Walking with Sam is the second book I’ve read by former Brat Pack actor and current TV director Andrew McCarthy.
I first read his memoir Brat a few years ago, despite not really being a big fan of his, and I thought it was quite good. Then a trusted source recommended his second memoir about his 2021 pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago with his teenage son Sam.
McCarthy first walked the Camino when he was at a crossroads in his 30s. Ever since he had dreamed about walking it again with his oldest son Sam. The time has come and as they set out together, Sam is reeling from his first real heartbreak. As they walk, Sam process his breakup, McCarthy thinks about his relationship with his son, and the two meet a number of fellow pilgrims who are real characters. (Getting to know these side characters was one of my favorite parts of the book.)
Really it’s a book about parenting, but I loved it even as a person who has no kids. McCarthy is a talented writer, self-aware and funny. Both Andrew’s adult perspective and Sam’s teenage one are so relatable. And this was great on audio (both Andrew and Sam narrate).
Highly recommend for parents of teenagers and for anyone who has ever walked the Camino or has wanted to.
