Walking Home by Eric Walters

Thirteen-year-old Muchoki, his younger sister, Jata, and mother can hardly believe what has become of their lives. Only weeks ago they lived with their family in a quiet Kenyan village, but sudden political violence has destroyed their home and forced them to flee for their lives. Now they live in a tent in an overcrowded refugee camp. Driven by further tragedy they are forced to undertake what seems like an impossible quest: to walk over a hundred miles across Kenya in search of their last remaining family. Even the longest of journeys must begin with just one step – and a bit of hope.

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I’ve been wanting to read an Eric Walters novel for a long time, and I’m happy it was Walking Home. Not only was it completely different from what I’ve read  before, but Penguin Random House Canada is donating $1.30 to the Creation of Hope for every copy sold in Canadian bookstores! YaY!

This book was hard for me to get into, and that is probably  because it is very different from anything that I’ve read  before.  I also thought that the beginning dragged a bit.  For a book called Walking home, they spent a huge portion of the book at the refugee camp. The walking part took a while to get to. But, oh man, when it got underway I just couldn’t stop talking about it. Trying to imagine myself in the situations the characters were in was tough and scary at times, and very, very humbling. There were a couple of instances that seemed unbelievable, but never impossible.  More like, ” I cant believe that just happened! but it totally could, and I don’t even know what I would do!”

And guys,…the ending…..oh my god. I’m trying to tell you about it without spoiling you. I’m not saying it was happy, or sad, or gratifying, or dissapointing….i’ll just tell you it’s so great! Nice work Eric Walters! Loved it!

I didn’t even get to the cool part. Throughout the book, there are symbols in the margins for things like video clip, picture, map, authors note, etc. When you find one of these symbols, which is surprisingly often, you can go to the website http://www.ericwalterswalkinghome.com and follow along with the digital companion! Real life pics and videos and notes on the journey.

I have to admit. I didn’t follow along very well. I read everywhere I go, and some places don’t have wi-fi. But you can go back later and check out the website after you read the book. Either way, I recommend you check out the website. It is very cool and super informative and really helps you understand the severity of different situations in the book.

This book was a wonderful eye opener and a great change of pace.There were so many wonderfully sweet moments filled with charity and good will and faith and hope.

Everyone should check out this book!! Keep Walking Home! (which is how he signs this book!)