book reviews

Running the Shikoku Pilgrimage:

900 miles to enlightenment

by Amy Chavez. Volcano Press 2013 Recently I read this inspiring book by Amy Chavez, columnist of the Japan Times, in a couple of days. She wrote it after running the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 900 miles. Usually people walk this distance or they do the pilgrimage in a touring car. Since it is impossible to run this distance (or write about it) in a couple of days, the book is a pleasant way to run with Amy’s thoughts in the beautiful, harsh and challenging landscape of Shikoku. What is more, we are also running in an inner landscape. We know in the Netherlands Johan Somerwill who has walked the pilgrimage on foot and wrote about his experience in his travelguide: Japan, country of contradictions. Mrs Chavez has added a special flavor, as an American expat who has managed to stay in Japan while never running out of love for the country. To be continued....