The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 65 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 09-10-2024


About this item

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 listeners 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 listeners 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 outside
  • How to use friluftsliv to combat stress, anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout
  • Practical 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.


Top reviews from the United States

Carie Morelock
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024
I loved Linda MCGurk's first book so much that I had to buy her second book! As a social scientist and an unschooling mom; being outside is key to a better life!
What I loved most is the color of the words! I have read A LOT of books and I have never seen colored words! It was So enchanting, fun, out of the box, and perfect for a book that encourages living a life outside! This book was fabulous on every page; well written and organized. I especially appreciated the depth of research and examples she used. This book is just what every parent and adult needs to live a more fulfilled successful life. I also really liked the cleanliness of the book- I didn't have to worry about any crass or vulgar language as I was reading. The inclusion of steps or ideas of what to do to create an outdoor life was extremely helpful and inspiring- ie camping one night every week of the year! Brilliant! Thank you for such an excellent book!
D. Roe
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book about the power of friluftsliv
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
I discovered Linda Åkeson McGurk’s first book, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, a few years ago, and inhaled it. While it is first a parenting book, and I am not a parent, I thought it was outstanding, and began finding ways to incorporate some of the principles on how to raise “outdoor” kids into my own life, and see how I could raise myself to be an outdoor guy. :)

So when I learned that McGurk had another book forthcoming, of course I preordered it. I was not disappointed. I immensely enjoyed this book, and appreciated the tips for those of us who were not raised in the outdoors. It gave me ideas on how I can incorporate more friluftsliv into my own life, and enjoy a healthier happier lifestyle because of it. If you want to understand why you should go outside more, you should definitely read this book. :)
Amy J.
4.0 out of 5 stars Text color is difficult to read
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
I just started reading this hardcover book, and I'm finding the turquoise print on the blueish-white background difficult to read.
It seems like a good book so far, but if you have low vision you might want to get the ebook or audio version.
I wear readers but usually have no problem with even very small print.
Customer image
Amy J.
4.0 out of 5 stars Text color is difficult to read
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
I just started reading this hardcover book, and I'm finding the turquoise print on the blueish-white background difficult to read.
It seems like a good book so far, but if you have low vision you might want to get the ebook or audio version.
I wear readers but usually have no problem with even very small print.
Images in this review
Customer image
LISA M. TOWNSEND
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023
Really enjoyed this book! Great perspective on getting outdoors more like they do in the Nordics! Really inspired me to get out in all different weather! Highly recommend!!!! Loved her first book also!!
Jennifer Ford
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2022
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Well written, interesting, and inspiring. If you are at all interested in nature and being outdoors, you should read this book!
EyeGuy
3.0 out of 5 stars It’s kinda what I already know/ believe….
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2023
This is a very low key approach to what we all should be doing more of!
Holly Renae Horch
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely adore this book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2023
This is a beautifully written book with so many ideas we can all do to live an open air life. I love how Linda talks about the different ways to get outside, and how no matter how big or small the outing/adventure is, it is all worthwhile. The book talks about the core principles of friluftsliv and how to truly embrace this mindset. One of my favorite things about the book is how it goes into each of the four elements (air, earth, water and fire) and gives actionable ways we can each deeply connect to nature through the elements. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone!
I have been a huge fan of Linda McGurk's since her first book, There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather, helped solidify the way I wanted to parent my children and helped me feel understood and seen. Living an open air life and embracing nature in all her seasons has been so life-changing for me and my family. I absolutely loved reading Open Air Life and feeling inspired and ready to continue our journey of more time in the great outdoors. Thank you for another beautifully-written, educational and entertaining book!
DumroosMum
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023
I am glad I stumbled upon this book in the local library. The author neatly introduces the Nordic concept of Friluftsliv and provides real life experiences and changes in lifestyles to incorporate friluftsliv - be it in simple activities like a stroll in the woods, berry picking, sleeping outdoors or extreme outdoor activities like skiing, open water swimming and such. The concept is simple - embrace nature every day.

There’s a spoonful of Nordic wisdom in this book, much like in the books I had read about the Swedish concepts of Hygge and Lagom. Coming from cultures ranking high up on the World Happiness Index, there has to be something substantial in these concepts.

Best Sellers in

 
 

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 485
18.8
 
 

The Power of Trees: How Ancient Forests Can Save Us if We Let Them

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 96
23.85
 
 

How to Read a Tree: Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 540
14.32
 
 

Upstream: Selected Essays

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2289
21.84
 
 

The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 747
15.75
 
 

Homo Sapiens Rediscovered: The Scientific Revolution Rewriting Our Origins

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 34
18.8
 
 

The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 432
17.72
 
 

How Railways Transformed the World

0 0 out of 5 stars 0
21.88