In “Paris to the Pyrenees,” David Downie takes us right along with him on the Way of St. James, without our ever leaving our armchairs. As stated in the subtitle, “A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Ways of St James,” we’re not talking about a conventional pilgrim, so we don’t expect his transformations to be like those of traditional Christians. But then, the Way of St. James, like so many pilgrim routes in the world, becomes a spiritual journey spreading well beyond the confines of Christianity. Downie makes it a personal journey, full of the classical culture and history he knows so well, and we have the pleasure of experiencing it along with him. His journey through classicism and French history becomes ours, as we learn about the Druids, the Galls, the Romans, former French President François Mitterand, and much more; as he carries around a stone he was convinced had magical power because it looked like a scallop shell, until it become too heavy to carry; as we wolf down hearty French meals and sup coarse local wine after a long day of walking, before we fall like a stone into bed. And though we might not receive penance, we end the journey all the richer in knowledge, having read a good tale, too. The book is a latter-day “Canterbury Tales,” with a varied lot of pilgrims, locals and farmers all along the way. Alison Harris’ photos are in perfect harmony with Downie’s narrative. You’ll want to wear a scallop shell around your neck after reading this book.

You would never guess a book with this title is a love story You pick it and you think it is about a trip. Well it is about a trip. And it is much more. Read it and above all listen to it. Alison Harris' photographs help deepen the listening experience. Her work gives David's writing an unusual dimension that draws the reader further into the journey. Both David and Alison began to prepare for this walk well before they met. Language study, literature, Roman,French, European history, travel, art, art history, architecture, Geography, Map reading, Moss Expertise, family relationships and dynamics, Martial Arts, Eastern Philosophy, Animal behavior, California culture and cars, Life in Italy are some of the preparations needed so this book could be written. David and Alison live in the Modern World and know it well. Their understanding of history French and Roman history in particular allows them to establish a perspective about the modern world and suggest that history continues to repeat itself because that's the nature of human imperfection. They carry detailed maps, books to read about where they are, where they are going and they do get lost. They find their way, struggle, get back up and keep walking. The map is not always correct so there must be something else, perhaps hidden to help with the detours and the unexpected. The invite you to accompany them as a companion and you readily accept. You wonder how this is all going to unfold and that is not clear. So you keep going along. You learn about the long and complex historical background of the area. You think about the meaning of war. You think about the profound traditions in the culture, the religious practice. You think about the difference between religion and spirituality. Yes, You do think. The search for unconditional love is probably a universal one. To set out on a walk with a map, get lost, become open to what comes under your nose, continue to love and appreciate your spouse and maintain the ability and capacity to keep on walking even in the mud, until you reach the goal is a wonderful accomplishment. Take it all in, the trees, the buildings, each human being along the way, the birds,the goats, the dogs, the insects,the moss, stones, and crosses. Take in the sky and the grass.As you take in all in, you might find the answers are not there. They are likely to be found inside your very own heart, perhaps, as David and Alison have found,because they have learned to give, for it is in the giving that joy, harmony and peace are found.