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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sticking With a Dream, August 19, 2007
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!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Walking the land, August 20, 2007
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.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A unique view of the Land of Israel!, August 1, 2007
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.
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