REVIEWS
Lowell Thomas Gold Award Winner, Society of American Travel Writers Foundation
Book of the Year Award Finalist
ForeWord Reviews Magazine
"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
“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…”
~
Mayra Calvani, reviewer,
Boston Globe/MIDWEST
BOOK REVIEW
"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
"Brandon Wilson is strictly fast-forward
in his exhilarating Along The Templar Trail: Seven Million
Steps for Peaceˆ… Wilson’s
remarkably attractive account will galvanize couch potatoes…"
~
ForeWord Reviews Magazine
"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
“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
"Pilgrims
are early travelers with memorable stories to share, and this
author from Hawaii has many tales to tell as he and a Frenchman
trek a historical route from France to Jerusalem. The author is a
skillful narrator of people and places far from even the most
adventurous traveler. Writing is descriptive and personal and
purposeful."
~ Judges,
Society of American Travel Writers Foundation, Lowell Thomas Travel
Journalism Competition (2009
Best Travel Book Gold-Winner)
“Fast-moving and inspiring… Previous readers of
Brandon’s other books will be snapping this up. Great, touching and
hugely interesting.” ~
Jessica Roberts, 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.
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… 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
"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
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
"Brandon makes a very convincing argument 'that one
person can still make a difference in today’s world and that the
time is now...' I feel
empowered and moved by his tale and thoroughly enjoyed the resolve
and intent of these two brave individuals as they spread the peace
that we pilgrims know begins within."
~ Kathy Gower,
American Pilgrims on the Camino
"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
“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, founder of 88 Bikes, author of
The Road Trip Pilgrim's Guide
and director of
True Fans
“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)
"…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
"The ancient rite of pilgrimage is a
journey entailing great physical and mental effort. And if the
pilgrimage is to succeed, there must be a transformation of the
spirit–and realisation of new inner strengths by the pilgrim. Along
the Templar Trail encompasses these essential qualities–and a whole
raft of others–packaged in a compelling narrative. The book's key
theme is a long walk for peace–along an arcane 2,600-mile trail
from France to Jerusalem. The author and his companion are
dependent on the kindness of strangers for much of the way:
relating these encounters is where the book shines. Author Brandon
Wilson has set high standards here–the book captured the
prestigious gold medal for best travel book at the Lowell Thomas
travel journalism awards."
~ Michael Buckley, author of
Shangri-La, the Bradt guide
"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... 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
“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, Education Consultant
"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
“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
"Closing
the pages of this most remarkable book and journey, 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. You'll 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
"Peace activism assumes many forms and
Brandon Wilson's new book "Along the Templar Trail" reveals the
immense power of the simple pilgrimage. Wilson shows us that
walking for this gentle purpose can evolve into a peace fellowship,
one person at a time, inspiring a movement that transcends culture
and has the potential to grow exponentially. Wilson's intentional
footsteps of a true peacewager along with his vividly detailed
pilgrimage for peace will touch the common place in the hearts of
his readers with the quiet assurance that peace really is possible.
A must read for peace activists and travelers alike."
~ Arlene Buklarewicz, Health
Consultant/Reviewer
"Full of life, adventure, and meaning.
"Along the Templar Trail" is a great read for those of us who wish
we could be world travellers -- not of the casual sightseer sort,
but travellers who want to rediscover history and obtain a vision
of how that history resonates with today." ~ Kevin Farnham, author "How
to Primers"/reviewer
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