The OpenAir Life, Linda Akeson Mcgurk
The OpenAir Life, Linda Akeson Mcgurk
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The Open-Air Life
Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day

Author: Linda Åkeson Mcgurk

Narrator: Laura Jennings

Unabridged: 7 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 11/01/2022

Synopsis

A complete guide to Friluftsliv, the Nordic secret to unplugging and connecting more deeply with nature.

In The Open-Air Life, Swedish-American writer Linda McGurk introduces readers to a wide array of Nordic customs and practices that focus on slowing down and spending more and more of ones’ time outdoors. An outdoorsy cousin of hygge, friluftsliv is what Nordic people do outside all day before they cozy up in front of the fireplace with their wool socks on and a cup of hot cocoa.
 
From the pleasures of foraging for wild berries and birding to how to stay warm and cozy outside in the middle of winter, this inspirational guide shows readers how to harness the power-of-nature to improve their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships with both other people and Mother Nature. Listeners will learn:
 
Why and how they should spend more time outsideHow to use friluftsliv to combat stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and burnoutPractical skills like making fire, cooking outdoors and cleaning water on the go.  
For country and city lovers alike, this audiobook will serve as an essential guide to slowing down in this modern, fast paced society and connecting with the natural world.

About The Author

Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish-American freelance writer and author who believes life is better outside.  Her first book, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather:  A Scandinavian Mom’s Secret for Raising Healthy, Resilient and Confident Children was published by Touchstone/S&S in October 2017 to critical acclaim. She lives with her family in Sweden. 

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kaelee on August 15, 2023

This is my second book by this author. In typical fashion of this author she includes a lot of stats to convince you that spending time outside is good for you and a worthwhile endeavor. Personally I could do without all the stats because I already am convinced of the benefits of spending time outsi......more

Goodreads review by Kathryn on January 10, 2024

This book has INSPIRED ME TO GO OUTSIDE MORE and practice my right to roam <3......more

Goodreads review by Tanya on March 22, 2025

Love this authors way of drawing you in with personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and vivid accounts of nature. Made me want to embrace the outdoors more. Particularly lovely as a relaxing bedtime read. I enjoyed the non-chapter format.......more

Goodreads review by Lydia on April 27, 2023

Really enjoyed reading this & inspired to learn how to enjoy nature year-round, no matter the climate and weather! The friluftsliv way resonates with my deep love of nature & desire to be outside as much as possible ☀️......more

Goodreads review by Buck on July 04, 2024

The Nordic art of hiking without exerting yourself. It's also OK to exert yourself while hiking. You can roll around in the woods and base jump and fistfight an ocelot if you want, but that's not friluftsliv. Friluftsliv is when you just kick it in the woods, wander around, look at some moss, maybe......more

Quotes

“Whatever you do, get outside! It’s time to reclaim our mind-body health, as well as the lives of our children, from the indoor grind of always-on tech and brain-scattering media. Linda Åkeson McGurk’s gentle but inspiring approach rekindles our faith in the outdoors, whether we’re just sleeping on our own porch or taking a long hike in the woods. With her useful everyday tips, we’re reminded how easy it can be to reconnect ourselves and our families to the instant and deep benefits of nature.”
—Anu Partanen, author of The Nordic Theory of Everything

“In The Open-Air Life, Linda Åkeson McGurk takes us on a fascinating journey to explore how nature can enhance our lives. While some of the general concepts are familiar, she adds a unique perspective by introducing us to terminology and customs rooted in strong tradition from her native country, Sweden, and the surrounding Nordic countries. Through poetic storytelling, helpful checklists, and informative illustrations sprinkled throughout the book, she educates and inspires us to step outdoors into the fresh air and bring a number of nature-connection habits into our daily lives no matter where we live, our age, or what language we use to describe them.”
—Sandi Schwartz, author of Finding Ecohappiness

“Discover the Nordic secret to unplugging and connecting more deeply with nature: friluftstliv. I highly recommend The Open-Air Life to nature lovers everywhere.”
—Dr. Qing Li, professor, Nippon Medical School, and author of Forest Bathing

“Linda McGurk has given us a fine guide to caring for our true nature by connecting to the rest of nature. My hat’s off (but soon to be back on, as I’m going for a hike).”
—Richard Louv, author of Vitamin N and Last Child in the Woods

“Reading the prose of Linda Åkeson McGurk is always a reminder to be intentional about connecting with what I know deep in my bones: that going outside is going home. The Open-Air Life is an invitation to claim a way of being in the world that deems time outside as essential as breathing or drinking clean water. Full of practical tips and inspiring stories, this book is an essential guide for anyone who wants to further embrace life in the open air.”
—Heidi Barr, author of Collisions of Earth and Sky and 12 Tiny Things

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