Rating: 
Summary: Shirley's Experience of the Camino
Review: I have enjoyed all of Shirley Maclaine's books. I appreciate that she is so candid with her beliefs and experiences. I listened to the audio version of "the Camino" and really loved hearing her tell her own story.
Her experiences are very far out and may be found to be a little too much for some readers. However, if you are a seeker of spiritual truth from a metaphysical point you will be captivated.
If you are looking for a down to earth story on a pilgrimage then this is not for you. However if you like Shirley Maclaines witt, intelligence, and openess, AND you are open to consider all possibilites, then you may very well enjoy this book.
I also recommend "Circle of Tears" by Jeanne Marie Antoinette
Rating: 
Summary: I want my money back
Review: After reading this book as the monthly selection for our book group, I must say that I have never before read a book where I felt like I had been so "had". This drivel would not have made it past the first reading at the publisher's if the author had not been a celebrity. If you are seeking any information about the Camino, this is not the book you are looking for. Looking for stories about former lives spent in Atlantis, or visits by extraterrestials? That's about all you'll find here.
Rating:
Summary: A journey of self absorption
Review: I completed the Pilgrimage to Santiago on June 8, this year and received my 'Compostela'. During my walk along the Road of St James, I heard many comments about Ms MacLaine's book, both positive and negative. I had read the book immediately prior to leaving and, although I had formed a negative impression, I was willing to see what my experiences on the 'Camino' would be. I found that the great majority were doing the walk (or bicycle ride) for spiritual and religious reasons. A smaller number were doing the walk for recreation re a Lonely Planets Walking Guide and a still smaller number were there only for a history/culture walk. The largest number after the spiritual pilgrims were those on the Road looking for 'New Age' awareness, energy healings, reincarnation experiences and such, per Ms MacLaine's book. They were a jarring note as they seemed to be universally loud and inconsiderate, in contrast to the 'true pilgrims' who were just as universally considerate and friendly. The 'New Agers' seemed just as superficial as I had found Ms MacLaine's book to be. The other exception I had to 'Camino' was the sloppy history concerning Charlemagne. He spent four months in Spain in 778 at the invitation of a disident Moorish Prince and only succeded in burning and sacking Pamplona on the way home. His Army was ambushed in the pass of Roncevalles and Charlemagne fled into France leaving most of his men to the Basque attackers. He never had anything to do with the Pilgrim Road. St James' bones were only discovered by a hermit in Galicia, 400 miles west of Pamplona in 813, the year before Charlemagnes' death. I think the book is summed up by the comments of a warden at the Albergue (Pilgrim's Hostel) in Pamplona when he said 'Ms MacLaine's book is the worst thing to ever happen to the Camino de Santiago'. If you want to read about the Way of St James, then don't pick up this book. If you want to read Ms MacLaines' philosophy about reincarnation and the energy of 'ley lines' then this might be for you.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a must read for all who are genuinely searching
Review: This is a must read for all who are genuinely walking on a spiritual path. In my opinion this is the first text I have come in contact with, that helped me making sense of religion, clarifying the origins and purpose of mankind. Unlike religious texts it does not instill the fear of punishment coming from God (or whatever you wish to call it) for our mistakes; and unlike new age texts it does not tell us that no matter what we do it will be alright...we are the makers of our own destiny, and by default, affecting the lives of the people around us. Based on the accounts and recollections, it clearly expresses how and why the responsibility and effects of our actions are truly only our own. I feel enriched by its content and information, and it truly made me think about myself and the world around me. Although It is dwelling on the fine line between imagination and truth (and my belief system states they are one and the same...) I think that who chooses to take this information as 100% imaginative should still be able to grasp the value of the lessons it carries: such as our responsibility as individuals to our planet and community. I am thankful that Shirley MacLaine has the courage and the strength to share such a deeply intimate experience with the rest of us, teaching by example that our own inner questions, doubts and fears can be addressed and answered: we all have these questions, however most of us are too afraid to face them, in fear of having to change and reconsider everything we thought we knew by realizing we do not.
Rating:
Summary: Another Stepping Stone to Enlightenment!
Review: As is her style, Shirley is not afraid to show us 'who she is'! There are those of us who relate to her, for she helps us to 'give ourselves permission' to accept our own awareness! I recommend this book to all that are actively involved in their search for meaning in life!
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Summary: The ritual of pilgrimages
Review: As most people know the the Santiago de Compostela Camino is a famous 500 Mile pilgrimage that has been undertaken by people for centuries across northern Spain. This is a famous pilgrimage that has been undertaken by people for centuries across northern Spain. People like Ferdinand and Isabella and St Francis etc. Yes, she is an actress, singer and out on a limb thinker. She doesn't profess to be a Nobel Laureate, but simply writes about her personal and ongoing quest to evolve and become a better soul. Put aside you biases and simply enjoy the journey, then take the next step and read other books on the subject of the Santiago de Compostela Camino. I sometimes wonder is readers realize what an important ritual these pilgrimages are going back to Chaucer's, The Canterbury Tales. Choosing a pilgrimage as the vehicle for the tales was a brilliant move because a pilgrimage was the one occasion in medieval life when so wide a range of members of society could plausibly join together on relatively equal terms. They like the modern day pilgrimage Ms MacLaine writes about entail people from all areas of society. From the noble knight to the drunken soul, the impoverished Parson, the Saint Francis to Kings and Queens. Sometimes I wonder if these pilgrimages would happen if they were in rainy England, frigid Siberia or hot as hell Death Valley
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Summary: Tripe and a Bra-less MacLaine
Review: I am concerned for the mental welfare of Ms. MacLaine as well as those who consider this book to be truly enlightening. The book begins badly, leaving the reader to wade through paragraph after badly written paragraph of useless information and supposed insights into the spirituality of Shirley MacLaine. Many people have written books about their experiences on the road to Santiago. Each of them are considered to be just another pilgrim, walking the trail for their own reasons.. They do not make themselves out to be special or more enlightened than the rest of humanity simply because they are possessed of delusional thinking. I am convinced that the absolute fluff written by MacLaine would not have been published were she not a celebrity. Any other person who wrote so poorly would have been scoffed at. Point in case: None of you readers care about my reasoning for wearing or not wearing a bra. When Shirley's bra is concerned, however, that changes everything. Is this not very sad?
Rating:
Summary: GUTSY, ADVENTUROUS AND INSPIRING!
Review: The 500 mile journey known as the Santiago de Compostela Camino, in Spain, is an adventurous, physically and emotionally challenging trek most avid, able-bodied individuals would not dare attempt to tackle. Spain is a country filled with extremes, mountains, dryland, plateus and magnificent coastal waters. The country is one of the most beautiful in the world, rich with history, battle, religion, traditions, but above all, magnificent splendour and beauty. There is no other country in the world like it for Spain is also a world filled with fairy-tale castles and romance. Shirley MacLaine never ceases to to amaze us. She is witty, miraculous, and her sense for gutsy adventure inspires those of us who dare only to dream of the incredible things she has accomplished during her lifetime. You will love "The Camino", as Ms. MacLaine relates her experiences and adventures, her joy and sorrow, and her inner-strength and peace found through mediation. You will be absorbed and inspired by this strong-willed, spirited lady who discovers, not only the Camino, but Karma and her true self.
Rating:
Summary: The Camino
Review: I have always loved Shirley's books, but this one is different! From start to finish I read this in less than 24 hours. The descriptions of the people, landscapes her fears and her triumphs are captivating. I placed this book down & knew that I would someday have to make this same journey myself. This is a powerful book for those on the path of their own self discovery.
Rating:
Summary: The Camino
Review: I REALLY loved this book! I had never read anything by Ms. Maclaine before and this book was definitly the place to start! She shared her whole experience of crossing the Camino and the journey inside, as well as the journey outside. She discovers the aspects of her Karma that are affecting this life and it relates to her relationships with other people. She has dreams that explain many things to her regarding herself and her life. I don't know if it's because I'm a Taurus also or what, but I really identified with many of the ways that she reacts to and feels about things. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
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