The Independent Best Book for Walkers 2022
Where can a walk take you?
It goes without saying, walking can connect us to our surroundings and free us from our worries. It can raise our heart rate and relax our minds. It can lead us across historic ground and inspire new thinking.
In this beautiful collection, twenty outstanding writers set out with old memories and new adventures. Ive always hated walking, Harland Miller offers as his precis, while Ingrid Persaud and Agnes Poirier consider the rituals of pilgrimage and protest march. It isnt a walking city, Kamila Shamsie writes of Karachi, though she strides across it regardless. On the shores of Foulness Island, Will Self hopes to avoid landmines. In a forest north of Berlin, Jessica J. Lee gets soaked, then lost. And pacing around Delhi, Keshava Guha is interrupted by a husky. During the pandemic of 2020, he writes, looking back. He was the only thing I hugged.
These are stories to dip into, from all walks of life. Together they capture the magic and opportunity that can arrive when you put one foot in front of the other.
This collection features Tim Parks, Kamila Shamsie, Will Self, Nicholas Shakespeare, Irenosen Okojie, Ingrid Persaud, AL Kennedy, Cynan Jones, Sally Bayley, Joanna Kavenna, Kathleen Rooney, Richard Ford, Harland Miller, Keshava Guha, Agns Poirier, Josephine Rowe, Sinead Gleeson, Pico Iyer, Patrick Gale and Jessica J. Lee.
Discover the transformative power of walking with "Where My Feet Fall: Going for a Walk in Twenty Stories," a captivating anthology curated by Duncan Minshull and celebrated as The Independent's Best Book for Walkers in 2022. This hardcover edition, published by William Collins, invites you to embark on a journey through diverse landscapes and introspective narratives, exploring the profound impact of a simple act: putting one foot in front of the other. Beyond the mere physical act of locomotion, walking emerges in these pages as a portal to self-discovery, connection with the environment, and a balm for the anxieties of modern life. Minshull has assembled a stellar cast of twenty acclaimed writers, each offering a unique perspective on the art and significance of walking. From seasoned hikers to reluctant strollers, their experiences resonate with universality, reminding us of the innate human need to explore, reflect, and connect with the world around us. Within this collection, prepare to be transported to far-flung corners of the globe and intimate landscapes of the mind. Wander the bustling streets of Karachi with Kamila Shamsie, confront the eerie stillness of Foulness Island with Will Self, and get delightfully lost in a Berlin forest alongside Jessica J. Lee. Each story is a microcosm, revealing how walking can be a catalyst for creativity, a solace in times of hardship, and a bridge between cultures and generations. The contributors, a tapestry of literary voices, bring their distinctive styles and concerns to the fore. Harland Miller, known for his sardonic wit, initially declares his aversion to walking, only to reveal the unexpected benefits he discovers along the way. Ingrid Persaud and Agns Poirier delve into the historical and spiritual significance of walking as pilgrimage and protest, illuminating its role in shaping collective identity and social change. Keshava Guha's poignant encounter with a husky during the pandemic underscores the power of human (and animal) connection in times of isolation. Richard Ford reflects with contemplative prose on the simple act, while A.L. Kennedy brings her unflinching eye to bear on the internal and external landscapes traversed. More than just a collection of travelogues, "Where My Feet Fall" is a celebration of the human spirit, demonstrating how walking can unlock creativity, foster resilience, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world. The anthology features contributions from: Tim Parks, Kamila Shamsie, Will Self, Nicholas Shakespeare, Irenosen Okojie, Ingrid Persaud, A.L. Kennedy, Cynan Jones, Sally Bayley, Joanna Kavenna, Kathleen Rooney, Richard Ford, Harland Miller, Keshava Guha, Agns Poirier, Josephine Rowe, Sinead Gleeson, Pico Iyer, Patrick Gale and Jessica J. Lee. Each essay shimmers with insight and authenticity, inviting readers to lace up their own walking shoes and embark on their own transformative journeys. Perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful prose, nature writing, and the exploration of human experience, "Where My Feet Fall" is a book to savor, share, and return to time and again. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual stroller, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this collection will remind you of the profound magic and boundless opportunity that await when you put one foot in front of the other. At 240 pages, it's the perfect companion for a leisurely afternoon or a long journey, promising to nourish your mind, body, and soul with every step.
