Where the Waves Turn Back; A Forty-Day Pilgrimage Along the California Coast by Tyson Motsenbocker was a great read! We have listened to his music and followed his story for years and the author was kind enough to send me a physical copy as a gift. I was truly thankful to have gotten to read this before most people! I would like to purchase this one for my physical library!

This one completely surprised me. But in the best way. I follow Tyson on Instagram and saw him post about writing a book. I've enjoyed his posts and his music, so I thought I'd check this out. I wasn't ready for the emotions! I felt like I was walking alongside the author (literally as he walked the El Camino Real, but also figuratively as he navigated through the grief of losing his mom.) There were parts I couldn't exactly relate to (I've never visited the places he talks about, though many have now been added to my bucket list) but at the same time, there was a lot I have experienced in my own way. I've met grief. I know what it feels like to profess a faith that doesn't entirely make sense. I've walked alongside friends navigating the end of their marriage relationship. And there have been times I've struggled with real, tangible anger with God. I related to Tyson in all of these ways and found his writing eloquent, inspiring, and even funny. For me, the mark of a good book is one you want to tell your friends about... and this is one I've already shared in more than one conversation. I think you will enjoy it, too.

tyson killed it with this book.

i first heard tyson play at a Younglife camp in 2013 & i’ve been a fan ever since. hearing his story of the walk & the people he met on the way, the growth he came to, & just his overall experience doing something pretty crazy - it makes listening to his music that much sweeter. i’ve already purchased a few copies for my friends!

Such a wild story, but I actually met Tyson a few years back at a Young Life camp in Malibu Canada. He told his story and was the musician while I was there. When I saw he was writing a book I knew it would be amazing and his story would grab the attention of so many.
As I started reading, this book was so much more than I expected. His story, the journey, the heartache, the learning and growing and failing all complied onto paper is such a wild experience. I felt like I was alongside him and yet I can't even imagine what that must have been like.
I would recommend this book to everyone whether you read fantasy, historical fiction, or cook books. This is a novel for the masses and I'm so excited for Tyson on this other huge accomplishment.

I found Motsenbocker's book to be an interesting account of his journey. It is part travelogue, part verbatim conversations he had with those he met, and some reflective introspection from time to time. He includes observations on humanity, such as those who had left college and were living on beaches. His story is a reminder to pay attention to people and things as we go along our way.

While the book was published by what I would describe as a Christian publisher, I would not recommend it for Christians. Motsenbocker includes many conversations he had with people he met along the way and that means lots of foul language and alcohol consumption.

With respect to Motsenbocker's spiritual journey, he is unsure there is life after this one (213/2961). He initially only feels comfortable with a God who doesn't exist and if He does exist, has certainly failed him. (331/2961) Near the end of his journey Motsenbocker finally comes to accept that his mother is gone. Also, he has come to terms with a God who can be both kind and absent. (2803/2961) But maybe He wasn't absent, Motsenbocker thinks. He was just being patient.

Motsenbocker's writing style is quite choppy and factual. I felt the book could have used some editing. (An example: “...addressed to my sister and I...” (213/2961)) I think this book would appeal to millennials, younger readers who are satisfied with a physical and spiritual journey that culminates in an inconclusive view of God. Older readers like me might rather have a final spiritual message that included saving faith.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

⁉️ Are you more of an outdoorsy or indoorsy person?
I’m indoorsy af, but love being shoreside or poolside and sitting on my deck😆 does that count?

BOOK REVIEW
Where the Waves Turn Back by Tyson Motsenbocker @japhyrider
Pub date: April 11, 2023
272 pages
@worthypub

Two days after his mother’s funeral, Tyson goes on a 600 mile pilgrimage on foot leaning into this idea that tragedy and suffering can be a path to renewal.

The path set before him was one set previously in the 18th century by a Franciscan monk, Father Junipero Serra, who built Missions up and down the California coast while enabling and aiding in the oppression and colonization of native Californians. This pilgrimage took place a decade ago, and its clear how much the author’s perspective on Serra’s complicated legacy has shifted since following the literal footsteps of the Monk.

I think including so much of the Serra history is a bit of a tricky sell considering its all presented through the lens of a white man, who did this really cool and difficult thing, but also knew he could be scooped up to safety if he needed it, had a bank account to tap into, and had the security of knowing at the end he’d be home. As much as I enjoyed it, I think there will be some that point out the tremendous privilege just to be able to do something like this. If you can get past the manufactured difficulty, I think you’ll find a tender story here of a son who has lost his mom and is facing an existential crisis.

I did really loved walking these miles with Motsenbocker, with all of these questions about grief and God. As someone who has lost a parent and whose relationship with faith has shifted drastically, it felt like I was walking side by side with Tyson, remembering some of my own journey (though without the blisters, cramps, 💩 crusted backpack, etc). There are some really great insights, funny stories and heartwarming moments throughout.

I was dying to read this. I’m a big fan of the author’s music. I saw him live a few years back when he opened for my favorite band ( @emeryofficial). I’ve followed him and his email newsletter since. Thanks @netgalley @worthypub for the E-ARC

After the death of his mother Tyson Motsenbocker walks El Camino Riel, 500 miles between LA and San Francisco. The walk takes him through city and country along coast and cliffs. Always questioning his relationship with a God who allows bad things to happen and God's relationship with humanity, this is a story of discovery. This is a book that makes you question yourself, your decisions and relationships with God and man. Along the way, you too may discover many truths. An easy but excellent read. Similarities to Cheryl Strayed's Wild exist but the focus is very different.
#WhereTheWavesTurnBack#NetGalley#WorthyPublishing