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Walking to Japan - a Memoir
Carolyn Affleck Youngs, author
Born during an air raid, Derek Youngs was thrown into the harsh reality of humanity's dark side with his first breaths. It was no wonder he became a peace pilgrim. His dream to walk to Japan took him thousands of miles on foot, challenging not only his body, but his beliefs. Eventually, peace became more mantra than manifesto. After he died suddenly in 2011, his widow Carolyn Affleck Youngs completed his memoir, a touching, insightful and humorous tale of learning to live one step at a time. Now, more than ever, we need this kind of inspiration.
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 10 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10
Assessment:
Idea/Concept: The author recounts an exceptional true story in a memoir that is interesting, easy to follow, and dynamic.
Prose: Affleck Youngs’s narrative voice is warm, vivid, and inviting. Readers will immediately engage with the conversational storytelling style.
Originality: As a memoir, this work is wholly unique to the author. Affleck Young crafts a spirited and inspirational chronicle of finding purpose and meaning by stepping beyond one’s comfort zone.
Execution: This memoir is a charming and insightful reflection on faith, the impact of trauma, and the uncertain path toward wholeness and healing.
Date Submitted: November 12, 2019
