What makes an ideal book for a long-distance walk?
The ideal book for a long-distance walk is paperback, lightweight and worthy of reading more than once. Here’s why:
Paperback
E-books are great, but they are not as convenient as they might seem. You’re at the mercy of your phone and it’s ever-diminishing battery, which is not practical when you are out on the trail for several weeks or months at a time. Paperback is key.
Lightweight
When you’re living out of your backpack, every pound counts. The last thing you want to lug around is a book that weighs as much as your sleeping bag. Lightweight is a must. Mysteries and novels are a popular choice for airport travelers because they are light and compact. But not so fast. While novels, thrillers and other exciting page-turners work well for a flight, they don’t stand up to a long-distance hike due to the next criteria…
Worthy of rereading
The best book for a long-distance walk is one worth reading more than once. Most novels and thrillers don’t qualify. Books that give you something to contemplate are the better choice. Topics can include personal development, philosophy, spirituality, health, relationships, consciousness – you know, the bigger conversations about life and living. They challenge the way you think and invite you to expand your beliefs about what is possible. Those books open your eyes or expand you in some way, which means you’re a different person by the time you reread it. It will seem like a new book the second or third time around.
What are three books that fit these criteria?
The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh
Zen master and spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh offers a collection of powerful and inspiring teachings in a convenient pocket size format. He covers mindfulness, relationships, emotions and more. Weighing in at 5.6 ounces (158 grams), it fits in the palm of your hand.
Your Inner Camino by Karin Kiser
Full disclosure: I wrote this one. It’s a pocket guide of things to contemplate to turn any long-distance walk into a journey of transformation. Although it was written with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes in mind, the exercises and suggestions apply to anyone looking for answers or more aliveness in their life. It’s like having a personal coach, a comedian and a therapist all in one – right in your pocket for easy access while walking. Weighing a breezy 1.4 ounces (40 grams), it’s available from Camino Chronicles Press.
Born to Be Free by Jac O’Keefe
A must-read for those searching for deeper truth and inner direction. It reveals the nature of total happiness, freedom and uninterrupted peace. This isn’t a pocket size book, but with only 105 pages, it weighs the same as Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, 5.6 ounces (158 grams).
Happy reading!
