a ‘down to earth’ book list 🌲

(yes, it includes Gathering Moss ;)

Nights spent reading are some of the most peaceful. I love a room lit up softly with candles by the window, easy music playing in the background, and a blanket and a book to cuddle up with. I love the nights I lose track of time when reading, my only measurement the amount of pages I’ve flipped through or the number of positions my cat has curled up into when sleeping. Nights like this are especially good when you’re reading a book you love — a book you want to spend your mornings, evenings, and afternoons with. A book that reminds you of the magic and beauty and art that exists in the world.

My reading preferences span many genres (I love a good historical fiction, mystery, narrative non-fiction), but I think my ‘home’ for reading are books that I describe as ‘down to earth’. Books that inspire me to pay more attention to nature (Gathering Moss), books that inspire me to go on my own outdoor solo adventures (Wild by Cheryl Strayed), and books that inspire me to live a life of intention and and love (Journey to the Heart and The Four Winds). I love a book that provides a sort of escape, but also reminds me to wake up to the life that exists around me.

I’m here to share these ‘down to earth’ books with you 💚

So please — read on, reader, and perhaps head to your local library or bookshop to pick up a copy of your next favourite book :)

But first — for your reading pleasure — I wanted to share my own reading playlist. I’m super picky about the music I listen to when reading (very snobby of me) so this reading playlist is only filled with songs that fit my high standards hehe — aka songs that are mostly instrumental, very chill, and minimally distracting. Because there’s nothing worse than trying to read when a song you know plays in the background and your brain wants to sing along. A gift for you <3

And now, what you all came for —

A down to earth booklist:

🌲 Wild by Cheryl Strayed

A book I devoured in the span of a couple days. If you’re into hiking or camping or backpacking, you’ll enjoy this book. Cheryl inspired me to go on my own solo adventure and led me to embarking on a nine hour solo hike up Frosty Mountain. To be read after a long day spend in the outdoors, or maybe in audio version as you‘re doing your own hike.

🌲 Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer

I know I’m not alone when I talk about my love for this book. It’s a shorter read, but such an impactful one. It reads like poetry, and will inspire a love for moss (and much of Earth’s tiny microscopic world) inside of you. To be read while camping in the woods, on an early summer morning when the sunlight is hitting the greens around you just right.

🌲 Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

This book reminds me of an inherent human desire to be off-grid and a part of the wild. I love a weekend spent off-grid — an escape from the never ending fast pace of society — but Chris McCandless takes this to the next level. To be read under the stars, or in any environment that allows you to ponder your tiny, fleeting existence in this big wide world.

🌲 Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Another beautiful book by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Kimmerer’s writing is art, and awakens a sense of awe and wonder inside of you for the natural world — especially the natural world that exists right outside your door. To be read while picnicking next to a body of water — maybe a pond, while you watch the ducks lazily swim in circles.

🌲 Botany of Desire by Michael Pollen

I’m actually reading this right now — slowly, in 15 minute blocks in my mornings. It’s allowed me to get curious about plants I’ve never thought very deeply about: the apple tree and its migration into the Americas; the beauty of a tulip; the complexity of cannabis, and the persistence of the potato. To be read after an hour spent tending to your garden, or maybe on your couch with a vase of tulips on your side table to enjoy.

🌲 The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

I read this book in August and I’m still thinking about it. It’s a complex tale of 1930s America, and the great challenges that the families (morhers, especially) had to overcome. It’s based on true events, and reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for in this life. To be read on the couch of your parent’s or grandparents house so you can ask them about the lives they had before you even existed.

🌲 A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

This book is down to earth because it’s so funny. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys long periods of time spent in the outdoors but then also sometimes wonders ‘why am I putting myself through this?’ It’s an easy read, an enjoyable read, and one that will put a smile on your face. To be read on a camping trip, after telling stories and jokes around the campfire with your friends.

🌲 Journey to the Heart by Melodie Beattie

This book offers gentle reminders to live a life of purpose, intention, and gratitude. It’s a devotional, so each little expert can bring you some words to ponder each day. To be read while slowly sipping your morning coffee.

🌲 The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz

I’m including this one in my downtown on earth booklist because it offers four guidelines for living a good life as a human. These guidelines are so simple, yet so impactful, and I think if everyone read this book the world would be a better place. To be read anywhere, as long as you’ve got your journal right beside you to jot down any insights that arise.

🌲 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

This book offers one of the sweetest stories about love (all forms) that I’ve ever read. Set in WWII, it touches on the importance of community, friendship, and love in hard times. To be read on the beach, in the fifteen minutes before bed, or maybe even in the bath — anywhere you’re allowed to relax and enjoy a sweet story for a little bit.

🌲 The Sacred Balance by David Sazuki

Though I haven’t read this book yet, I’m really keen to. I love to ponder my existence and place in the natural world — which is what I’m hoping this book will do for me. I hope to read it while on a solo camping trip, maybe sitting in the tent as rain falls down outside.

And that’s it for my down to earth booklist. Have you read any of these titles? I’ve love to hear what you thought of them in the comments below! Or, if you haven’t, what’s on your own ‘down to earth’ booklist?

Thanks for reading, I’ll catch ya in the next one <3