Whether you read this book from a religious perspective, from a hiker's viewpoint, or purely as a world citizen attempting to understand the region, you will find much food for thought in these pages. The story gives you relationship insights, (the couple has been married over 30 years and have four children), plus a somewhat sad impression of the turmoil in the land they walked, and an idea of how the simple act of hiking the trail brought them to new perspectives, new and renewed friendships, and a transformed sense of purpose.

Judith's roots, and her husband's, include some time with alternative lifestyles and hippie perspective, so the fact that they came to live in Israel from their vastly different youthful lives is a tribute to the country, its people, and the rhythm of their relationship. Although Ms. Pex discusses the Bible and her beliefs throughout the book, she is not invasive, pushy or offensive; she provides just a gentle, heartfelt look at the land and the faith she has come to embrace. Her somewhat intense, goal-oriented drive to walk the trail a certain way is a bit hard to absorb if you are not map-and-trail-inclined yourself, but even with that warning, readers will find the book easy to read, fascinating to attempt to understand, and even capable of instilling in the reader a desire to experience Israel in all its diversity. If you have been to Israel, you will find this text a truly lovely way to dip your toes back into the beauty and mystery of this complex and holy land.