(Nonfiction, 2022)
By Alana Livingston
Linda Åkeson McGurk’s “The Open-Air Life” is a compelling guide introducing readers to embrace the concept of friluftsliv, or “open-air living.” Divided into four sections based on the elements—Air, Earth, Water, and Fire—this book explores the numerous benefits of outdoor activities through real-life examples and personal anecdotes.
Each section offers practical advice and activities tailored to its respective element. McGurk emphasizes the holistic benefits of these activities, highlighting their positive impacts on socio-economic conditions, mental and emotional well-being, physical health, and self-reliance. For instance, the Air section encourages outdoor meetings and walks to enhance productivity and mental clarity, while the Earth section advocates for activities like barefoot walking to deepen one’s connection to nature, improve stability and circulation.
The book also includes beginner-friendly guides and skills, such as fire-building techniques in the Fire section, making it accessible for those new to outdoor living. McGurk’s approachable writing style and the inclusion of step-by-step instructions ensure that readers can easily integrate these practices into their daily routines.
One of the book’s strengths is its suggestions for spending time outdoors beyond traditional activities. McGurk introduces unique ideas like outdoor dinner groups, encouraging readers to think outside the box and find new ways to connect with nature. It makes sense that a culture with several words to describe different types of walks—like månskenspromenad (moonlit walk) and strandpromenad (beach walk)—would be so deeply connected to the concept of friluftsliv.
“The Open-Air Life” is more than a guide to outdoor activities; it’s a call to reconnect with nature and lead a healthier, more balanced life. McGurk’s passion for friluftsliv is infectious, leaving readers eager to incorporate its principles into their own lives.
