Customer Reviews

Walk the Land : A Journey on Foot through Israel

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Last month I had the pleasure of traveling in Israel and of staying at The Shelter Hostel in Eliat. It was there, under the hospitality of John Pex and his wonderful staff, that I heard about "Walk the Land," written by John's wife. Although I didn't get to meet her, I was intrigued by the book's concept. As soon as I returned to the States, I ordered a copy.

"Walk the Land" is a quick, easy read. While rich in cul tural and historical detail, the narrative drives onward just as Judith and John did during their hike of approximately 600 miles from the southern tip of Israel, at the Red Sea, to the northern reaches of Golan Heights. We discover that she and her husband have lived "on the edge" for many years, with a free-spirited lifestyle of both hardship and adventure. Some would call it crazy. Others might envy the freedom from corporate American standards. John would consider it "bushw acking."

I've read other trail-hike narratives, such as Bill Bryson's humorous "A Walk in the Woods," and Peter Jenkins' spiritually-minded "A Walk Across America." This particular story also contains funny moments and spiritual concepts, with Judith weaving in straightforward lessons of life as a Messianic Jew, a follower of Jesus (Yeshua). She shows lots of respect for other people of other faiths, never forcing her beliefs. At times, the story seems to plod along through the days of the hike, driven by Judith's goal-oriented personality, and I didn't always connect emotionally. But it's this same directness that keeps the book from becoming a mishmash of navel-gazing.

In the end, this is a story of two people following a dream, sticking with it, and reaping the reward. It's the story of God's people walking the land, meeting others along the way, and returning to the simple lessons of life that are often lost in the urban rush. What a blessing Judith has given us!

I found this to be a book that was actually consistent with its title. I've read a number of "travel" (or other experience-based books) that, while still interesting, used travel as an excuse to present discussions of something else. In this book, Judith and her husband, John, actually walk the land - they walk the Israel Trail from the Southern-most tip to the slopes of Mount Hermon in the North. Hikers will appreciate the fact that they actually discuss hiking issues: fitting a backpack, getting an up-to-date map, trouble finding the trail, trouble setting up their tent, trouble *finding* their tent (in the dark with no flashlight and near a cliff), sleeping in caves, how much water to carry, building fires, ascents and descents, even the fit of their shoes. The book gives such a realistic feel for "walking the land" that reading it in extended portions as I did made me want to get up and build a fire or walk around the block or maybe sleep in the front yard that night - I felt uncomfortable just sitting. Though I read the book in two sittings (it's easy and quick to read), the chapters are arranged in such a fashion that the book can be read profitably in smaller bits, too.

The organization of the book (around walking the Israel Trail) presents a couple of benefits for the reader. The first is that it provides a great way of organizing and presenting some of the rich history of not only Israel proper but also that general area of the Middle East. Letting the geography itself drive the narrative provides a very natural way to introduce a lot of information - ranging from ancient Biblical times on through the Maccabees up to the War of Independence and the modern era - and aids the reader not only in keeping track of the history (by where it took place) but also aids the reader in understanding some of the significance of the history (by linking it directly to life today in the Middle East). We learn, for example, that in the same general area that copper was mined in ancient times (and its importance in making bronze for war), the Israeli army does maneuvers today. In this book, these aren't just facts, they are the experiences of those living their lives in that part of the world, anchored in the very real geography of the area.

A second benefit of reading the book that I noticed only after finishing it is that it gives the reader a more tangible feel for the layout of the land: what the relative distances are (in hiking-days), what the terrain and weather are like, where the population centers are and how far apart they are. This is a "feel" that is quite different from what one might get just looking at a map (or even driving the routes in a car) where scale and terrain and weather are not as apparent.

The writing style is clear and unaffected. By noting things from the small (pita-and-peanut-butter breakfasts) to the large (trade routes of the ancient world), the author succeeds in sustaining a friendly, conversational style that is casual yet allows forthright discussions of serious subjects -- both the author and her husband reveal a lifetime of genuine concern about the fundamental questions of life. If you have an interest in Israel, its geography, its history, and the range of people who live there, get out a map of the country (the map in the book is small and has little detail), put it on the table beside you, get a cup of tea, some pita and hummus (or peanut butter if it's in the morning), and walk the land with Judith and John Pex. It's a memorable, enjoyable, and thought-provoking journey -- and it costs no more than the pita and peanut butter. The pictures are worth that much.

This book is a real delight. It is extremely well-edited and a joy to read. It quickly transports the reader to the Land of Israel, which I have visited many times but never quite seen with Judy Pex's eye for detail. Judy weaves a fascinating tapestry of beautiful landscapes, mountains, desert scenes, and hikers' joys and travails that is never boring but a real page-turner, leaving the reader waiting and wondering what will be around the next bend.

The book is filled with numerous fascinating vignettes of Israelis from all walks of life whom they meet along the way, including many of the ultra-religious, who were impressed that Judy and her husband John were literally fulfilling the Biblical mandate to "walk the Land."

I was disappointed when the book, like the Israel Trail itself, finally came to an end. This book is filled with a deep love for the people of Israel and for the God of Israel. Their walk was as much a spiritual journey of faith and trust in Jesus as the Messiah as much as a physical one.

I have known Judy and her husband John for more than ten years (and I thought I knew them pretty well!), but I learned a lot more about them through this book. My wife and I have spent some wonderful time at their amazing hostel in Eilat called The Shelter, which truly is a shelter for people from all over the world - refugees from war, people in crisis, and seekers after truth. I hope that this wonderful book receives a wide reading.

I really enjoyed reading Judy's book as I have been to Israel and can easily imagine some of the scenery that Judy and her husband, John, had seen while on the Israel Trail. Because my first trip there was a great overview of the country, I have this desire to get more intimate with the land -- and walking this trail myself just might be the ticket. I have even gone to the extent of trying to get a few people to tackle it with me. So far, no luck -- but this doesn't surprise me too much because I don't think any of them have even heard of it before. (I even have a Jewish friend that even leads tours there and he didn't even know about it!) Obviously, I need to pass the word on about Judy's book to him and others.

I would love to spend some time in the Negev desert (including visiting some Bedouins!) as Judy and John did -- as well as see more Biblical and historical sites that I didn't see the first time I was there. But I would be more than happy to see the same sites I saw before because I loved it so much!

Reading Judy's book takes you there as if you were walking the trail yourself (without the blisters, even!). I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a more ground-level view of the land of the Bible. It was a real pleasure to read. I sure you will like Judy's style of writing, as well. I did! Enjoy!

I received this book during my 2007 trip to Israel. Each time I return to Israel, I fall more in love with the land. Judy Pex has a love affair with the land of Israel, and she has done an excellent job in communicating this love to me, the reader. I have found myself desiring to make this trek as well.
The book is full of exciting episodes - 'will they make it?' 'what will happen?' It is a fantastic read. I tend to skim through books anymore as time is so limited, but I am savoring every word.
If you have ever visited Israel, you will relate to the locations mentioned in her book.
Try it, you will love the book!
May God bless the author with the blessings back that this reader has received while reading it.
shalom,
Barri Cae Mallin
Marietta, GA

I first visited Israel in 2002 as a Christian journalist. Everyone said to me that one visit would not be enough. I said "Posh" and was grateful for the ten day stay I would have, sure it would be enough. Not two days after landing in Tel Aviv, I knew I was a liar and my friends who were friends of Israel told the truth. My heart had found a new home and I knew I'd never be satisfied until I returned, which I was able to do in February 2007. For two weeks I walked, rode, drove, hiked, climbed, and teetered as much of this incredible country as I could squeeze in with my good friend (and coauthor) Miriam Feinberg Vamosh (Daily Life in the Times of Jesus). Between 2002 and 2007 I bought and read everything I could about Israel, about the Land, the biblical sites. With the turn of each page, my heart both soared and sank; soared because I love her so much and sank because I was here and not there. Since my trip in February (research for a book with Vamosh for Thomas Nelson), I was blessed to receive THIS book. Walking the land with Judith is like being there once again. As I turned each page, I anticipated her steps on the Israel Trail (Shvil Israel)and--again--found myself longing to return. The author of Walk the Land not only expresses her feelings and heart's stirrings at the experience, she adequately depicts the people she and her husband John met along the way--for never will you meet kinder people than those along the way in Israel.

I find this book to be an excellent guide for anyone about to embark on the same type journey and for those who yearn to go but are unable. Eva Marie Everson, author of: Oasis: A Spa for Body and Soul

"Walk the Land" was a great read.

It was a book that made me truly feel as if I was "there" in the land.

It also opened up whole new vistas of the land of Israel, and gave you a real desire to walk that trail yourself.

A worthy read and a worthy buy.

I hope the author continues on in her writing. She is gifted in drawing mental pictures.

Judy Pex walks the 580 mile Israel Trail with her husband and records their adventure in a book that brings geography of Israel alive. I have spent over 30 years walking through various parts of Israel and realized how much I have missed of its beauty and people by reading this excellent book. Bible history, modern Israeli history, and practical "to-do" lists mingle with Pex's spiritual reflections along the way. Songs of praise bubble up in fields of yellow mustard flowers or at the ridges of Mt Hermon or the craters of the Negev. Great gift for all!

Walk The Land by Judith Galblum Pek was every bit the fun read as I expected! I felt like the silent partner enjoying each step and every encounter with them as they challenged themselves to walk the entire length of the Land of Israel. I was encouraged and blessed as Judith not only shared their journey but also her insights into the heart of God as He also challenged and encouraged them along the way. It was also fun to listen in on conversations they had with people they met along the trail.

Do not miss this real life adventure of real people who love God and the Land and people of Israel! The author writes in a fun way and I look forward to future books by her.

Donna Drebenstedt

I happened to pick up Walk The Land by Judith Galblum Pex at a book fair in Denver last year. It told about walking the length of a country that I had always read about in my Bible studies but never thought of visiting because of the perceived dangers, but walking along with Judy and John in this story through this varied and interesting country was fascinating and beautiful and erased any perceived fear of traveling there I might have had and aroused my curiosity. Within 9 months my husband and I were on a flight to Israel to see this wonderful country that Judith had described. It turned out to be one of the best trips of our lives. This is a well written story of two people who proved you can still be young in your fifties and take on what was sometimes a grueling trek. It was interesting to read about the harshness and the beauty of this land and also the history that lies throughout this country as they would come across tells yet to be excavated. And it was a nice introduction to Messianic Jews whom I had not been aware of prior to reading the book. It was nice to hear of Judys wonderful faith in God and his guidance throughout their trek. I would recommend this book to anyone traveling to Israel or with a interest in Biblical lands or all you arm chair travelers and trekkers. Buy this book and sit back and enjoy.