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Walk With Me – Book Review

October 14, 2012 by Elizabeth

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Celeste and Peter are two people journeying to the King’s City when they decide to walk together as partners, promising to stay together no matter how difficult the path. However, they have no idea what lies ahead–the Swamp of Selfishness, the Desolate Canyon with the River of Unfaithfulness snaking through the bottom, the Orchard of Earthly Delights, and much more. You’re probably already flashing onto John Bunyan’s famous allegory “Pilgrim’s Progress” and you’re right–Walk with Me is an allegory in the same style about marriage.

Author Annie Wald has combined two styles – allegory and marriage manual – and done so in a way that is eminently readable and enjoyable. The result is a book that gently and subtly teaches deep truths about marriage in a way that is never preachy yet is convicting nonetheless. Interwoven throughout are Scriptures from the Message translation of the Bible, and they are different enough that although you recognize them, you read them in a new context with fresh eyes, and they impact you in new ways.

Wald has done a terrific job. In fact, I must admit that there were times I squirmed uncomfortably and wondered if she’d been listening in–could she have bugged my bedroom, do you think? Because some of those fights between Celeste and Peter were practically word for word to a few I’ve had with my husband. How could she have known?

Her use of allegory is well done and paints a picture of marriage for us–it shows instead of telling us, like they tell you to in writing classes. There’s Echo Canyon–where couples who are just starting out can be pulled apart by hearing echoes from their childhood of how their parents did things or how their parents spoke to them (for example, Celeste’s family bought new walking shoes every season but Peter’s family repaired shoes to save money). There’s the Orchard of Earthly Delights, where travelers enjoy the fresh fruit and long harvest season so much they get distracted from continuing on to the King’s City, yet where they grow thin and develop greedy pouts. There’s the wounds that don’t heal–Celeste’s blisters from when Peter sets too fast a pace, or Peter’s wounds from the snapping turtles that appeared when they were walking through the Swamp of Selfishness. Together they need to cross the Bridge of Forgiveness not just once but many times, to avoid the Chasm of Revenge. They must use the Kindling of Affection to build a fire to keep warm.

I find that I’m helped more by story than by lecture. I think of how Jesus’ parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son flesh out for me the concepts of mercy and forgiveness. The writings of CS Lewis, George MacDonald, and others of their ilk have done more for my Christian life than myriads of well-meaning self-help books with their lists and instructions. Story holds up a mirror to my life and challenges me to not continue as I have been. That’s why I appreciated Walk with Me: Pilgrim’s Progress for Married Couples so much. It gave me fresh eyes to view my marriage and to look at the big picture, at what’s truly important in the long run.

This is an excellent book for people in all stages of the journey. I’m going to be recommending it to everyone I know! Although it would be a great gift for weddings and engagements, I must admit that I am long past the newlywed stage and I think I got more out of it for being farther along the path. Truly, marriage is a journey not an event. It’s arduous but beautiful, a refining process that can bring us closer to our spouses and to the King and his Servant. Readers will recognize themselves in Celeste and Peter, in the choices they make, the wrong paths they choose, and the right ways they find that bring deep joy and satisfaction.

Also, get to know author Annie Wald a little better by reading her guest column at 5 Minutes for Books where she gives us a glimpse into her reading world.

 

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About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a voracious reader with eclectic tastes who loves being part of the team at 5 Minutes for Books. She's lived in 7 countries and is currently in Oregon, where she spends most of her time with Iraqi refugees. She has 3 teens.

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19 Comments

  1. meredith says

    October 25, 2012 at 3:58 am

    I don’t usually read marriage or any self-help type of books. maybe this will be my first?

    Reply
  2. Rachel says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    I honestly haven’t read many marriage books, which surprises me, know that I think about it. Like you said, sometimes it’s easier to see things when revealed through story, so I’d like to read this book.

    Reply
  3. Cassandra says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    I haven’t read too many marriage books but my favorite is Love and Respect. That was a great book. This one sounds interesting! I hope I get a chance to read it. 🙂

    Reply
  4. benita says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    I like thise that have a humorous bend, after all we have to look at the comical and absurd in order to put the difficult into perspective.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  5. Judith says

    October 23, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    I’m not a fan of allegory, but it sounds like this might be one I enjoy, and would certainly be more interesting than many marriage books!

    Reply
  6. pearl says

    October 23, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Marriage books that advise from experience and lengthy marriages that are successful.

    Reply
  7. angie says

    October 22, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    I like books written by those who have experienced it

    Reply
  8. Chelsea says

    October 21, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    I like Christian marriage books

    Reply
  9. Beth C says

    October 21, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    I like ones that tell it like it is and want you to keep reading!

    Reply
  10. Stephanie says

    October 20, 2012 at 11:39 am

    I appreciate all the reminders that marriage books have to offer. My marriage is doing great, but I know there’s always room for improvement, and it’s a constant work in progress, so I’m always seeking more advice and help.

    Reply
  11. tina reynolds says

    October 20, 2012 at 9:00 am

    I like books that are very postive and uplifting

    Reply
  12. samantha w says

    October 20, 2012 at 12:11 am

    i have never read a marriage book, this one sounds like a good one

    Reply
  13. Jessica T says

    October 17, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    I think I learn most from books that show examples of healthy marriages

    Reply
  14. Del Marie Riley says

    October 17, 2012 at 2:54 am

    I have not read any marriage books to be honest. Hmm…Maybe that’s my problem. Lol I’m a new reader by the way, and I really like what I have read on the 5 Minutes blogs. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  15. coley r says

    October 16, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    i like books likes sex starts in the kitchen and just how married do you want to be

    Reply
  16. Shonya says

    October 15, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I’ve never read a marriage book like this one–I tend to read the ones that “lecture” more. This one sounds really interesting and yes, like a great one for a “seasoned” marriage to be able to relate to the journey. Thanks for the opportunity! 😉

    Reply
  17. Christine says

    October 15, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    I like “The Five Love Languages”.
    Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  18. Angel S, says

    October 14, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    I tend to get the most out of books similar to this one. Looking at the big picture, learning from past mistakes and deep in verses to help convict and lead me.

    Reply
  19. Cindi says

    October 14, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    I have read quite a few marriage books; especially, since
    we have been married for almost 27 years…
    I tend to gravitate towards non-fiction, on the humorous
    side, marriage books!
    Many thanks, Cindi

    Reply

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