6 Kinds of Camino Books

When I first learned about the Camino de Santiago, I felt compelled to walk the pilgrimage route. And once I had, I feel compelled to return as often as realistically possible.

And if I can’t return in person, I can listen to podcasts, watch videos and movies, follow the Camino forum online, and read books. 

Reading and Writing 

Reading books, more than anything else, has probably led me to writing a book. At first, I wondered if the Camino book market might be saturated. Many people, including myself, feel the need to share their journey. Some write poems, like my friend Katharine. Some write and perform music, like Dan Mullins, and some create visually stunning paintings and photographs.  

I like to write. And, while there are a multitude of Camino books, each one tells a different story. No one else can tell my story. Mine is unique. Maybe even more so as it is a work of fiction. 

Categories of Camino Books 

Today I want to give you a breakdown of the various kinds of books about the Camino de Santiago. 

1. Guidebooks – there are guidebooks for almost every Camino route. These usually include maps, information about towns and cities, accommodation and even where to find potable water or a bank machine. You can also find this information on your smartphone using one of the many Camino apps. Reading in the evening about your path for the next day is not only pleasing, but you might find out something to make your day extra special—an interesting church or museum for instance.  

2. Reference books – these interesting to read at home, but I wouldn’t take one on the Camino (too heavy). I recently purchased The Camino Compendium by Dave Whitson. It is full of interesting Camino legends and historical tales. 

3. Low content books – a Camino journal is an important part of my kit. I love to write about my day, record my vital statistics (kilometres walked, weather, money spent, albergue names) as well as personal insights, and stories about pilgrims I have met. And there are Camino colouring books and Camino word search books now available. Yes, I was surprised, too! 

4. Memoirs – This is probably the most common Camino book available. Every pilgrim has a story. Walking the pilgrimage is a Hero’s Journey adventure, and many of these heroes have recorded their journeys in book form. I find these fascinating. And inspiring—as so many people have overcome challenges and experienced personal transformations. Some are humorous, like Bradley Chermside’s The Only Way is West or What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim by Jane Christmas. Some are inspiring, like Dennis Garnhum’s Toward Beauty.  

5. Fiction – I don’t think there are as many Camino fiction books as there are memoirs, but I certainly enjoy them. Basically, the Camino is the setting for a fictional account. It could be a story of love and misadventure, such as Pardon My Camino, by Julia Sargeaunt or Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist. Or perhaps a historical adventure/mystery like Brian Lucky Skillen’s Through a Field of Stars Trilogy. 

6. Children’s books – This is a smaller category yet, I believe. But there are a few. One by Rob Mack is entitled Cam on Camino, A Timid Bear Adventure. How wonderful for children to learn about the Camino and lesson of pilgrimage from a young age! 

   
   

Some books may fit into more than one category. Shirley MacLaine’s The Camino is a memoir, but some of the themes read more like fiction to me.  

Where do My Books Fit?

What about my books? Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim is a work of fiction but has elements of memoir as it follows my first Camino journey. I created a pilgrim Trip Journal to meet my own needs with the hope that others would enjoy it as well. And my chapter in The Wanderlust Chronicles is a memoir piece. 

My book is suitable for teens, young adults, and more seasoned pilgrims. I am even thinking about a children’s book. I think my Camino mascot, Diego, would be an interesting character for a book. What do you think? 

So, I have given you six types of Camino books, with a few titles for you check out.

Of course, be sure to check out my books, either on Amazon, or attend my book launch events, coming soon! 

If you live in Canada, you can also check out the Canadian Company of Pilgrims website, which has a page dedicated to Camino books by Canadian authors. Watch for mine there soon.