looking for an adventure. but with a glass of wine, and on the couch.

ngā pukapuka ma te hōtoke

(books for the winter)

tucking myself up against the wild winter weather that’s rolling over Hahei, compiling a list of books that are perfect for a bit of armchair adventuring on this mercurial afternoon.

i am drawn to the wandering, wondering nature of these books — all four tugging me towards a journey: through slow travel, rural and urban foraged landscapes, the distant past, and the expanse of time that is found when walking.

the slow traveller // jo tinsley

[pre-ordered] The Slow Traveller is an invitation to travel lightly, to embrace a sense of curiosity and make enduring connections, and to explore the world at our own pace. Each chapter focuses on an element of the slow travel mindset alongside a mode of travelling or type of destination such as embracing spontaneity on road trips, sharing food to connect more deeply with people and place, embracing the unknown on long-distance rail trips, the unique perspective of roaming by water, the restorative experience of chosen solitude and the energising benefit of slow travel within cities.

written by the editor of the ernest journal (my all-time favourite magazine), i can’t wait to get my hands on this and begin reading.

a forager’s life // helen lehndorf

[read 01 july] effortlessly weaving memoir with foraging tales and recipes, helen’s book is a captivating story from childhood through to present day. inspiring me to look even more closely at the world around me and make the most of nature’s bounty.

a history of scotland // neil oliver

[to read] historian neil oliver presents a compelling new portrait of Scottish history, peppered with action, high drama and centuries of turbulence that have helped to shape modern Scotland. Along the way, he takes in iconic landmarks and historic architecture; debunks myths surrounding Scotland’s famous sons; recalls forgotten battles; charts the growth of patriotism; and explores recent political developments, capturing Scotland’s sense of identity and celebrating her place in the wider world.

walking // erling kagge

[currently reading] Placing one foot in front of the other, embarking on the journey of discovery, and experiencing the joy of exploration—these activities are intrinsic to our nature. Our ancestors traveled long distances on foot, gaining new experiences and learning from them. But as universal as walking is, each of us will experience it differently. For Erling Kagge, it is the gateway to the questions that fascinate him—Why do we walk? Where do we walk from? What is our destination?—and in this book he invites us to investigate them along with him.

 these books on my winter reading list should set me up for the next few weeks of wet & wild weather, keeping me replete with adventurous tales until i collect more of my own.

what’s on your winter (or summer) reading list?