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Under the Open Skies: A Practical Guide to Living Close to Nature
Twenty years ago, Markus Torgeby traded his hectic urban lifestyle for a small hut in the forests of northern Sweden. He ended up living there for four years, in perfect solitude and in harmony with nature. Today, he and his wife Frida and their three children live in a house he built with his own hands, near the site where he once survived on nothing but oatmeal, river water and the forest’s own pantry.
Framed with stunning photographs taken by Frida, Under the Open Skies is the story of Markus’s journey from broken youth, to living alone in the forest, to a self-healed family man. Torgeby is proof of the restorative powers of the outdoors and his descriptions of living close to nature combine everyday philosophy and inspirational insights with helpful advice as he shares how to make fire, the best techniques for chopping logs and how best to forage for food.
Part practical guide to how to live in the wild, part a meditation on the human need for a connection with the natural world, Under the Open Skies is the beguiling and timely portrait of how the desire for a simpler existence helped one man find contentment and connection with the world around him, and how we can all learn from his experience.
Framed with stunning photographs taken by Frida, Under the Open Skies is the story of Markus’s journey from broken youth, to living alone in the forest, to a self-healed family man. Torgeby is proof of the restorative powers of the outdoors and his descriptions of living close to nature combine everyday philosophy and inspirational insights with helpful advice as he shares how to make fire, the best techniques for chopping logs and how best to forage for food.
Part practical guide to how to live in the wild, part a meditation on the human need for a connection with the natural world, Under the Open Skies is the beguiling and timely portrait of how the desire for a simpler existence helped one man find contentment and connection with the world around him, and how we can all learn from his experience.
- GenresNonfictionNature
186 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2020
16 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Markus Torgeby
3 books14 followersMarkus Torgeby was a promising, elite runner until an injury ended his career and triggered a life crisis. Four years of self-selected loneliness in a hut in the Jamtland forest returned a calm to his body and new sense of direction. Today, Markus lectures on "what is really important" and builds houses and outdoor beds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 9, 2021
Everyday at midnight, the day ends. We're unable to save time for the future. Life is now.
June 16, 2021
Beautifully written and an interesting concept. Although, the book wasn’t exactly what I expected. I expected a handbook and it party was, but with an autobiographical approach. I’d thought I would gain more from reading the book than I did, but the things I did gain was (or will be) of great help.
There are a lot of pictures in the book, something that is nice and all, when it’s not too much, which I thought was the case at the end. The abundance of beautiful pictures was nice, but took a bit too much space in the book.
I liked the book, apart from the negative aspects. And I think this book left an imprint on me, because now the urge to wander of to live in the woods on merely oatmeal for a couple weeks are bigger than ever.
There are a lot of pictures in the book, something that is nice and all, when it’s not too much, which I thought was the case at the end. The abundance of beautiful pictures was nice, but took a bit too much space in the book.
I liked the book, apart from the negative aspects. And I think this book left an imprint on me, because now the urge to wander of to live in the woods on merely oatmeal for a couple weeks are bigger than ever.
June 5, 2024
En trivelig bok om å sove ute i Sverige.
March 5, 2021
Saw this on Siân’s Instagram (@sianibubble) and had to purchase myself a copy immediately. Such a beautifully put together book with photographs from Frida. Would have preferred more memoir type/reflective writing and less instructive/‘how to look after your axe’ bits, but it is clearly marketed as more of the later and anyway, I really did enjoy it all. Even the bits about pooing in the woods. Also really wanna make porridge with cinnamon, figs and apples over an open fire now... Markus released a more straightforward memoir a few years ago that has been translated into English (from Swedish), so will defo pick that up at some point!
October 31, 2021
Közepes
“hát értsd már meg végre hogy ez így nem mehet tovább, elpusztul a Föld … de én rájöttem, mi a megoldás. Ha gondolod megbeszélhetünk egy időpontot. Tartok egy előadást, a menedzserem elküldi a szerződést a feleségem pedig kiállítja a képeit, jó lesz?…”
Idő- és pénzpocsékolás
“hát értsd már meg végre hogy ez így nem mehet tovább, elpusztul a Föld … de én rájöttem, mi a megoldás. Ha gondolod megbeszélhetünk egy időpontot. Tartok egy előadást, a menedzserem elküldi a szerződést a feleségem pedig kiállítja a képeit, jó lesz?…”
Idő- és pénzpocsékolás
July 1, 2023
Fin blädderbok. Klokt om välgörande ute-vistelse och strävan efter harmoni. Lärde mig verbet stubba. Hjälper oss att komma åt det som finns bortanför det vi kan se.
May 11, 2020
Рейтинг: 4. Аудиокнига от Storytel. 🎧 Краткая автобиография человека, который прожил четыре года в лесу и является своего рода послом единения с природой. Множество трудностей: серьезная болезнь матери, собственная травма, чувство отчужденности, привели к кризису и к необходимости что-то изменить в жизни. Самая ценная часть книги посвящена необходимости совместить два мира: спокойствие природы и удобство современного мира. Важно быть в гармонии с собой и природа - самый натуральный способ медитации.
Из недостатков: некоторые части были немного скучны и чем-то напоминали дюжины книг о Hygge и тому подобных. Да и рецепт каши, совсем какой-то нескандинавский :)
Иллюстрации e-book достаточно хороши.
Из недостатков: некоторые части были немного скучны и чем-то напоминали дюжины книг о Hygge и тому подобных. Да и рецепт каши, совсем какой-то нескандинавский :)
Иллюстрации e-book достаточно хороши.
December 29, 2022
This book is an incredibly motivating call to action to get back to our true natures, and what really matters.
Markus’ story could not have come along at a more perfect time in my life. I’ve been by yearning for something unseen, and unknown in myself. A part of me that I have never really recognized or cultivated, but that I have felt the pull from for some time now. And then along comes this book, purchased on a whim due to my wife noticing it on the shelf at our local Barnes And Noble, the image on the cover somehow telling her that I might enjoy it.
I devoured this in less than 24 hours, and I believe that I will return to it again and again, to help me stay pointed towards my true north.
Thank you, Markus, from a friend half a world away, whom you will probably never know of. Your writing has given me a new sense of direction that I’ve been yearning for.
Markus’ story could not have come along at a more perfect time in my life. I’ve been by yearning for something unseen, and unknown in myself. A part of me that I have never really recognized or cultivated, but that I have felt the pull from for some time now. And then along comes this book, purchased on a whim due to my wife noticing it on the shelf at our local Barnes And Noble, the image on the cover somehow telling her that I might enjoy it.
I devoured this in less than 24 hours, and I believe that I will return to it again and again, to help me stay pointed towards my true north.
Thank you, Markus, from a friend half a world away, whom you will probably never know of. Your writing has given me a new sense of direction that I’ve been yearning for.
February 13, 2021
Lovely concepts in this book but what it lacks is the information regarding how living like this impacts the environment around you. For example, this book suggests using bark to make a fire, removal of bark from a tree is actually damaging and can cause the tree to catch an illness and die.
April 8, 2021
In Swedish - since the book is written in Swedish:
Markus Torgeby, Sveriges främsta utomhus sovare, och allmänt skön person :) Har tillsammans med sin fru skrivit en bok om att just sova utomhus. Och inte göra det till en för stor grej. Boken berättar om Markus resa som elitlöpare till ångest och hur han beger sig ut i skogen och bor där ensam i 4 år och därefter ger boken handfasta tips hur du kan göra för att sova mer utomhus. Boken är kompletterad med riktigt snygga bilder så det är ett måste att läsa boken: "med ögonen".
Jag har intervjuat Markus 2 gånger på TFP - The FLAWD Podcast där vi
https://www.flawd.se/tfp062/ - Sova ute - här pratar vi om denna boken
https://www.flawd.se/tfp014/ - Löparen - pratar vi om Markus första bok
Under pandemin är sova ute ett "enkelt" sätt att varva ner, stänga av, hitta rätt.
Boken och podden touchar också på koncept som "Forecasting" att se in i framtiden med "Enslinjen" och att träna genom att klättra och vara ute vilket liknar "MovNat".
KallBad och kyla - som Markus gjort "naturligt" genom att inte ha tillgång till annat är också saker som idag "konceptualiserats" via WHM och Cold Thermogenisis. Det jag själv gillar allra mest är Markus som person och hans genuina sätt att förklara hur han var tvungen att förstå sig själv och utsätta sig för ensamheten och ångest tex med mörkret. Prova själv att sova ensam i skogen - det är en utmaning framförallt i att umgås med sig själv.
Rekommenderar starkt denna boken - och köp en yxa! :)
Markus Torgeby, Sveriges främsta utomhus sovare, och allmänt skön person :) Har tillsammans med sin fru skrivit en bok om att just sova utomhus. Och inte göra det till en för stor grej. Boken berättar om Markus resa som elitlöpare till ångest och hur han beger sig ut i skogen och bor där ensam i 4 år och därefter ger boken handfasta tips hur du kan göra för att sova mer utomhus. Boken är kompletterad med riktigt snygga bilder så det är ett måste att läsa boken: "med ögonen".
Jag har intervjuat Markus 2 gånger på TFP - The FLAWD Podcast där vi
https://www.flawd.se/tfp062/ - Sova ute - här pratar vi om denna boken
https://www.flawd.se/tfp014/ - Löparen - pratar vi om Markus första bok
Under pandemin är sova ute ett "enkelt" sätt att varva ner, stänga av, hitta rätt.
Boken och podden touchar också på koncept som "Forecasting" att se in i framtiden med "Enslinjen" och att träna genom att klättra och vara ute vilket liknar "MovNat".
KallBad och kyla - som Markus gjort "naturligt" genom att inte ha tillgång till annat är också saker som idag "konceptualiserats" via WHM och Cold Thermogenisis. Det jag själv gillar allra mest är Markus som person och hans genuina sätt att förklara hur han var tvungen att förstå sig själv och utsätta sig för ensamheten och ångest tex med mörkret. Prova själv att sova ensam i skogen - det är en utmaning framförallt i att umgås med sig själv.
Rekommenderar starkt denna boken - och köp en yxa! :)
March 23, 2021
Czy kiedykolwiek mieliście ochotę rzucić wszystko, uciec od codzienności i pojechać do lasu? Markus Torgeby idzie krok dalej, porzuca miejski styl życia, by żyć samotnie w chacie w środku lasu. Przez cztery lata ten las, siekiera i śpiwór to najważniejsze dla niego rzeczy. Dziś Marcus, jego żona i troje dzieci mieszkają w domu zbudowanym w środku tego samego lasu, w którym kiedyś żył, żywiąc się płatkami owsianymi i pijąc wodę z rzeki.
Książka łączy eskapizm i przygodę z miłością do natury i pragnieniem prostszego życia, a także opowiada historię podróży Markusa od trudnej młodości i samotnego życia na łonie natury do samouzdrowienia. Dzieciństwo i dojrzewanie były niezwykle trudne dla Markusa. Jego mama chorowała na stwardnienie rozsiane, chłopak nie radził sobie w szkole. Szybko odkrył, że bieganie na świeżym powietrzu przynosi mu ulgę, zmniejsza stres. Biegał coraz więcej, chciał jechać na mistrzostwa Europy, plany jednak pokrzyżowała kontuzja stopy. Nie chcąc pogrążyć się w depresji, wyjechał z rodzinnego miasta i zamieszkał w lesie. Ta przeprowadzka uratowała mu życie.
W książce znajduje się mnóstwo zdjęć żony Marcusa Fridy. Dołączone do nich opisy życia blisko natury łączą codzienną filozofię i inspirujące spostrzeżenia z pomocnymi radami: jak rozpalać ogień, rąbać drewno i zbierać pożywienie. Podziwiam autora, bo choć uwielbiam naturę, mogę godzinami siedzieć w lesie, to nigdy nie zdecydowałabym się na tak ekstremalną decyzję. Brakowałoby mi bratniej duszy obok.
Z jednej strony to przewodnik po wolności, a z drugiej strony opowieść o chęci połączenia się z przyrodą. "Pod gołym niebem. Żyj w rytmie natury" jest dowodem na regenerujące siły natury i na to, że pragnienie prostszej egzystencji może pomóc człowiekowi znaleźć zadowolenie.
https://www.instagram.com/smak_slow/
Książka łączy eskapizm i przygodę z miłością do natury i pragnieniem prostszego życia, a także opowiada historię podróży Markusa od trudnej młodości i samotnego życia na łonie natury do samouzdrowienia. Dzieciństwo i dojrzewanie były niezwykle trudne dla Markusa. Jego mama chorowała na stwardnienie rozsiane, chłopak nie radził sobie w szkole. Szybko odkrył, że bieganie na świeżym powietrzu przynosi mu ulgę, zmniejsza stres. Biegał coraz więcej, chciał jechać na mistrzostwa Europy, plany jednak pokrzyżowała kontuzja stopy. Nie chcąc pogrążyć się w depresji, wyjechał z rodzinnego miasta i zamieszkał w lesie. Ta przeprowadzka uratowała mu życie.
W książce znajduje się mnóstwo zdjęć żony Marcusa Fridy. Dołączone do nich opisy życia blisko natury łączą codzienną filozofię i inspirujące spostrzeżenia z pomocnymi radami: jak rozpalać ogień, rąbać drewno i zbierać pożywienie. Podziwiam autora, bo choć uwielbiam naturę, mogę godzinami siedzieć w lesie, to nigdy nie zdecydowałabym się na tak ekstremalną decyzję. Brakowałoby mi bratniej duszy obok.
Z jednej strony to przewodnik po wolności, a z drugiej strony opowieść o chęci połączenia się z przyrodą. "Pod gołym niebem. Żyj w rytmie natury" jest dowodem na regenerujące siły natury i na to, że pragnienie prostszej egzystencji może pomóc człowiekowi znaleźć zadowolenie.
https://www.instagram.com/smak_slow/
November 20, 2024
I saw this book in my Nordic shop. They have an abundance of Nordic stuff, especially Norwegian stuff. They have a small bookshelf in that shop too. This was a new addition to the shelf. I thought about impulsively buying the book. I normally need to do a bit of research before buying books.
Instead, I check my elibrary. Both the ebook and audiobook were available! I borrowed both. I thought this would be like Linda McGurk’s Open-Air Life. It wasn’t. It was a man’s grappling with mental illness whose takes to the outdoors. In America, he might turn into a serial killer. “Peeling bark off birch is like peeling off loose skin.” But in Sweden, he is a philosopher and writes a book giving life advice. Um, no.
In my older age, I’ve come to the realization that men have nothing interesting to say. When I saw a man wrote this book, I thought, he might not have anything to add to the Open Air discussion and I was right. Instead I will reread Linda McGurk’s Open-Air Life.
This was a 2 hour audiobook. The ebook however had lovely pictures which the author’s wife took.
Instead, I check my elibrary. Both the ebook and audiobook were available! I borrowed both. I thought this would be like Linda McGurk’s Open-Air Life. It wasn’t. It was a man’s grappling with mental illness whose takes to the outdoors. In America, he might turn into a serial killer. “Peeling bark off birch is like peeling off loose skin.” But in Sweden, he is a philosopher and writes a book giving life advice. Um, no.
In my older age, I’ve come to the realization that men have nothing interesting to say. When I saw a man wrote this book, I thought, he might not have anything to add to the Open Air discussion and I was right. Instead I will reread Linda McGurk’s Open-Air Life.
This was a 2 hour audiobook. The ebook however had lovely pictures which the author’s wife took.
December 26, 2024
Schöne Fotos, kurze prägnante Sätze. Liest sich schnell. "Wenn alles Gefährliche entfernt wird, verlieren wir den Weitblick - dann wird eine schlechte Internetverbindung oder eine verbeulte Stoßstange am Auto zu einer Katastrophe, der Tod einer Katze löst eine Trauer aus, deretwegen man sich krankschreiben lassen muss."
Oder: "In Zeiten, in denen ich wenig Geld hatte, rechnete ich alles in Haferflocken."
Letztlich ist dieses Leben im Wald halt eine Phase, die der Autor durchleben musste, um mit seinem Leben klar zu kommen (wie er auch direkt zu Beginn anmerkt), und nun als Mittel gern weiter empfiehlt. Ist es umsetzbar? Schwierig. Kann man sich davon inspirieren lassen? Ein wenig schon.
Man sollte sich aber nicht vom harten Urteil kirre machen lassen: "Wenn du so lebst, dass du einen Urlaub in der Sonne brauchst, um dich zu entspannen, dann läuft in deinem Alltag wahrscheinlich etwas falsch." - denn es ist halt nicht aller Tage Sonntag.
Oder: "In Zeiten, in denen ich wenig Geld hatte, rechnete ich alles in Haferflocken."
Letztlich ist dieses Leben im Wald halt eine Phase, die der Autor durchleben musste, um mit seinem Leben klar zu kommen (wie er auch direkt zu Beginn anmerkt), und nun als Mittel gern weiter empfiehlt. Ist es umsetzbar? Schwierig. Kann man sich davon inspirieren lassen? Ein wenig schon.
Man sollte sich aber nicht vom harten Urteil kirre machen lassen: "Wenn du so lebst, dass du einen Urlaub in der Sonne brauchst, um dich zu entspannen, dann läuft in deinem Alltag wahrscheinlich etwas falsch." - denn es ist halt nicht aller Tage Sonntag.
June 10, 2021
Ако търсите книга, пълна с практически съвети за оцеляване сред природата, то тогава тази книга не е за вас, тъй като надали на някого съвети от типа на "за да запалите огън избирайте сухи дърва" или "колкото по-студено става, толкова по-голяма нужда ще имате от защита" биха били от голяма полза.
Ако търсите книга, пълна със свръх големи мисли и върховни цитати за духовно израстване, то тогава тази книга не е за вас, тъй като мисли от типа на "радвайте се на това, което имате" и "оценявайте времето, прекарано с любимите хора" надали биха ви довели до голямо просветление.
Но, ако търсите една малка книжка, пълна с красиви снимки и носеща духа на скандинавското спокойствие и минимализъм, то тогава ще намерите нещо за себе си.
Ако търсите книга, пълна със свръх големи мисли и върховни цитати за духовно израстване, то тогава тази книга не е за вас, тъй като мисли от типа на "радвайте се на това, което имате" и "оценявайте времето, прекарано с любимите хора" надали биха ви довели до голямо просветление.
Но, ако търсите една малка книжка, пълна с красиви снимки и носеща духа на скандинавското спокойствие и минимализъм, то тогава ще намерите нещо за себе си.
August 31, 2021
I found this book in a little room in a small house we rented for two days in the Mátra. First I thought it was a "usual" handbook on how to live in the forest with a knife and a set of clothes, but it turned out to be much more... or different. It is part autobiography, part way of life from Markus Torgeby with lots of beautiful pictures taken by his wife, Frida. I spent half a day reading it from beginning to end while enjoying the silence of our forest surroundings. Together it was a beautiful experience. I plan to read it again when I have my own copy and one day maybe in the original Swedish edition too.
July 29, 2024
Under några år bodde Markus Torgeby i en kåta i Jämtlands skogar, vilket var avgörande för att bota hans mentala ohälsa. Det här är en jättefin bok om hans historia och massor av tips som bästa liggunderlaget och i vilket väderstreck som är bäst att sova under olika säsonger. Han delar dessutom med sig av andra klokskaper som till exempel det viktigaste verktyget och hur man lagar den godaste havregrynsgröten.
Mitt första intryck av Torgeby fick jag när jag såg honom bära material till en hel stuga upp på ett berg i Husdrömmar dokumentär. Sova ute är lika fascinerande och jag ser fram emot att lyssna på hans sommarprat på torsdag, den 1 augusti 2024.🌲🌲🌲
Mitt första intryck av Torgeby fick jag när jag såg honom bära material till en hel stuga upp på ett berg i Husdrömmar dokumentär. Sova ute är lika fascinerande och jag ser fram emot att lyssna på hans sommarprat på torsdag, den 1 augusti 2024.🌲🌲🌲
September 16, 2021
This was exactly what I thought it would be: educational, spiritual and a beautiful story of a hero’s journey in difficult times. We all need to pause and check in with our mental state at different times in our lives. What better way than to get grounded to the earth than in nature. This book truly takes you deep into the reality of life’s challenges and provides the utmost simplest solution. I have added this experience to my bucket list. Thank you Markus for your vulnerability and to Frida for the amazing photography.
April 1, 2022
On my regular stroll around bookstore in our city I noticed book that was full dark green. I happened to read full book at the store although I started in the middle. The book, apart from beautiful atmospheric pictures and how to passages and description of Author’s life, has actually some beautiful thoughts that are simple but very strong.
It was a great bliss of the love to the nature and friendly reminder you can live your life differently.
Thank you and this book will certainly be part of my Cabin’s book collection.
It was a great bliss of the love to the nature and friendly reminder you can live your life differently.
Thank you and this book will certainly be part of my Cabin’s book collection.
April 26, 2022
Jag bestämde mig för att läsa den här boken för jag trodde det var en klassisk friluftshandbok (jag läste inte ens baksidetexten först). Men detta var något helt annat. En slags blandning mellan självbiografi, handbok och funderingar. Och det var fantastiskt! Ibland flummade den ut lite väl mycket för min smak, vilket gjorde att den fick 1 stjärnas avdrag, men den var så klok, och den kommer stanna i mitt hjärta en lång tid framöver.
March 11, 2023
Áno, odstrihnúť sa od ľudí a nájsť seba. Táto kniha chytí každého, kto mal niekedy podobnú potrebu. Je silný ten, kto dokáže prežiť medzi ostatnými alebo ten, kto dokáže prežiť sám?
Ja som si knihu skutočne užila. Čítala som ju so slzami, so smiechom, v tichosti premýšľania a na konci ma zamrzelo, že nemá ešte pár stránok navyše. Obdivujem Markusovu odvahu ísť po tejto ceste a tiež silu nevzdať to. A obdivujem aj jeho ženu Fridu a jej pokoru a lásku. Nech sa im darí ❤️
Ja som si knihu skutočne užila. Čítala som ju so slzami, so smiechom, v tichosti premýšľania a na konci ma zamrzelo, že nemá ešte pár stránok navyše. Obdivujem Markusovu odvahu ísť po tejto ceste a tiež silu nevzdať to. A obdivujem aj jeho ženu Fridu a jej pokoru a lásku. Nech sa im darí ❤️
November 16, 2020
Broadly impressionistic, with pictures and snippets of life but neither a memoir nor a how-to but something abbreviated and in-between. Somewhat unique for that reason but I felt I could do with more of each.
January 6, 2022
I enjoyed this book a lot. I love being outdoors. My husband is an Eagle Scout and I wish we could do more outside with hiking and just enjoying the outdoors. It was a good book with a little about life and a little about the necessary things you need when living in nature.
February 1, 2022
Ein schönes, ehrliches, berührendes Buch mit vielen praktischen Tipps, eigentlich ist es eine Art Autobiografie und Ratgeber zugleich. Ich habe mich beim Lesen besonders ruhig und geerdet gefühlt und für mich beschlossen, mit der Natur, dem Garten, dem Wald .....noch mehr verbunden zu sein.
February 6, 2024
Quick read. Wished it were more. The writings are a sort of scattered remembrances. I did however, enjoy it very much. I have behaved this way myself throughout my life & many times wished I could find a way to live it eternally.
June 26, 2024
Very nice and cozy book. Written in very simple terms and words, as I believe the author did never write anything before. A true testament for the love of nature and what it entails to be in touch with it. A lot of meditation related elements as well.
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November 30, 2024Very inspiring and she opening book. Good if you're soul searching. A lot of practical information about living in nature to find yourself. The photographs taken by Frida complement Markus' memoir and let you fully immerse yourself in what is being conveyed.
January 15, 2020
So inspiring!
August 17, 2021
The photos are beautiful! However, it's a short book and really focuses on the nature in the author's area. Interesting to read but not something I'll pick up again to revisit.
September 14, 2021
Prečítaná na dva nádychy. Pekné rozprávanie, po ktorom som mala chuť zbaliť stan, spacák a ísť do lesa. Toto slovenské vydanie je veľmi podarené - tvrdá väzba a fotky sú krásne.
January 12, 2022
Not what I was expecting but a pleasant surprise. An interesting take on living close to nature written in an autobiographical style
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