52 Ways To Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time

The newest work by fiction and nonfiction author Streets (who also writes under the name Annabel Abbs) continues her research on walking that began in Windswept: Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women. Her new book takes readers through a year’s worth of intentional walks, one week at a time. Streets here encourages readers to plan walks in advance and focus on either external factors (e.g., landscape) or internal factors (e.g., spiritual direction), in order to recontextualize walking: the walk itself should be the goal, instead of a means of going from point A to point B. Walks themed around sounds or smells challenge readers to think about sensory perception or reengage with surroundings. Walkers are encouraged to think about both comfort and safety prior to stepping out; Streets acknowledges privilege, stating that walking is not necessarily a safe activity for all. Each short chapter encompasses a bit of science as a framework and ends with a list of tips to help readers maximize their experiences.