Walking Distance

Pilgrimage, Parenthood, Grief, and Home Repairs

By: David Hlavsa

Narrated by: Dave Clark

In the summer of 2000, David Hlavsa and his wife Lisa Holtby embarked on a pilgrimage. After trying for three years to conceive a child and suffering through the monthly cycle of hope and disappointment, they decided to walk the Camino de Santiago, a joint enterprise - and an act of faith - they hoped would strengthen their marriage and prepare them for parenthood.

Though walking more than 400 miles across the north of Spain turned out to be more difficult than they had anticipated, after a series of misadventures, including a brief stay in a Spanish hospital, they arrived in Santiago. Shortly after their return to Seattle, Lisa became pregnant, and the hardships of the Camino were no comparison to what followed: the stillbirth of their first son and Lisa's harrowing second pregnancy.Walking Distance is a moving and disarmingly funny book, a good story with a happy ending - the safe arrival of David and Lisa's second son, Benjamin. David and Lisa get more than they bargained for, but they also get exactly what they wanted: a child, a solid marriage, and a richer life.

The book is published by Michigan State University Press.

©2015 David Hlavsa (P)2016 Redwood Audiobooks

a walk through spirit an growth

What made the experience of listening to Walking Distance the most enjoyable?

The fact that they are both an ordinary couple a bit like you and me that fulfill such a trip make it very realistic and easy to connect with. Since the book is not just about walking it is much easier to get along

What did you like best about this story?

The story with the child and the connection of the walk to the wish to have a vaby

Which scene was your favorite?

the arrival at the luxurious hotel in shabby cloths

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

yes, the whole story with the child was very emotional for me since we experience a similay story

Any additional comments?

Thank you for fulfilling a dream. Maybe I will wlk now too along the st Jams road (or take a bike)

Insight into lives we can all relate to.

If you could sum up Walking Distance in three words, what would they be?

An eye opener how others deal with life situations.

What did you like best about this story?

Learning how people deal with grief in different ways.

What does Dave Clark bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He knew his characters well and was able to express their emotions.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

How to deal with reality.

Any additional comments?

"I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.”

Loved this story!

If you could sum up Walking Distance in three words, what would they be?

Laugh, Cry, Walk.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author, he told a wonderful story, with great wit and sarcasm. Really fun to listen to. I felt as though I was on pilgrimage with he and his wife, minus the blisters, etc.

What about Dave Clark’s performance did you like?

The narration was really good. Spot on. I would listen to him again.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator for an unbiased review.

Great book

Walking Distance was a fun book to read, it's been awhile since I've read a book that made me laugh out loud but it was also serious and sad. It was very well written and the narration was great. This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of audiobook blast.