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Angelo Solera, local community activist, former political candidate, and now author tells of his experience in walking a 400 mile pilgrimage to Santiago of Compostela, Spain, in his book titled “The Journey: El Camino.” Solera explains, “I did not write this book. I simply held the pen and pushed the tabs on my computer, listening through my soul and writing the message coming from within…”

Angelo writes, “I am not a writer, nor is English my first language. Translating feelings and emotions from Spanish to English presented me with many linguistic and cultural challenges… trying to create what for a long time seemed like “ Un sueño” a dream – an impossible and unrealistic dream. With the publication of this book, that dream has become reality, and with it, I can finally close the door on the past, live in the present and look forward to the future.

There are many stories in this book, at least one for every one of you who reads it, regardless of who you are or where you come from. It only requires that you find yourself in these pages. In the writing, I relived “ el pasado” the past, as I knew it through the eyes of a lost child, an immigrant teenager and a man who has journeyed from addiction to the life of a community activist. As I recounted my journey through life, I uncovered many personal demons and fears – love, hate, passion, obsession and dependence, to mention just a few. By doing so, they can no longer control my life or my destiny. With the completion of this book, I am free.”

There will be a book and CD release presentation of “The Journey: El Camino” at the Patterson, hosted by The Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue on Wednesday, June 4 from 6-8 PM. All are invited to join Solero in this event. There will be a “taste of Spain” being served: Tapas and Sangria. All are welcomed to celebrate this book release, meet the author himself, and get your book signed!