Return to Glow




A Pilgrimage of Transformation in Italy

In her early forties, Chandi Wyant’s world implodes in the wake of a divorce and traumatic illness. Determined to embrace life by following her heart, she sets out on Italy’s historic pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena, to walk for forty days to Rome.

Weakened by her recent illness, she walks over the Apennines, through the valleys of Tuscany, and beside busy highways on her 425-kilometer trek equipped with a nineteen-pound pack, two journals, and three pens.

Return to Glow chronicles this journey that is both profoundly spiritual and ruggedly adventuresome. As Chandi traverses this ancient pilgrim’s route, she rediscovers awe in the splendor of the Italian countryside and finds sustenance and comfort from surprising sources. Drawing on her profession as a college history instructor, she gracefully weaves in relevant anecdotes, melding past and present in this odyssey toward her soul.

This delightful, transporting tale awakens the senses while inviting readers to discover their own inner glow by letting go of fixed expectations, choosing courage over comfort, and following their heart.

My Review

I enjoyed this book. I felt like I was traveling with Chandi on her journey. The best part was that Chandi did not go to all of the popular places but just went with the flow where her feet took her. You have probably heard before that if you want to find the best places, than go off the beaten path. All of the different people and places that Chandi encountered along the way were so interesting.

As I was reading this book, I was transported to Italy. Italy has not been in my top three places to visit but again, after reading this book, it just moved up the list. Yes, I would agree that it was a nice spiritual journey as well. However, this book is not preachy in any way. There was this one point on the story where Chandi has encountered this man. He was perplexed by how Chandi did not have health care as she was from America. In his eyes, America is rich. Additionally, to hear him ask Chandi why she was in Italy; if she has not visited all of her own country was interesting. Yes, why do so many Americans visit other countries when they have not visited all of the states in the United States? I am sure that there are many wonderful things to see in each state. Maybe it is the allure of visiting another country that intrigues so many people.

When the journey ended, Chandi was not a different person but more of an changed one with more knowledge and growth. After reading this book, I feel like Chandi and I would be friends...hiking and traveling the world friends. If you enjoy reading nonfiction books, than you will enjoy reading this book.


Check out pictures of Italy and more about author, Chandi Wyant.

Comments

italian dreams said…
Thank you Cheryl for the review!

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