Walked a trail? Read the book? Leave a comment on the form at the bottom of this page:
First reader reviews on Amazon have been posted: check them out here.
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At A Traveler’s Library, we rarely talk about guidebooks, because we’re dedicated to discussions of the kind of literature and literary non-fiction that entertains while it informs, rather than the go-there, do-that, here’s-what-it-costs kind of practical guidebooks that are also essential to travelers. So why am I swerving off my trodden path to talk about this guide to walking tours? Because Walking Palestine, 25 Journeys into the West Bank, is one of the most captivating and informative guide books I have ever seen.
Vera Marie Badertscher, A Traveller's Library
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I just want to express my gratitude and admiration for the work you did with your book 'Walking Palestine' and what you seem to continue to do. I couldn't put the book down and went wandering the hills. Having lived in Jericho for 6 years on and off I would have loved to hike once in a while but was told it is impossible. All I did was Wadi Kelt and that quite many times. So thank you for the well prepared information, the historical backgrounds and the inspirations. I will pass the word of the book.
Susanne Triner
Together to One
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Although most hiking books are a surefire cure for insomnia - for me at least - I found myself reading yours well into the night. Despite my great enjoyment of the hikes over the last few months, not knowing you personally, I realized from my reaction that I had been prepared to be disappointed. In retrospect, I suppose that I imagined that the book would focus on how Westerners could ignore the realities and people here and forge ahead as they would anywhere else and get on with their hikes in their normal skimpy attire, beer and wine bottles in tow. How could I know that instead, it would not only inspire them to understand, embrace and respect the people through whose lands they passed, but to contribute to their welfare as well through the development of hospitality infrastructure –“tourism” does not seem to be the right word. I was pleased to see all of the many sections offering glimpses into the various aspects of Palestinian heritage as well as their day to day reality. Taking the oft-quoted Mark Twain head-on was a stroke of genius, given the frequency with which it is used to deny the very existence of the very rich and varied Palestinian natural and cultural heritage.
I also appreciated that less advanced hikers like myself were catered for and not talked down to. I always judge any book by its maps and am extremely annoyed when places mentioned in the text are not shown. Here again, I was pleasantly surprised. Finally, the photos were simply lovely, and I was pleased to see that they literally showed a human face to Palestine as well as the delights of its landscapes.
The next morning, I checked out the website and was blown away by the stunning presentation, the visual imagery and videos which surely will provide a “You are There” experience for those unfortunate enough never to have experienced it firsthand.
-Leyla Zuaiter