On The Road To Santiago :

Rating:
Summary: Finally...a real guide
Review: After wading through book after book about the mystical or cultural significance of the Camino, I was thrilled to find such an honest and down-to-earth guide. Mr. Tuggle made it personal enough to keep me interested, but factual enough to give me a good idea of how to plan my upcoming trip. I finally feel prepared to go. Another thing that is so great about this book is that Mr. Tuggle offers his personal email address for readers to ask questions and such. I wrote to him, not really expecting a reply, but he answered all of my questions thoroughly and with such grace and kindness that I am even more enthusiastic about my trip and his book. It is a fast read and a must for anyone who just wants to walk the trail and not worry about cosmic visions, reincarnation or the power of ley lines. Thank you, Mr. Tuggle.

Rating:
Summary: Set a goal
Review: I have known and worked with the author for 30 years so I might be considered prejudice. I can honestly say however that I enjoyed the book on it's own merits. Naturally being able to visualize Bob as he described his daily adventures enhanced that enjoyment. Most of those who know Bob as a conservative banker(retired) whose main idea of excercise was to walk out to his garage for a drive in his Mercedes were shocked when he announced he was going backpacking across Spain. This was completely out of character as was acknowledged by his wife Marie and other family members. However, true to character when Bob said he was going to do something you knew he would. For me the highlight of the book was his thoughful planning and preparation prior to the actual trip. I also enjoyed his colorful description of the people he met on the trial and how they watched out for each other. I actually grew to like George and Margaret and hope someday to meet them if they ever come to visit Bob in Chicago. As Bob described his daily travels his doggedness, attention to detail,honesty, frugality (he loved those $6.00 a night refuges) and dry sense of humor kept emerging. I found myself smiling often and thinking "that's Bob". I may never hike the St James Trail but Bob's book was an inspiration to rethink what is possible when you have a dream, set a goal and achieve what you set out to do.

Rating:
Summary: Diary of a Walk
Review: I was impressed by the writer's thoughtfulness to address the preparations prior to making his historic walk. Bob Tuggle's diary format of his journey makes it easy reading, as well as placing the reader in a position to actually visualize the trek without have to do the walk. The writer's descriptions of relationships developed during the trek also added some drama and enjoyable reading of his book.

Rating:
Summary: Finally...a real guide
Review: I'm sure I am somewhat biased. I was stationed with the author in Sembach, Germany in the mid to late 50's. We were room mates for several years. Also doing some traveling together. However, putting that aside, I had the feeling that I was taking every step along with Bob. Starting with his preperation, which included getting himself into shape, right down to the equipment that was selected. The individual stories, recapping the interesting relationships that were developed was captivating. I was particularly impressed with the caring and sharing that these pilgrams displayed towards one another. People who had never met, and who were from different parts of the world became one. (all except the person who stole the binoculars)It is a great effort for a first time author. Congratulations Bob.

Rating:
Summary: like I was there
Review: I'm sure I am somewhat biased. I was stationed with the author in Sembach, Germany in the mid to late 50's. We were room mates for several years. Also doing some traveling together. However, putting that aside, I had the feeling that I was taking every step along with Bob. Starting with his preperation, which included getting himself into shape, right down to the equipment that was selected. The individual stories, recapping the interesting relationships that were developed was captivating. I was particularly impressed with the caring and sharing that these pilgrams displayed towards one another. People who had never met, and who were from different parts of the world became one. (all except the person who stole the binoculars)It is a great effort for a first time author. Congratulations Bob.