Discover the 10 best books that will inspire you to spend more time outside. From adventure memoirs to nature writing, these books will encourage you to explore the world around you.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. However, spending time outdoors is a great way to rejuvenate and recharge, both physically and mentally. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, camping in the woods, or simply taking a walk in the park, getting outside has numerous benefits for our health and well-being.
“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
“Wild” is a memoir by Cheryl Strayed about her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Through her journey, Strayed discovers the power of nature and its ability to heal and transform. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to challenge themselves and find their inner strength.
“The Nature Fix” by Florence Williams
In “The Nature Fix,” Florence Williams explores the science behind the healing power of nature. Through interviews with scientists and researchers, Williams explains how spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, depression, and improve overall well-being.
“A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson
In “A Walk in the Woods,” Bill Bryson recounts his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with his friend. Along the way, Bryson shares his humorous observations and insights into the beauty and challenges of the trail.
“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
“Into the Wild,” tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness to find himself. This book is a powerful reminder of the beauty and danger of the natural world.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Robin Wall Kimmerer explores the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Through her writing, Kimmerer encourages readers to develop a deeper relationship with the natural world and to recognize the importance of reciprocity and respect.
“Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey
“Desert Solitaire” is a memoir by Edward Abbey about his time as a ranger at Arches National Park in Utah. Abbey’s writing captures the beauty and solitude of the desert landscape and reminds readers of the importance of preserving our natural spaces.
“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben
In “The Hidden Life of Trees,” Peter Wohlleben shares his insights into the complex world of trees and forests. Through his writing, Wohlleben encourages readers to see trees as living beings and to recognize their important role in our ecosystem.
“The Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv
“The Last Child in the Woods” is a book about the importance of nature in a child’s development. Through research and personal anecdotes, Richard Louv makes a compelling case for the benefits of unstructured play and outdoor exploration for children.
“Walden” by Henry David Thoreau
“Walden” is a classic book by Henry David Thoreau about his time living in a cabin in the woods. Thoreau’s writing encourages readers to simplify their lives and to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of nature.
“The Soul of an Octopus” by Sy Montgomery
“The Soul of an Octopus” is a fascinating book about the intelligence and emotional life of octopuses. Through her writing, Sy Montgomery invites readers to appreciate the diversity and wonder of the natural world.
If you’re looking for some inspiration to get outside more, then look no further than these 10 best books. From adventure memoirs to nature writing, these books will encourage you to explore the world around you and appreciate the beauty of nature.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Call of the Wild by Jack London: This classic novel follows a domesticated dog named Buck who is stolen from his home and sold into the Alaskan wilderness. It’s a story of survival and adaptation in a harsh, wild environment.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: This nonfiction book tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gave away all his possessions and hiked into the Alaskan wilderness to live off the land. It’s a cautionary tale about the risks and rewards of adventure and self-discovery.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson: In this humorous memoir, Bryson recounts his attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail with his friend Stephen Katz. It’s a light-hearted look at the challenges and joys of long-distance hiking.
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey: This nonfiction book is a love letter to the American Southwest, where Abbey worked as a park ranger in the 1950s. It’s a meditation on the beauty of the desert landscape and a critique of the ways humans have attempted to control and exploit it.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: This nonfiction book explores the complex and interconnected world of trees and forests. Wohlleben draws on his experience as a forest ranger in Germany to reveal the fascinating ways that trees communicate, cooperate, and support each other.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed: This memoir follows Strayed’s journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone after the death of her mother and the breakdown of her marriage. It’s a powerful story of grief, healing, and self-discovery in the wilderness.
The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane
The Old Ways by Robert Macfarlane: In this nonfiction book, Macfarlane explores the ancient paths and trails of Britain and the ways they connect us to the natural world and our own history. It’s a lyrical and reflective meditation on the power of walking and exploring.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau: This classic work of philosophy and nature writing recounts Thoreau’s two-year experiment living alone in a cabin on the shores of Walden Pond. It’s a celebration of simplicity, self-reliance, and the beauty of the natural world.
The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
The Nature Fix by Florence Williams: This nonfiction book explores the ways that spending time in nature can improve our physical and mental health. Williams draws on research from around the world to show how nature can reduce stress, improve creativity, and even boost our immune systems.
Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis
Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis: In this memoir, Davis recounts her journey hiking the Appalachian Trail at just 21 years old. It’s a story of perseverance, endurance, and self-discovery, and a celebration of the transformative power of nature.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Classic Adventure Novel
The Beauty of the Wild
The Bond between Human and Animal
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
The True Story of Christopher McCandless
The Allure of the Wilderness
The Perils of Going Alone
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
The Humor and Wit of Bill Bryson
The Appalachian