Our book group choice for August 2020 is The Crossway by Guy Stagg. In 2013 Guy Stagg made a pilgrimage from Canterbury to Jerusalem. Though a non-believer, he began the journey after suffering several years of mental illness, hoping the ritual would heal him.
In 2013, Guy Stagg, a non-believer who had been suffering from mental illness for several years, decided to walk from Canterbury to Jerusalem. He hoped that the ritual of pilgrimage would help him to heal.
Stagg set off on his journey on New Year’s Day, telling his friends and family only that he would be home before the year’s end. He had no money, no support, and no plan. He simply set out on the ancient pilgrim route, hoping that the journey would help him to find his way.
Stagg’s journey took him through ten countries and more than 5,500 kilometres. He climbed over the Alps in midwinter, spent Easter in Rome with a new pope, joined mass protests in Istanbul, and survived a terrorist attack in Lebanon. Along the way, he met a wide variety of people, from pilgrims to refugees to soldiers.
Throughout his journey, Stagg struggled with his mental illness. He experienced periods of intense anxiety and depression. He also had to deal with the physical challenges of walking for ten months. But through it all, he kept walking.
As Stagg walked, he began to think more deeply about religion. He had never been religious, but he began to see the value in faith. He realized that religion could provide comfort, hope, and community.
By the time Stagg reached Jerusalem, he had made a remarkable transformation. He was no longer the same person who had set out on his journey. He was stronger, both physically and mentally. He had also found a new sense of purpose in life.
The Crossway is a powerful and moving account of one man’s journey of self-discovery. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of faith.
In addition to the personal journey that Stagg recounts, The Crossway also provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the pilgrim route. Stagg meets people from all walks of life, and he learns about their different beliefs and customs. He also witnesses the political and social upheaval that was taking place in the Middle East at the time.
The Crossway is a well-written and engaging book. Stagg’s prose is clear and evocative, and he does a masterful job of capturing the beauty and danger of the pilgrim route. The book is also full of insights into the human condition. Stagg’s journey is a reminder that we are all capable of great things, even when we are facing difficult challenges.
The Crossway is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of faith. It is also a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the pilgrim route. If you are looking for a book that will inspire and challenge you, then I highly recommend The Crossway.
Here are some additional thoughts on The Crossway:
- The book is beautifully written. Stagg has a gift for capturing the beauty of the natural world and the human spirit.
- The book is thought-provoking. Stagg raises important questions about the nature of faith, the meaning of life, and the importance of hope.
- The book is inspiring. Stagg’s journey is a reminder that we are all capable of great things, even when we are facing difficult challenges.
Discussion Questions for The Crossway
- What do you think of the book? Did you like the way it was written?
- Monotony or cliche could become an issue on a journey like Stagg’s – do you think he avoided this in his writing?
- Did his depictions of the people he met along the way work for you?
- Religion is an almost endless source of discussion, of community and of war. How well do you think Stagg addressed religion as a concept?
- Do you think the book was lacking anything?
- What do you think of the epilogue? Why is it there?
- Would you recommend the book?
Individual Ratings
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Sue's Rating
DKB's Rating