By Suah Cheong, American Forests

Nothing clears my head like a little time spent in nature, but unfortunately I don’t always have the time or resources to make it happen. In such cases, I go for the next best option: reading books with vivid nature imagery. I may not be bunking in a cabin with Thoreau, but reading about the cool, crisp air and the crystal clear ponds in Walden, I can’t help but picture myself in the woods.

Here are 5 great reads that you should feed your inner adventurer:

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

In April 1992, recent college graduate Christopher Johnson McCandless hitchhiked to Alaska, abandoning his family and possessions and instead just bringing himself. In doing so, he felt free to take in the raw, unfiltered experiences of nature. Four months later, his body was discovered by a moose hunter. This novel follows his thrilling journey into the wild until his eventual death.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Twenty-two-year-old Cheryl Strayed has lost everything from her mother to her family to her marriage. A few years later, with nothing more to lose, she makes the impulsive decision to hike alone to Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert all the way to Washington State. An inexperienced hiker, she is guided only by her determination to heal herself and put the pieces of her life back together. Both the physical and emotional obstacles in her journey help her discover new parts of herself.

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

In this book, Peter Wohlleben uses his passion for forests to explain the amazing processes of life and death that he has observed in trees over the years. Just like our families, tree parents support and communicate with their children, sharing nutrients with them when they are sick and protecting them from the impacts of extreme heat or cold. Consequently, trees that belong to a family or a community are protected and can live to be very old. Wohlleben also compares these trees to solitary trees, which live much tougher lives. This interesting read gives new life to nature and trees, forcing you to consider them from fresh perspectives.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson has just returned to the U.S. after spending twenty years in Britain. He decides to reacquaint himself with the land by walking the Appalachian Trail, which measures 2,100 miles. During his trip, he reflects on his own life, makes new observations about human relationships, and takes in all that nature has to offer. This comedic yet wise story is sure to immerse you in nature.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

Years ago, a group of dwarves inhabited a mountain, using their mining skills to dig for gold. But as their pile of treasure grew larger, it caught the attention of an evil dragon, Smaug, who stole it away from them. This classic novel tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, who joins legendary wizard Gandalf and the dwarves to take back their stolen treasure. The group is presented with countless tests of strength and character, making for an exhilarating story.

**Come back on Thursday to read Doyle Irvin’s first post in a three-part series on J. R. R. Tolkien!