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The Way Back Almanac 2023: A contemporary seasonal guide back to nature
Beautifully illustrated throughout, each month includes sections on stargazing, gardening tips, seasonal vegan recipes, home organization or crafting ideas, digital wellbeing practices, rituals, book club reads, folklore or ancient wisdom as told by modern people from different walks of life, and free space for your own writing, notes or recipes.
-Harvest your own home-grown micro greens, windowsill radishes or rooftop carrots.
-Celebrate seasonal citrus with Piña Colada Bars or relieve the heat of midsummer with Lithuanian beetroot gazpacho.
-Sew your own foraging pouch for May-time foraging or make a bee bath for thirsty July bees.
-Create a phone photo journal of your favourite patch of local green.
-Make your own Wake-Up Shower Fizzers or May Day Dew Face Wash.
-Watch the 120-meteor-per-hour Geminid Shower to see out the year in Way Back style.
This interactive and treasured item will gently encourage creativity, fulfillment and ultimately a way back to yourself.
-Harvest your own home-grown micro greens, windowsill radishes or rooftop carrots.
-Celebrate seasonal citrus with Piña Colada Bars or relieve the heat of midsummer with Lithuanian beetroot gazpacho.
-Sew your own foraging pouch for May-time foraging or make a bee bath for thirsty July bees.
-Create a phone photo journal of your favourite patch of local green.
-Make your own Wake-Up Shower Fizzers or May Day Dew Face Wash.
-Watch the 120-meteor-per-hour Geminid Shower to see out the year in Way Back style.
This interactive and treasured item will gently encourage creativity, fulfillment and ultimately a way back to yourself.
- GenresNonfictionNature
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Salisbury
23 books1,367 followersMelinda Salisbury lives by the sea, somewhere in the south of England. As a child she genuinely thought Roald Dahl’s Matilda was her biography, in part helped by her grandfather often mistakenly calling her Matilda, and the local library having a pretty cavalier attitude to the books she borrowed. Sadly she never manifested telekinetic powers. She likes to travel, and have adventures. She also likes medieval castles, non-medieval aquariums, Richard III, and all things Scandinavian The Sin Eater's Daughter is her first novel. She can be found on Twitter at @MESalisbury, though be warned, she tweets often.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 17, 2023
This was a lovely book which had such a nice variety of ideas and sections to help you connect with the spirit of each month. I am not a practical or houseproud person so I was more interested in the interviews and book recommendations than the recipes but maybe one day I'll get creative in that way. My only criticism was that I thought it felt a bit forced to try and cover the UK and the US in the same book, especially since I imagine the US has such a huge variety of flora and fauna, so I would be interested to know how useful the book would have been to US readers.
August 30, 2022
This is a gorgeous book that helps you become close to nature. Whether you are on a new journey and revisiting this journey, it will have everything you need to reinvigorate your path to becoming one with nature.
The book has an introduction on how and why the author, Melinda Salisbury chose each subject in each month.
Then, beginning in January 2023, you can follow along. There are food recipes, recommended books to read, ideas/recipes on how to care for yourself and lots of space to take notes.
This would be a fabulous Christmas gift!
The book has an introduction on how and why the author, Melinda Salisbury chose each subject in each month.
Then, beginning in January 2023, you can follow along. There are food recipes, recommended books to read, ideas/recipes on how to care for yourself and lots of space to take notes.
This would be a fabulous Christmas gift!
July 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I found it a useful tool to ground myself and return to nature.
The recipes and ideas contained within it are really interesting and I will definitely be following the advice it contains.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The recipes and ideas contained within it are really interesting and I will definitely be following the advice it contains.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 31, 2022
While this almanac is for next year, I really enjoyed reading it in advance so that it gives me food for thought for the balance of this year, and planning for next year at the same time.
The almanac is more designed for those in the UK, with reference to the US insofar as botanical/growing seasons. This isn't to much of an issue for myself in the US as the UK is not that much different climate-wise.
I truly enjoyed how Melinda Salisbury utilizes the moon phases each month. I do follow the moon phases, however, Ms. Salisbury took me a few steps further by explaining how to plan utilizing the actual phases of the moon - i.e. planning during the new moon phase. I thoroughly have taken this to heart, and realized it is the new moon for me right now and have started planning accordingly.
One aspect of the almanac that was not necessarily to my taste is the "Voices, past and present" section. My own personal taste does not run towards Greek Mythology, however, I did read the sections, and did take away from the myths. Unfortunately, this took me back to my HS studies, and Mythology was not my favorite. I did enjoy the monthly layout, the sections are so informative. The growing section, monthly recipe, cleaning (especially "In your phone"), and I also love the "In caring for yourself" section.
February book club recommendation references a person named Lev. I do not find a last name reference, but his tale resonates with me. I also have been learning to live life "at a slower pace", and have taken to bird watching.
Overall, I would recommend this almanac to other readers. There is something for everyone. I would like to thank the publisher, Watkins Publishing, and NetGalley ,for allowing me to read and review this almanac.
The almanac is more designed for those in the UK, with reference to the US insofar as botanical/growing seasons. This isn't to much of an issue for myself in the US as the UK is not that much different climate-wise.
I truly enjoyed how Melinda Salisbury utilizes the moon phases each month. I do follow the moon phases, however, Ms. Salisbury took me a few steps further by explaining how to plan utilizing the actual phases of the moon - i.e. planning during the new moon phase. I thoroughly have taken this to heart, and realized it is the new moon for me right now and have started planning accordingly.
One aspect of the almanac that was not necessarily to my taste is the "Voices, past and present" section. My own personal taste does not run towards Greek Mythology, however, I did read the sections, and did take away from the myths. Unfortunately, this took me back to my HS studies, and Mythology was not my favorite. I did enjoy the monthly layout, the sections are so informative. The growing section, monthly recipe, cleaning (especially "In your phone"), and I also love the "In caring for yourself" section.
February book club recommendation references a person named Lev. I do not find a last name reference, but his tale resonates with me. I also have been learning to live life "at a slower pace", and have taken to bird watching.
Overall, I would recommend this almanac to other readers. There is something for everyone. I would like to thank the publisher, Watkins Publishing, and NetGalley ,for allowing me to read and review this almanac.
July 19, 2022
I adore this book.
First of all, the cover is gorgeous. I like the color palette and the overall feel of it. The idea of this Almanac is interesting.
This book is meant to help to reconnect with nature and be more conscious of our daily choices.
The author divided the book into chapters that represent each month. Each chapter tells the reader about the plants, herbs, veggies, and fruits that are in the season. It contains a vegan recipe for each month. The reader also learns about stars and the moon. The author shares ideas for crafts or how to make your beauty supply. There is a book recommendation for each month. There is also space to make notes or maybe write down your recipe. The book is filled with adorable illustrations. ( I wish they were in color).
This book is such a great idea! It inspires, teaches and guides. It encourages the reader to stop and smell a flower or listen to the birds singing, to feel the sun on your face or wind in your hair. It is something to consider.
I have received an early copy from Watkins Publisher.
First of all, the cover is gorgeous. I like the color palette and the overall feel of it. The idea of this Almanac is interesting.
This book is meant to help to reconnect with nature and be more conscious of our daily choices.
The author divided the book into chapters that represent each month. Each chapter tells the reader about the plants, herbs, veggies, and fruits that are in the season. It contains a vegan recipe for each month. The reader also learns about stars and the moon. The author shares ideas for crafts or how to make your beauty supply. There is a book recommendation for each month. There is also space to make notes or maybe write down your recipe. The book is filled with adorable illustrations. ( I wish they were in color).
This book is such a great idea! It inspires, teaches and guides. It encourages the reader to stop and smell a flower or listen to the birds singing, to feel the sun on your face or wind in your hair. It is something to consider.
I have received an early copy from Watkins Publisher.
June 3, 2022
What a great update to a classic type of book!
My favorite parts, hands down, were the folklore sections of this book. They were varied and interesting, and though I'm pretty big on folklore in general, there was still a lot I hadn't head before, so that was nice. The well being and self care bits were very well tailored to modern day practices, and the crafting ideas were interesting too. So many interesting little bits, page after page! I love that this is geared toward just making us aware of what's going on around us - just the act of knowing what to looks for makes you more in touch with your surroundings. Even if you're not interested in all the things in the book, or don't try/do everything, I feel like there is something for everyone here, and it's so well organized and structured.
While this book is planed around 2023, I think it's incredibly helpful to read it a bit in advance to have some time to plan if you want to utilize the information therein.
My favorite parts, hands down, were the folklore sections of this book. They were varied and interesting, and though I'm pretty big on folklore in general, there was still a lot I hadn't head before, so that was nice. The well being and self care bits were very well tailored to modern day practices, and the crafting ideas were interesting too. So many interesting little bits, page after page! I love that this is geared toward just making us aware of what's going on around us - just the act of knowing what to looks for makes you more in touch with your surroundings. Even if you're not interested in all the things in the book, or don't try/do everything, I feel like there is something for everyone here, and it's so well organized and structured.
While this book is planed around 2023, I think it's incredibly helpful to read it a bit in advance to have some time to plan if you want to utilize the information therein.
June 3, 2022
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting book.
The author talks about how the information in this book is based on the UK so there are things that are not applicable to Americans. It's a mix of astronomy, astrology, mindfulness, skin care, and ways to connect with nature in 2023. Each chapter is separated by month and within that month has information about the moon cycle, tips on cleansing your mind, home, and things to do with nature and your phone. There's interesting tidbits about superstitions around the world and significant of some of the days.
It's an interesting kind of guide for those looking for ways to move with the seasons.
This is an interesting book.
The author talks about how the information in this book is based on the UK so there are things that are not applicable to Americans. It's a mix of astronomy, astrology, mindfulness, skin care, and ways to connect with nature in 2023. Each chapter is separated by month and within that month has information about the moon cycle, tips on cleansing your mind, home, and things to do with nature and your phone. There's interesting tidbits about superstitions around the world and significant of some of the days.
It's an interesting kind of guide for those looking for ways to move with the seasons.
September 4, 2022
I love an Almanac and this one doesn't fail to deliver. A great mix of new ideas and old traditions. I cannot wait to dip back into this throughout the year.
I love the idea that the hard copy allows you to write notes alongside some of the gardening and phone sections. I really do think the interactive nature of the book will ensure I return to it time and time again.
The final bit I want to rave about is the helpful spring cleaning section. I can personally get a bit overwhelmed by proper spring cleaning (I'm also a bit of a hoarder) so I love the seven day plan. It focuses on one area (toiletries and make-up, entertainment - books and cds, clothes etc) per day. Just enough for my busy mind.
I love the idea that the hard copy allows you to write notes alongside some of the gardening and phone sections. I really do think the interactive nature of the book will ensure I return to it time and time again.
The final bit I want to rave about is the helpful spring cleaning section. I can personally get a bit overwhelmed by proper spring cleaning (I'm also a bit of a hoarder) so I love the seven day plan. It focuses on one area (toiletries and make-up, entertainment - books and cds, clothes etc) per day. Just enough for my busy mind.
September 23, 2022
This is a nice book about making the most out of each season. It is supposedly beautifully illustrated but my arc had no illustrations so I can’t speak to that. It is written by a vegan British author and so the recipes and nature info are best suited for similar readers. It is rather spiritual in a general sense but not religious.
While I love the idea of seasonal almanacs and I personally live very seasonally, I didn’t get a lot from here that spoke to me personally. I do a lot of foraging, gardening, canning, etc and would have liked more of this sort of info. This book is better suited for someone rather cut off from nature and the seasons and wants to sort of be more mindful of them.
I read a temporary digital arc of this book for review.
While I love the idea of seasonal almanacs and I personally live very seasonally, I didn’t get a lot from here that spoke to me personally. I do a lot of foraging, gardening, canning, etc and would have liked more of this sort of info. This book is better suited for someone rather cut off from nature and the seasons and wants to sort of be more mindful of them.
I read a temporary digital arc of this book for review.
July 28, 2022
While I didn’t read this book in depth, I did read through some sections and decided I want to read it all month by month as it’s designed. I read the first month in full, scanned the other months and decided to make a commitment in 2023 to get my self back to the old ways.
The topics are awesome and I like how the author shares why she selected each topic. My favorite parts are the folklore, recipes and self care tips. This would make a fantastic gift for the holidays!
The topics are awesome and I like how the author shares why she selected each topic. My favorite parts are the folklore, recipes and self care tips. This would make a fantastic gift for the holidays!
June 16, 2022
Hipster nature-girl almanac for journal and life guidance with monthly tips for cleaning, gardening, and astronomy. A cute and informative handbook for the times to come.
September 6, 2022
Lovely gentle guide to help you get back to enjoying nature in easy, manageable ways. Full of great advice and also some tasty-looking recipes.
December 2, 2023
I’ve read this month by month. It’s been enjoyable but I feel I enjoy the Ffern podcast - which is a similar concept - more. So I won’t be doing this year after year
July 5, 2022
one of those books which will be perfect for a christmas gift and something someone can use all year round to dip in and out of.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews