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

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. :)

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!

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.

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!

This book embodies a simple, nature-oriented way of living. From the gentle framework to the wildly relatable style of writing, I (once again) loved Linda McGurk's way of illuminating ideas as if you were sitting at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee.While juggling the demands of family, work and the mountain of other commitments.... I was grateful to fall into the soothing pace of this book.In a world where we are all overly-plugged in, this book was a delight to curl up with and a much needed reminder that we are losing touch with nature."Open-Air Life" offers us the opportunity to learn how the Scandinavians maintain their lifelong relationship with the natural world, and how we can too.If you're looking for an excuse to slow down, or understand what "Friluftsliv" (open air life) REALLY means........grab this book and get outside! ;) I personally can't wait until it's available as an Audiobook. :)

The Open-Air Life by Linda Åkeson Mcgurk is a complete guide to Friluftsliv, the Nordic secret to unplugging and connecting more deeply with nature. In this book, Linda paints a beautiful picture of the traditional Nordic tradition of Frilufsliv and inspires a sense of adventure and connection that can only be brought through nature. Whether it inspires you to camp outside for a year as it did me or just spend a little more time in nature with your family connecting in new ways, Open Air Life will give you a new perspective on time in nature and open your eyes to the many physiological and spiritual benefits to the Open Air Life. Linda also shares stories from her life intertwined with her passion for being outdoors to show how Open Air Life is accessible and beneficial for us all.

I had read and enjoyed McGurk's prior book (There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather) so I was happy to pre-order this book and I was not disappointed! I'm not the most "outdoorsy" person, but I do recognize the value to spending time in Nature and this book provided me with concrete and easy to implement ideas on how to spend time outside and participate in friluftsliv - even if I still can't pronounce it. I particularly appreciated the sample packing lists and the recipes for campfire cooking - my kids have already requested Banana Boats for their next camp out dessert. The Swedes have figured out this whole outdoor experience as a part of everyday life, so I'm happy to benefit from their centuries of trial, error and wisdom on the subject. This book is good for those who enjoy the outdoors (they'll pick up some new tricks and easy to digest history) as well as those who may want to dip a toe into the great outdoors but aren't quite sure where or how to start.

I LOOOOOVED it! It’s inspiring, educational, and it sparks the soul! It’s full of heart, traditions, roots & routines…all wrapped up in a book that makes open-air living feel so much more obtainable for anyone. And honestly…it makes me want to move to Sweden!I love how Linda includes directions and options for fire-making, sleeping outside, etc. It’s an inspirational read, but so helpful too.She truly mixes know-how with the rich culture of the Nordic regions…pulling the reader into an open-air world of wonder!