a lot of time describing the characters just walking and eating at restaurants. There’s nothing wrong with that, that’s part of the journey as well, but I was just left craving more depth from the characters. I was really happy with the LQBTQIA+ rep so if you’re interested in a book with that, this one definitely highlights that.

Usually my reviews are longer, but I just didn’t feeling myself feeling a certain way (good or bad) towards this book. I’m glad I read it because it did pique my interest when I picked it up, but it just didn’t keep my interest the whole time. Everything was just so vague.

Characters: 5/10
Atmosphere: 6/10
Writing Style: 5/10
Plot: 5/10
Intrigue: 6/10
Logic: 5/10
Enjoyment: 6/10

Rating: 5.43 or 3 stars

I really enjoyed my time with this book. So this is about 6 teens in Wich you specifically follow 3 perspectives. And these teens have had the choice between going to juvenile detention or walking the Camino. They walk the Camino.

I loved all the perspectives in this book. And it dealt with so much. This books shows that 9 out of 10 times there is a reason why kids act out and that they should be given a second chance. I loved the diversity in this book to. I almost cried a few times.
There wasn't anything wrong with the book but I didn't really connect with it. But that is because of me and not the book itself. And that is also why I'm giving it a 3.5 but I would really recommend it if you enjoye the kind of stories.

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review

The story is about six teens that have broken the law and are sentenced to walk Camino de Santiago in Spain as their punishment

I was all over this book when I saw it listed on NetGalley. I love books about hiking and the cover was pretty and it was listed as LGBTQ which is another thing I love so I ended up refreshing the page every day to see if I'd get to read it

Overall I wasn't impressed with this book. I thought that none of the characters hit the mark and I felt they all seemed very flat and I didn't feel like I had an attachment to any of them, one of them even introduces themselves as an average guy with nothing interesting to say. i think the worst character for me was Bastien. He is an old French man who helps one of the boys up when he falls. He spouts mystical rubbish throughout the book and the POV characters keep talking about how great he is and how we should all love him

My next issue is similar to my issue with Bastien. All through the book the characters talked about how their journey was so magical, I really felt like this was the author telling me how magical the story should be as I was with them for their "journey" but just because you say its magical doesn't make it true

Despite my issues with the characters, the story was inoffensive and pleasant enough. The writing style was nice and the overall theme of friendship was fun. Maybe I'm a bitter person who failed to see the joy in the characters so you should read this book yourself and tell me how wrong I am?

#ARC #Netgalley

First, the cover of The Camino Club is gorgeous! I love it.

This is a story of six Toronto teenagers who are strangers to each other, but have one thing in common before they all meet: They are all little criminals on their way into the Juvenile Detention System. Lucky for them, they are offered a chance to wipe their record clean by committing to The Walk Youth Diversion Program, which is a long two-week journey of walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

As they spend more time walking the historic pilgrimage path together, taking in the beautiful scenery, exploring religious landmarks, and experiencing gorgeous sunsets, they come to realize that each person is struggling with life differently. Some of them are able to share their secrets, and some of them don’t want to divulge anything. Some find it hard to let go of their tough high school reputations and their stubborn attitudes. When an unexpected death happens, it brings out deeper emotions in a few of them; emotions difficult to hide.

This is a wonderful story that explores many difficult topics that will cause the need for a discussion once you finish reading it. I should mention a few trigger warnings for teens who might not be able to handle reading about teenage crime, homophobic bullying, homophobic parents, conversion therapy, and death.

The only issue I had with the story is the multiple references to The Breakfast Club movie. I have never watched this movie, but maybe I should? However, these references had no real impact on the storytelling of this adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and Interlude Press for offering me the chance to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review. The Camino Club is available for purchase on October 5, 2020.

A must-read novel that perfectly encapsulates the emotional, physical, and mental struggles of those embarking on a strenuous journey through the mountains of Spain.

Craig's novel demonstrates how powerful the healing qualities of the natural world and support from complete strangers can have on those who are in pain. When given a break from their everyday lives and placed in the wilderness of Spain, the characters became distanced from their own problems and were given another chance to live, to be who they truly were without outside pressure.

"The Camino Club" follows three perspectives but is centered around six troubled kids who get sent on a hike through Spain's mountains to sort out their issues, rather than face time in juvie. As they embark on this journey, the group must come to terms with their own issues while learning to be open-minded and considerate of the problems their fellow hikers are dealing with, otherwise, the terrain they walk will become more treacherous to walk and full of tension.

A beautiful story that presents the stunning and vivid scenery of Spain's landscape and the special, precious moments that will never be forgotten on a once in a lifetime hike where people from across the world gather to experience nature's beauty. "The Camino Club" is an emotional novel that gets at the core of what it takes to find healing amongst painful and traumatic experiences. Look for this novel, expected to be published on October 6th, 2020 with Interlude Press.

Thank you to Netgalley and Interlude Press for giving me the opportunity to read an e-arc of "The Camino Club" by Kevin Craig in exchange for an honest review.

I highly enjoyed this story. What can I say? The emotional rollercoaster I went through reading this novel. The suspense was well written, and it kept me on my toes. What's this walk? What's gonna happen? The three teens, who were given the option of going to juvie or going on a pilgrimage across Spain, do much self-reflection about their lives and circumstances. The teens, Diego, Shania, and Troy, were all at a point in their lives where they needed to really get their stuff together. To the point writing. Dynamic characters. I do recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA contemporary.

The review will be posted on my blog - September 6, 2020

This is one of those times that you should judge a book by its cover because what unfolds in the pages is as beautiful as the artwork you see above! Kevin Craig has crafted a story of epic proportions that still manages to focus down on the most important things in life.

Diego, Manny, Shania, Claire, Greg, and Troy have all found themselves in trouble. They've also all been given the opportunity of a lifetime.. forego any official punishment and walk the Camino de Santiago with court-appointed chaperones. The teens have mixed reactions to beginning such a trek. Reactions vary from thinking it's the adventure of a lifetime to plotting an escape.

The teens or "pilgrims" begin their pilgrimage in Ponferadda, Spain - uncertain of themselves, leary of each other, and annoyed by their chipper counselor/guides. They must hike, meet as a group to debrief and bond, and keep an active journal. 

This book is told through a few narrators and in a couple of different ways. Sometimes, the reader is treated to the mandatory journal entries that some of the pilgrims are writing. I loved the entries, as they gave me a chance to settle back into the mind of the character when there was a switch of POV. The journals also gave a kind of back-stage pass to some of the things that the teens were going through. Each of the characters has a very distinct voice and different energy so I found it easy to stick with each story.

There's a lot going on for the characters in this novel but the story doesn't ever escape Kevin Craig. They are a marvelous author and it's clear from the beginning of The Camino Club that they have a love both the trail and the characters they have created. It was an absolute delight to watch the growth and challenges that each character faced. The descriptions of the trail, the buildings, and the people the pilgrims meet on their journey are intriguing and delightful; it was almost possible to imagine I was walking along with them.

I was really thrilled to see that the characters displayed a wide range of emotions in the book. I find, sometimes, that YA characters seem almost stereotypical. I would definitely argue that's not the case of Craig's characters. Each of the teens is surprising in some way... perhaps they may seem "typical" on the surface but as they travel it's made clear that there is a lot going on for each of them. 

They face some very real and timely issues as they walk together. For instance, Troy is teased about being gay... he's fine with it at first and then realizes that it has crossed over to the "meanness" that's he's come to associate with bullying. As hurt as he is by the words... he finds the courage to speak up about it. I loved that the teens in the story were often the ones who were having very real conversations with each other about what was and wasn't okay. 

Ultimately, I would say this book is about finding your tribe as you find out more about who you are. There are losses along the way, bonds are forged and broken. Like the film The Breakfast Club which the characters discuss a few times, these teens will stay with you.