I’m Booked: “Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau”
Written by Ally Abruscato. Graphic by Charlotte Beck.
Clearly, I cannot stop obsessing over my trip to Concord, Massachusetts. Even though I did not fall in love with any author besides Louisa May Alcott, I can’t help but notice when Thoreau or Emerson is mentioned. That is why I initially picked up “Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau” by Ben Shattuck. It helped that there was a review from Nick Offerman on the cover. While I had low expectations for this book, I ended up enjoying it.
“Six Walks: In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau” documented Shattuck’s experience completing some of the walks that Thoreau mentioned in his many essays on nature. Whether it was around Walden Pond or Cape Cod, Shattuck explored the same New England environments at Thoreau. During a difficult time, he turned to Thoreau and spent time outside. Although Thoreau’s writing is sometimes too complex for me, Shattuck made it relatable by connecting it to his situations. He often compared Thoreau’s day to the present, acknowledging privilege, climate change, and other issues of today.
This book was beautifully written, constantly making me feel emotional about places I’ve never been. There were side characters in Shattuck’s life, such as the people he encounters on his walks or his famous wife, Jenny Slate. For the most part, however, this book seemed like a form of self-discovery. Shattuck proved that within nature is when we can most clearly see ourselves. I know it sounds cheesy, but I found it genuine and thought-provoking.
Even if you are not a Thoreau fan, I recommend this book. If not for its connections to a literary icon, then for its emotional depth and brilliant writing. One of my favorite examples was, “Maybe what I want when I go out in nature is not to see it, but to be seen by it. To receive anointment.”
I highly recommend reading this book and taking a walk outside every once in a while. You never know where it may lead you. I’ll be back soon with another book review, but until then, I’m Booked.
As Editor-in-Chief, Ally Abruscato leads and supports a talented group of staff and contributors in pursuing their creative endeavors. At SCAD, Ally majors in Photography and minors in Advertising & Branding. She regularly offers pop culture insights through movie reviews, articles and her weekly column, “I’m Booked.” When she’s not writing or taking photos, Ally’s probably outside, reading or running.
