Review of The Magic of Walking: Your Guide to a Balanced, Purposeful Life

[Eunice Geres]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Magic of Walking: Your Guide to a Balanced, Purposeful Life" by Susan Sommers.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Magic of Walking: Your Guide to a Balanced, Purposeful Life by Susan Sommers is a wellness book that enumerates strategies and tools to help individuals start physical exercises through walking. As the author discusses the benefits of walking and how it positively affected her life, the reader would find a new understanding regarding this physical activity. This book also includes guided questions to help the reader get started with what they want to achieve and how they would do it.

Before I discuss my analysis of the book, I would like to take this moment to show appreciation for the author, Susan Sommers. She has completed 35 walk races since she turned 59, and at the age of 75, she did a virtual marathon called El Camino de Santiago Challenge that includes a 778-kilometer route. I’m 20 years old, and I can’t even do a 5-kilometer walk. It takes a considerable amount of effort and willpower to do this, and throughout the book, I felt so inspired by how the author managed to complete those marathons.

There are many aspects of this book that I truly loved. First, I liked that the author is very relatable. She never mentioned how great she is at marathons or how much skill it takes to finish a race. Instead, she discussed that knowing what truly matters is what’s going to get you through the race. You don’t have to be the fastest or the best; you only have to believe in what you are doing.

Another thing I liked is how the paragraphs are structured. The author structured the passages using bullet forms and number headings and not tedious and lengthy sections. That kind of structure makes it easier to follow, and it made me not get bored quickly. I also liked that the author indicated the website for every method, helpful strategy, and where the reader can find things and challenges. Lastly, I loved that this book inspired me to try new experiences. For example, I’m currently saving money to enter a virtual marathon, and I also found virtual reality videos I used to walk around my house.

There is nothing I disliked in this book. Every part of it is beneficial. The tips, strategies, journal prompts, and challenges are exciting and worthwhile. Although some sections do not apply to my age group, it was still great because I know that this book also has older people as its target audience.

With all of that said, I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book was exceptionally edited, and I enjoyed every part of it. I also learned a lot, which is the most crucial factor in reading wellness and self-help book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to start doing some physical activities. This book can help you reach clarity on what you want to achieve and how you would do it. I would also recommend this book to people who want to chill and connect with nature. On the other hand, I would not recommend this to someone who's a fitness enthusiast. They might find this significantly unimportant if they already have a firm foundation in their workout plan.

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The Magic of Walking: Your Guide to a Balanced, Purposeful Life
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[Eddy E]

I think I need to read this book it will definitely encourage me to walk more. Just reading the authors achievement even at 75 is inspiring.

[Maliha Naveed]

This reminded me of the 1000 steps I climbed back in 2017 at the age of 26 in Melbourne. Walking is absolutely the best way to maintain one's health. I would love to find more benefits of it in this book. Thanks for the review.

[Anahamzah]

I’ve always been inspired to walk or even run long distances, but never had the courage to complete anything. Kudos to the author who found joy in something a lot of people dread doing.

[MsH2k]

I also found virtual reality videos I used to walk around my house.

That sounds like a great idea! Walking is my main form of exercise. I don't have to drive to a gym, and I love getting the fresh air. During the winter months, it's hard to get motivated to go out in the cold, so I may have to look into virtual reality videos. Thank you for your recommendation!

[Ego Emer]

I've always loved walking long distance, I didn't exactly know the merits but I just love it..finding out the many merits to this feels just like a big pat on the back for me. Lol. Lovely review for such an encouraging book.