A Year in the Woods: Twelve Small Journeys into Nature

by Torbjørn Ekelund, Becky L. Crook (Translator)

From the acclaimed author of In Praise of Paths comes a humorous and modest Walden for modern times.As nature becomes ever more precious, we all want to spend more time appreciating it. But time is often hard to come by. And how do we appreciate nature without disruption? In this sensitively-written book, Torbjørn Ekelund, an acclaimed Norwegian nature writer, shares a creative and non-intrusive method for immersing oneself in nature. And the result is nothing short of transformative.Evoking Henry David Thoreau and the four-season structure of Walden, Ekelund writes about communing with nature by repeating a small, simple ritual and engaging in quiet reflection. At the start of the book, he hatches a to leave the city after work one day per month, camp near the same tiny pond in the forest, and return to work the next day. He keeps this up for a year.His ritual is far from rigorous and it is never perfect. One evening, he grows so cold in his tent that he hikes out before daybreak. But as Ekelund inevitably greets the same trees and boulders each month, he appreciates the banality of their sameness alongside their quiet beauty. He wonders how long they have stood silently in this place—and reflects on his own short existence among them.A Year in the Woods asks us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world. Are we anxious wanderers or mindful observers? Do we honor the seasons or let them pass us by? At once beautifully written, accessible, and engaging, A Year in the Woods is the perfect book for anyone who longs for a deeper connection with their environment, but is realistic about time and ambition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Memoir, Outdoors, Travel, Biography, Philosophy

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2014

About the author

Torbjørn Lysebo Ekelund er en norsk journalist og forfatter.

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 "Where culture generates stress, nature offers rest. Where culture produces narrowmindedness, nature offers a bird's-eye perspective. Where culture makes people feel isolated, nature makes them feel free."

I just love the above quote by the author. A man who is a freelance writer, often secluded in his house, remembers when as a youth his best times were spent outside, in nature. He decides to spend one night a month in the forest and return, if only for a short time, to what made him so happy in his youth. Living in Norway, nature was only a short walk away. These essays convey his thoughts, his observations and his feelings. I enjoyed reading them and though I would not spend a night alone sleeping in the woods, I am lucky enough to live a short walk down a hill to a river. Nature has been my solace too, so for me, this was a meaningful book.

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Melissa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I am glad I found it at one of the little free libraries. I loved the concept of staying in the woods overnight once a month. The author got to feel all the seasons outdoors for a day and a night without spending too much time away from his job and family. There were times in the book I felt such sympathy for him when he hadn't packed the correct items. This was earlier on, when he was still learning from the experience. He seemed to have a good attitude about it though, which was refreshing to read. While I wish more of it was solely about his experience deep in the woods on his own (he was alone on almost every trip). I loved the way he talked about nature, the animals and plants. He put such detail into what he saw. I love his love for nature. It also pains me when I visit hiking spots/walking trails and see how some people treat it so poorly. Here's a quote he said "If people can't even manage to pack out their own garbage when they are in the woods, can they manage anything at all?" He also puts in a lot of facts about insects, plants, etc. I read more about mayflies than I have ever really thought about them before. While it's all fun facts, I enjoyed reading more about him. That's my only tiny complaint. I love nature, animals and the outdoors so this book was definitely for me. If any of these interest you as well, I really recommend this book. Happy reading. 🤗🌿🍁🏞🏕

[Marie Lund Alveberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikroekspedisjon! For et herlig konsept 💚

Jordnær, verdiladet, inspirerende, filosofisk skildring av livet i skogen, slik det kan arte seg gjennom året.

Og en påminnelse om hvor tilgjengelig, men også hvor sårbar vår nære natur er.

Med forfatterens egne ord: «Noen ganger må du være stor nok til å innse at du er liten i møte med naturen».

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one you keep and go back to on occasion. Calming to read and easy on the brain.

[Romane · Rating 4 out of 5]

do you ever find yourself daydreaming about leaving everything behind, radically changing your lifestyle, retreating into the woods and simply live in harmony with nature? I do, approximately 13 times a day.

i was captivated by Ekelund's account of how he set himself an achievable yet profound goal of spending one night in the woods every month, in order to reconnect with himself and his childhood memories of the great outdoors. spending one night a month in nature is entirely doable, but would you dare? would you make the time? would you embrace a full year of unpredictable and harsh weather conditions ?

he did it for us, and the result is an honest reflection of his experience. what struck me the most is that you don’t need to embark on grand expeditions to get out of your comfort zone and reconnect with mother nature. he chose to return to the same spot each month, just 1 hour from home, savoring every subtle change he could notice in the hiking path, the lake and the surrounding vegetation. i find this repetition comforting, enchanting.

although i spend a lot of time daydreaming about what my little cottage in the woods would be like, where i'd cultivate my vegetable garden and spend long days in the forest, i know that, in reality, this lifestyle wouldn't suit me. and I’ve come to cherish those off-the-grid weekends away from everyday life all the more. in the end, i think that’s the balance i need, and this book has helped me to embrace this reality. if you see a bit of yourself in this, then this book is for you!

[Jeffrey P-s. · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book does inspire me to just "get out there," even if it's a small journey that fits into life's busy schedule, I found this book super boring. The book is super repetitive, and the author's journeys into the woods are never particularly interesting, although I know that's sort of the point. It's the book equivalent of your friend who tells long, boring, drawn out stories but no one will just tell him to be quiet.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) he actually has a correct take on Henry David Thoreau (kind of annoying but technically right, a little too self absorbed)
2) it is so allsome to wake up in the tent in the cold

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, gentle read about Norwegian Ekelund's year where he spent one day/night each month in the woods.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Torbjørn's 12 small journeys into nature. He wasn't alone on two of the days he had a photographer on one trip and the other he took his 4 year old son. He complained about his bedding, and the lack of clothing on several of his outings. He would go one day a month for a whole year. Basically to be by himself and to see how different the days could be compared to the others. He gives tips at the end of the book so you don't end up like he did. Norway is completely different than the U.S.A. in its light (except for Alaska). The lower 48 states are a lot lower in the light scheme. I enjoyed reading this book for the feeling you get. Not many people will see this as I do.

[Linda Stuckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have been reading it month by month and will do so again in 2023……

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the premise of this book - spending time in nature does not always have to be a grand adventure and can be equally valuable as intentionally finding time to be present outside. The book did drag on a bit though, but otherwise very enjoyable.

[Tatjana Bordukalo Nikšić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Podnaslov knjige (na hrvatski prevela Sandra Ljubas; izdanje Libricon, 2024.) glasi „dvanaest malih putovanja u prirodu“. U želji da više vremena provodi u prirodi, a istovremeno u nemogućnosti da se otputi na dulje i udaljenije ekspedicije, norveški pisac i urednik Torbjørn Ekelund zacrtao si je da će tijekom jedne godine, svih dvanaest mjeseci, svakog mjeseca provesti jednu noć u šumi, po mogućnosti uvijek na istom mjestu, i pratiti zbivanja i mijene u prirodi. Kao ideja, zvuči odlično i originalno, naročito u vrijeme kad su planinarenje i boravak u prirodi postali megapopularni, a fotografije atraktivnih ciljeva i veličanstvenih vidika natječu se po web-portalima i Instagram profilima. Ekelund je svoju ideju i proveo u djelo, a rezultat je nevelika knjižica, nepretenciozna i pristupačna čitatelju sličnih interesa. Ipak, čitateljima koji očekuju duboke uvide ili uzbudljive pustolovine, ova knjiga mogla bi biti previše repetitivna ili čak dosadna. Pisac svakog mjeseca odlazi u istu šumu, na isto jezerce, ponavlja manje-više iste radnje, a ipak je svaki od tih boravaka na svoj način jedinstven. Jednom će to biti snalaženje u zimskim uvjetima (siječanj), jednom će cilj mikroekspedicije biti promatranje svadbenog plesa tetrijeba (travanj), a jednom prilikom na svoje noćenje u šumi povest će i četverogodišnjeg sina (kolovoz). Pohvalno je što autor nema pretenzije otkrivati nove životne filozofije i istine o prirodi, iako na više mjesta koketira s takvim idejama, ipak, na vrijeme se zadržava u jednostavnim okvirima, najprimjerenijima za ovakav tip knjige. Našim čitateljima bit će svakako zanimljivi opisi prirode u pojedinim mjesecima u Norveškoj, koji se prilično razlikuju od istoimenih perioda u Hrvatskoj, kao i činjenica kako prilično česta kiša ondje ne smeta da bi čovjek boravio u prirodi ako je tako odlučio. Dijelovi knjige s detaljima o pecanju grgeča i pastrvi i tehnikama pecanja na mušicu i na trzalce ipak su mjestimice predugi i pomalo dosadni (nekom ribiču možda i ne bi bili).

[Jennifer Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Only at one point during each of these transitional periods is there any genuine seasonal moment to speak of:

April is the incarnation of spring. October is the incarnation of fall. The transitional periods last as long as the two seasons do. Winter ends in
March, but the summer doesn't start until July. The summer ends in September, but the winter doesn't start again until December. "

^ ^I know, I know that quote isn't exactly exhilarating to make you want to read the book. But I think it's fitting and insightful. This was a gently written book by nature writer Torbjørn Ekelund.

The book asks us to be real about the world around us. Not every voyage into nature needs to be one to make Kerouac or Strayed weep, but that does not mean it's underwhelming or not valuable if we don't witness something "extraordinary". Because the reality is simplicity can be awe inspiring as well.

This creative book is broken up by small journeys through the months and seasons exploring the woods.

A Year in the Woods asks the reader to reflect on how we spend our time in nature. Do we appreciate it? Do we hate it? Are we mindful while we are surrounded by the beauty around us? Are we lost in our heads and not paying attention to the world around us?

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this would be similar to Bill McKibbens “the age of missing information” which was really good but in fact it was a very boring book with little to take away from it. One of the things I remember from middle school was a writing teacher saying “show! Don’t tell” the author here seems to do the opposite. “I set up my tent, I made a fire then I ate dinner “. I am aware my review does not align with others here but it is %100 completely honest 😉

[Bia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to bookend my year with Tornjørn Ekelund!
I will read anything he writes and can't wait for A Requiem for a Bird. :-)
His books have helped me to slow down and pay more attention while out in nature and become more and I've fallen in love with being in the woods and exploring.

[Sam Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! You can really tell that it's written by a Norwegian dude, not much mincing of words, very matter-of-fact. The book took me through an entire year of this guy's life, and I appreciated how nothing was really embellished. Just a straightforward, normal year (besides the premise of the book which was camping for one night per month). The author chooses makes some good references and gives his own takes on "Into the Wild" and "Walden" among others. Here's a good quote from the last page while he was trying to figure out some wisdom to impart at the end of his year in December (sorry it's kinda long):

"Many of us live in a day and an age and in parts of the world where, now more than ever before, we are told that we are worthy, that we mean something, that we are special. The individual is elevated in every context: we are all supposed to realize our true selves, preferably to the sound of everyone else's applause.
In such a world, it is easy to lose perspective entirely, and I believe that the woods, for my part, or the mountains, or the ocean, or whatever kind of nature we have at our doorstep, beckons to us because it represents a point outside of this individual-centric culture that bombards us on every side. We need this nature, and it is our obligation to take care of it.
Our culture insists that each of us is unique. Nature tells us the opposite, and thus offers a necessary corrective. You are not so big after all. Everything does NOT depend on you. We were here before you and we will be here after you, so stop making such a big deal out of it all."

-Pg. 236-237

[Thomas McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that dives into life’s little joys and adventures.

The writer really highlights that everything changes, anything can be an expedition, and nature is the opposite of culture. Specifically that in our lives we are so confined to what people think , where as nature doesn’t give a care.

But overall this book is about a guy that slept in a tent twelve times, once per month, and his experiences in each month. And that’s fine.

[Megan Raisch-Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really helps me appreciate seasons…their slowness but also how they slip through our fingers so quickly! I am trying to enjoy November and not rush into winter…saying goodbye to the last of the leaves before the snow comes. I love having 4 seasons and this book really helped highlight them

Side note: I wonder what it’s like to feel safe while alone in the woods?! He’s privileged to feel that safety

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't blow my mind, change my life-amazing. BUT, it was incredibly honest and humbled approach to nature in a way I found comforting and relatable. I will be returning to each chapter during the year to reminded of the subtle changes of each month. So in a way, it did blow my mind.

[Will White · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5

[Ky James · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

I decided to tailor my own expedition, to craft a micro-expedition adapted to my level of ambition as well as to the external parameters of one single day during each of the twelve months of the year

Much as the summary explains, this book covers the author’s reflections of a series of monthly trips into the woods in Norway, most of the time alone. In each month, he also includes generous reflections of various topics, including his thoughts on other outdoor exploration books and stories, anecdotes from his past experiences in the woods, and general musings about city life and the daily trappings and expectations of modern living that he refers to as “culture”.

The individual accounts of exploring the woods and his feelings throughout these experiences are beautifully written and engaging. Having grown up in Northern Ontario myself, and now living a largely city and office life in a larger metropolitan city, his micro-expedition really called to me. His descriptions were so familiar and I could easily imagine being right there with him as he detailed the solitude of a barren, snowy field, the sun filtering through trees over a pine needle blanketed floor, or the magic of laying in a tent and staring at life on a pond. I even enjoyed several of the other musings, particularly those explaining cultural differences in Norway and etymology.

There were some excellent thoughts and very relatable ideas throughout. I’ve included below a few that jumped out and that could perhaps be considered lessons and conclusions, or further confirmed beliefs our author developed during his time in the woods:

Maybe there is something anchored deep down in our biology that always pushes us to choose the open water instead of the dark, gloomy forest.

The issue isn’t about being a better or worse person or living a worthwhile or constrained life. Rather it’s about how and where you thrive and what you enjoy doing.

The rain was icy cold. it was all very uncomfortable. But if there is one thing I’ve learned throughout the year, it’s this: in the woods, there is no one to help you and nothing is going to get better unless you do something about it.

Our culture insists that each of us is unique. Nature tells us the opposite, and thus offers a necessary corrective. You are not so big after all.

I found myself really enjoying the various moments in which the author compared his experiences with being in a fairytale, and referenced the magic of the woods. The two months in which he goes fly fishing and then camping with his 4 year old son are also particularly tender and memorable for their passion and the palpable connection. A passage in which he details his grandmother’s loss of the sound of grasshoppers is equally memorable and moving.

Despite the many wonderful aspects to this book, there were a few things that put it into a 3 star range rating for me. During each of the monthly forays, I struggled to enjoy the constant visits into other outdoor works and the expeditions they detailed. It gave me the impression that our author was constantly comparing his own experience to theirs, despite several reminders that he did not actually hold with most of their beliefs.

This idea of holding himself apart from others came up several times throughout the text, and I did not enjoy the sense of judgment or derision conveyed for several people or groups. From his judgment of an older man he met on the trail and felt was judging him, to a group of cyclists he criticizes for being too goal-oriented, and offhand comparisons of gnats to small children and sales people. After all the reminders that he did not believe a person was better or worse for the time they spent communing with nature, these moments stood out in harsh contrast and left a frown on my face as a I read.

As I sat there, alone with my notebook on my lap, I felt the whole situation was forcing reflections that I didn’t have. Sitting in front of the fire, I tried to formulate something clever that I hadn’t already written three of four times before.

In the end, I think the above quote explained how I was beginning to feel after 8 months of reflections. It began to feel repetitive, and more focus was put onto the anecdotes and comparisons to other books. I struggled to get through the last 20% or so, and it did not bring any new revelations or particular insight.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about the outdoors, or who is considering ways to fit nature into their busy city lives. It just could have been cut a bit shorter, and the little moments of negativity really threw me off.

** I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Doyle Swinimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very calming read, chronicling Torbjørn's 12 micro expeditions in the Norwegian wilderness. A more modest read than your average wilderness book that does well by not embellishing the truth of backcountry camping, and at the same time gets me fired up to try some solo hikes myself.
Maybe not in the winter, though.

[Lorelei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Good depth and wisdom about time outdoors, what it gives us and what we can learn from quiet observation. Relatable and funny writing.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes you have to be big enough to realize how very small you are." This is the perfect summation of why I love hiking and camping.

[Michael Fabiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired me to get out more. Loved it

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful little book…I just loved it! Ekelund is a wonderful story teller who has a sense of self deprecating humour starting with his title of a year in the woods, but only meaning 12 nights! He is the opposite of many naturalists and hikers who are always bragging about their skills, their strength, and how much they love nature. He references several of these authors throughout his book. I found his observations to be very profound, especially the summary in the last chapter. The idea that nature shows us our own insignificance is very refreshing!

[Sandra Janzsó · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeg fant tilfeldigvis denne boka etter å ha lest kritikker av bruken av ordet "ekspedisjon" om nærmest hver eneste strekning en legger ut på, uavhengig av sted. Jeg likte godt at forfatteren gjør sin egen vurdering i starten, og deretter legger i vei. Jeg er mye ute i naturen sjøl, og fniste godt av bommertene hans, nikka gjenkjennende til de lure erfaringene han gjør seg, måtte tenke litt på dikotomien kultur/natur, og ikke minst refleksjonen mellom det urbane, moderne "flokklivet" og trangen til å være helt aleine i skauen, uansett hvor antisosialt det måtte bli ansett.

Tidvis opplevde jeg en del av betraktningene som ganske banale, men det er sjarmerende i seg sjøl. Jeg satte også pris på vekslinga mellom klaging på våte klær og tanker om hva andre har skrevet, sagt og tenkt om friluftsliv og natur, en dimensjon jeg savner hos klassiske friluftsbidrag fra polfarere, naturgutta eller båldamene. Jeg reagerer på at det utelukkende hentes inn bidrag fra andre menn, men det reflekterer jo sånn det var i hine hårde dager - det var gutteklubben grei (med noen hederlige unntak) som var ute på vift. Boka kom ut i 2014, og jeg forventer han ville ha lest og henvist til Sigri Sandberg, Johanne Refseth og dess like om mikroekspedisjonen fant sted i 2023. Gir den en svak 4 fordi jeg storkoste meg med denne stillferdige og nære boka om et tema jeg er opptatt av, sjøl om den litterært ikke var noen høydare.

[Ryan Chase · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming. The premise and general idea of the book is great but the author’s stories are boring with no real substance. The author is also discreetly condescending in a bizarre way as he describes anyone else he sees on his “expeditions”.

[Magnus Mjelve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kos:)

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

the man really loves his tarp