EARLY ACCLAIM
"Along the
Templar Trail is a vivid
and eye-opening blend of history, adventure, religion, mysticism
and modern conflict…It is simply one of the most remarkable
adventure stories of our time, and one that proves that with the
right combination of character and determination great things can
be done, and the eyes of the world can be opened.”
~ Richard Bangs, adventurer, author/host of the PBS television
series
Richard Bangs'
Adventures With Purpose,
co-founder Mountain Travel Sobek
"A fascinating testimony of faith and
gumption that inspired two men to take seven million steps for
peace. A must read…"
~ Arun Gandhi, president, M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence,
University of Rochester, NY
"If we want peace on earth, we must
make the effort to embody peace with each step. Brandon Wilson's
inspiring journey, told beautifully in this book, is a living
example of peacemaking."
~ Cindy Sheehan, noted peace activist
“More than the mere adventure of two
brave men, it is a grand and noble quest for peace, as well as a
spiritual voyage that will leave readers emotionally and
intellectually replenished… I immensely enjoyed reading this book.
His writing combines a marvelous sense of Zen with good humor, and
his personal style makes you feel as if you were there taking part
in it all… Though I had the pleasure of reviewing Wilson’s two
previous travel books, both fascinating, engrossing reads, I have
to confess Along the Templar Trail is my favorite.”
~
Mayra Calvani, reviewer, Boston Globe/MIDWEST
BOOK REVIEW
“…Along the Templar Trail is
a rhapsody on the theme of pilgrimage. May Brandon Wilson's goal of
fostering peace along the glory roads of the world inspire a trail
of pilgrims to create their own sacred journeys in the interest of
world peace.”
~ Phil Cousineau, author of
The Art of Pilgrimage
and
The Book of Roads
“Fast-moving and inspiring…Previous readers of
Brandon’s other books will be snapping this up. Great, touching and
hugely interesting.” ~
Jessica Roberts, reviewer, BookPleasures.com
“Written from the soul and salted in
wisdom, Brandon Wilson's third adventure takes him and his
companion along a centuries-old road haunted by the specter of war.
Their walk for peace deepens both Wilson's awareness of the chaos
of the past and his keen sense of the present, even as he faces an
uncertain, potentially violent future. Rich with descriptive
detail, replete with humor and never lacking in the life-altering
experiences of his previous journeys, Along The Templar
Trail is arguably Wilson's most personal, passionate book yet
– a resolute plea for compassion in an often intolerant world and a
testament to the healing power of history.”
~ C.W. Gortner, author of
The Last Queen
“The
vivid prose and passion for adventure makes this book an exciting
read.…you feel that you are walking the trail with him. I love how
Wilson captures the essence of any time or place and how he weaves
together the story of his journey…You can live vicariously,
although I must say I am more inspired than ever to walk each day.”
(5 stars)
~ Rebecca Johnson,
The Rebecca Review,
Amazon Top 10 Reviewer
"Along the Templar Trail
writes the message in brilliant, even
blazing letters: Peace and prosperity are undeniably possible, and
they can come in our time...for all time. If only a few more
ordinary mortals had the will and fortitude of this author, we
would live in a very different world." (5 shakas)
~ Joseph W. Bean, Reviewer,
Maui Weekly
“The first chapter really grabs you, shooting you off
down the road for a journey that sparks the imagination and
inevitably inspires the desire to take your own long walk.”
~ Dan Austin, author of
The Road Trip Pilgrim's Guide
and director of
True Fans
"This is a book of passion and
courage: it tells the truth regardless of repercussions…But also,
this is a lighthearted book of humor and gentleness... Wilson's
hope is that many other people will follow his lead and undertake
their own peace march, along the trail he has pioneered. Whether
you dream of following him or not, you will be inspired and warmed
by reading about his journey."
~ Dr. Bob Rich, award-winning Australian
author
“A unique journey that sweeps you
along with vibrant energy, day-to-day adventure, hopeful encounters
with "angels" and a longing for peace that breaks down boundaries
and unites us all as members of the same human family.”
~ Rick Chatenever, Entertainment & Features Editor,
The Maui News (Hawaii)
"Brandon Wilson has outdone himself
with Along the Templar Trail. I'm a fast reader, but I
immediately realized this is one of those books you slow down and
pace yourself like a pilgrim, because the wonder is in the journey…
And, as he concludes his journey, he reflects on how deep his
lessons have been on the five month road to Jerusalem – his
suffering and hunger making him ever mindful of the suffering and
hunger in a world that would rather build weapons to destroy than
care for its own people. Take your time with this book. Savor every
step. Brandon is at his best ever in Templar Trail, a
truly heartwarming story of dedication, hope and love."
~ Andy O'Hara, author of
The Swan: Tales of the Sacramento
Valley
"A travel lodestone – a magical
quest, a warts-and-all journey… Written with a sure touch, an
appreciation of life's palaces and potholes, and an eye for the
combinations of the real and the ridiculous that is unerring (plus
a sense of humor which is always another name for a sense of
proportion), this is a special book hovering above its obvious
travel-shelf slot into a spot of its own."
~ Marilis Hornidge,
Courier-Gazette,
Maine
“Along
the Templar Trail is a timely, important book—a must read for every
American. This is a first step to fostering peace and eliminating
the root cause of war. Thought provoking, engaging and
inspirational, this is a great read.”
~ Richard R. Blake, Christian Education
Consultant
“I loved reading this book. At times I
felt as if I were there walking with him—and I can barely walk
within my own home...but I felt transported and I know my spirit
was walking that trail. I will never travel again in body, but
through his writings I have traveled to the Himalayas, Africa, and
now through eleven countries along the Templar Trail…I thank the
author for walking the Templar Trail and sharing it with all who
will read and ponder; who will feel that spark of hope that the
goodness inherent in mankind is alive and well...just at times
obscured.”
~ Linda Delgado, author/publisher
"Captured me from the moment I opened
the book…you will read (it) over and over again since there are so
many wonderful details that were included in this walk to Jerusalem
for peace. This is the book you want to take with you on your
journey to keep you motivated and perhaps help you to find your
"angels."
~ Yvonne Phillips, FSII, reviewer
"For armchair adventurers who like to
read of others travels and travails through distant lands, this is
a perfect companion on a cold winter's night by the fire. For those
who love to hike or walk long distances, this book can be used as a
road map. Pacifists might look at it as a road map for making
connections with citizens of other countries on the most basic
level."
~ Barbara Hudgins, author of
Crafting the Travel Guidebook/reviewer
“…A recipe of two parts history, one
part humor, a large dose of concern for his fellow peregrino, and a
dash of “what is meant to be will be.” We, the armchair travelers,
get to revel in descriptions that roll off the tongue like fine
wine and cheese and exhilarating views from a mountaintop. But it’s
the “angels” along the way and the many conversations in many
languages that are the spices of this trip. They show us there is
hope out there, whether in a fancy upscale plaza, a small dusty
café or merely in the shade of a tree on the side of the road.
They, like our pilgrims, are praying and dreaming of peace.”
~ Donna Coomer, reviewer,
Between the Lines
"A fascinating tale of how one man
experienced a trip through a diverse number of countries and yet
found more similarities between people than differences."
~ Anna Weaver,
Hawaii Catholic Herald
"Despite all the aching muscles,
near-death collisions with speeding trucks, and more rain than the
earth could need, Brandon is able to share through his words the
beauty of the landscape, the grandeur of the history, and probably
most of all, the wonderful people who, despite having little
'riches', opened their hearts and homes to these weary travelers.
Everywhere Brandon walked, the message was perfectly clear from the
'average' man. "We want peace!" Now, if only governments could see
that."
~ Jim Damico,
WanderingtheWorld.com
"Another fascinating book about the
author's amazing treks across continents… This book is a MUST READ
for his amazing determination and fortitude and dedication to his
mission. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!" ~
Bonnie Neely,
RealTravelAdventures.com
"Along the Templar Trail is written from
the soul and in thoughtful, clever, and humorous style. In Wilson's
own words, this is about a "...fellowship shared between
pilgrims--those who travel with their feet--and those who join
us with their hearts." This is the heartwarming story of
an incredible pilgrimage, and it is impossible not to be
touched by vision of peace and humanitarianism at the heart of this
journey."
~ Zsuzsana Summer, author of
The Now Age: Demystifying Spirituality, the New Age and the
Metaphysical
"Closing
the pages of this most remarkable book and journey I thought, I too
said goodbye to 'seven million steps' on your arduous walk for
peace… May your mission never end. But if it does, it is because it
has been globally accomplished: all are now living in world peace.
Thank you so much for your strength of purpose!"
~ Marlene Moon, Peak Performance Coach &
Artist
"This book has it all: drama,
suspense, danger, moments that make you cry, and others that make
you laugh. This is not a book you want to speed read
through....you'd want to take your time, savor every step like you
would if you traveled through exotic places and you didn't want to
walk too fast and miss something important. If you think
backpacking through two continents on foot through foreign
countries with dangers of war, fatality, and the daily challenge of
finding water, food and shelter is fascinating...imagine
transforming an ancient path of war into a path of peace!!"
~ Simone diSanti, Reviewer/Video Producer,
ARoadRetraveled.com
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page frequently to view more early reviews as they are
posted.
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