Every reader who discovers this delightful book will have personal favourites among the stories told ... [Ekelund] argues persuasively that modern life, with its toxic combination of torpid, sedentary rest with vehicles that take us too swiftly from one point to another without any physical exertion, is very bad for us. He invites his readers to join him on his chosen path, a path that involves regular walking with careful mindfulness...This is an invitation we should all accept.
... thoughtful ... Like a hillwalker on a ramble, this book meanders pleasantly ... Ekelund’s writing — deftly translated from the Norwegian by Becky L. Crook — is direct and clear, sprinkled with vivid metaphors ... This lovely book taps into something primeval in us all.
Ekelund’s take on Robert Frost’s road not taken may surprise. Readers are also introduced to famous trails around the world and some of the folks who’ve endeavored to walk them. Interesting tidbits include information about why it’s anatomically impossible to walk a completely straight line and how paths are typically formed not to save time, but energy. A quiet, reflective read.
