I often thought about doing a pilgrimagewalk, but it's so daunting! But for those interested in doing one, this book may well be a good place to start planning for it. It covers basic: walking to get used to the distance of the pilgrimage, how to arrange the trip (tour or solo), where to sleep various (rough it, plan stays ahead of walk, have an agent do it for you), carry your own gear (and what to take or leave behind), sightsee or not,... the book seems to cover all the bases. As a mostly armchair journeryer these days, I enjoyed reading about the different routes and things and people one might meet along the way. `I may make a trip yet!
The author, having walked the routes, seems a pretty good authority on the subject.

Pilgrimages (and, more specifically, the Camino de Santiago) have popped up in my mind (and, frankly, my social feeds, LOL) every so often--both before and after the pandemic. So this book was good timing!

I really enjoyed seeing some different pilgrimage options beyond the Camino de Santiago; Britain is near and dear to my heart, yet I really didn't know anything about pilgrimages there. The book certainly whetted my appetite to start there--the Camino is great, and Spain is great (I've been twice), but man, my heart is in England. I have a feeling any pilgrimage I'd do there would be its own level of special.

Penn's _Pilgrimage_ combines travel guide and memoir, sometimes slightly unevenly (as though it weren't sure which to be). Sometimes the combo worked quite well; other times, less so. But, I particularly appreciated the questions and resources at the end of each chapter, and I'm sure i'll refer back to both during my own planning sessions.

Penn writes engagingly and thoughtfully; I was drawn in to her story from the get-go. As a Christian myself, it did make me sad to read about her departure from the faith, and to see it so bluntly in black and white.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of, Pilgrimage, by J.F. Penn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have been on a few pilgrimages and loved them. I enjoyed this book, it was a good but short read on pilgrimages, mainly walking pilgrimages, how to prepare, what to bring, etc.

This is a beautiful book which is also wonderfully written. I knew who the author was from her Creative Penn website so was curious to read about her three pilgrimages. This book delved into the nitty-gritty of preparation, as well as the author's own thought processes before, during and after the pilgrimages. Those thought processes were a gut-punch in a lot of places, revealing raw and powerful emotions which are relatable on so many levels. I thought that was an important book (even though I am not a hiker or a pilgrim. I do enjoy reading about historical places, however.) Definitely a recommended, essential read.