What Books Are Like The Old Ways: A Journey On Foot?

Walking has always been one of those simple joys that make life richer, so I totally get why someone would love 'In Praise of Walking'! If you're looking for similar vibes, 'The Old Ways' by Robert Macfarlane is a gorgeous deep dive into ancient paths and how they shape our connection to the world. It’s poetic but grounded, blending history, nature, and personal reflection. Another gem is 'Wanderlust' by Rebecca Solnit—it’s like a love letter to walking’s cultural and philosophical significance. She ties everything from pilgrimages to political protests into this beautiful narrative that makes you want to lace up your shoes immediately. For something more meditative, 'A Philosophy of Walking' by Frédéric Gros is fantastic. It explores how thinkers like Nietzsche and Thoreau used walking to process ideas, and it’s surprisingly gripping. If you prefer a lighter touch, 'The Art of Mindful Walking' by Adam Ford is a short but sweet guide to turning walks into mini-retreats. Honestly, after reading these, I started noticing cracks in the pavement and bird songs like never before—it’s wild how books can change your perspective on something as ordinary as putting one foot in front of the other.

If you loved the blend of Indigenous culture and sci-fi in 'Walking in Two Worlds', you’ve got to check out 'Elatsoe' by Darcie Little Badger. It’s got that same magical realism vibe but with a Lipan Apache protagonist who can raise ghosts—super unique! Also, 'Trail of Lightning' by Rebecca Roanhorse is a post-apocalyptic Navajo story with monster slayers and mythology. Both books dive deep into cultural identity while keeping the action gripping. Another gem is 'The Marrow Thieves' by Cherie Dimaline, which tackles dystopia through an Indigenous lens—think survival, stolen dreams, and reconnecting with heritage. For something lighter but equally meaningful, 'Hearts Unbroken' by Cynthia Leitich Smith explores modern Native life with heart and humor. These picks all honor Indigenous voices while weaving in fantastical or futuristic elements, just like 'Walking in Two Worlds'.

If you enjoyed 'The El Camino: A Novel' and are looking for something with a similar vibe, I’d definitely recommend checking out 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. Both books have this incredible sense of journey—not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. 'The Alchemist' follows Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of finding a worldly treasure, and his adventures across deserts and into his own soul feel just as immersive as the road-trip essence of 'The El Camino.' The themes of self-discovery and the idea that the journey itself is the treasure really resonate in both stories. Another great pick would be 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac. It’s a classic for a reason, capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of hitting the open road and searching for meaning. The spontaneous, almost stream-of-consciousness writing style gives it a similar authenticity to 'The El Camino,' like you’re right there in the passenger seat. Kerouac’s portrayal of friendship, freedom, and the bittersweet nature of wanderlust might scratch that same itch for you. For something a bit more contemporary, 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman blends road-trip elements with mythology and mystery. Shadow’s cross-country journey is packed with weird, wonderful encounters that make the mundane feel magical—kind of like how 'The El Camino' turns the act of driving into something deeper. Plus, Gaiman’s knack for weaving folklore into modern settings adds layers you might not expect but will totally love. Lastly, 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed is a nonfiction option that hits just as hard. Her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is brutally honest and deeply moving, with the same introspective weight as 'The El Camino.' It’s about losing yourself to find yourself, and the way she describes the landscapes—both external and internal—is downright poetic. If you’re after a story that feels real and raw, this one’s a must-read.

If you loved 'The Back of Beyond', you might enjoy 'The Lost City of Z' by David Grann. It's a gripping account of Percy Fawcett's obsession with finding a mythical city in the Amazon. The way Grann blends history, adventure, and personal reflection reminds me of the wild, untamed spirit in 'The Back of Beyond'. Another great pick is 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed—it’s more personal but captures that raw connection to nature and the transformative power of solitude in the wilderness. For something with a darker, more philosophical edge, 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer is unforgettable. It’s about Christopher McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wild, and it raises so many questions about what drives people to abandon civilization. I also can’t help but recommend 'Tracks' by Robyn Davidson, where she crosses the Australian desert with camels. It’s poetic, gritty, and full of moments that make you feel the dust in your teeth.

If you loved the earthy, mystical vibes of 'Lore of the Land,' you’d probably fall headfirst into 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It blends indigenous wisdom with botany, offering this poetic, almost sacred look at nature’s interconnectedness. Kimmerer’s voice feels like sitting by a campfire listening to stories that twist science and folklore together. Another gem is 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers—though it’s fiction, it carries that same reverence for trees and their silent myths. The way it weaves human lives with arboreal legends? Chills. For something darker, 'The Hidden Life of Trees' by Peter Wohlleben digs into the secret social networks of forests, like a nonfiction companion to the themes in 'Lore.'

One book that immediately springs to mind is 'The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot' by Robert Macfarlane. It’s a lyrical exploration of walking as a way to connect with landscapes, history, and even our own thoughts. Macfarlane’s prose is so vivid—you can almost feel the crunch of gravel underfoot or the dampness of a misty moor. He weaves personal anecdotes with broader cultural reflections, much like 'Wanderlust' does, but with a stronger focus on natural environments. Another gem is 'A Philosophy of Walking' by Frédéric Gros. It’s less about the physical act and more about the meditative, almost spiritual side of putting one foot in front of the other. Gros ties walking to thinkers like Nietzsche and Rousseau, which adds this intellectual depth that’s incredibly satisfying. If you loved the philosophical tangents in 'Wanderlust,' this one’s a must-read. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve lent my copy to friends—it’s that kind of book.

If you loved the raw, transformative journey in 'Wild', Cheryl Strayed's memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, you might find 'Tracks' by Robyn Davidson equally gripping. It’s about her solo trek across 1,700 miles of Australian deserts with camels—talk about guts! Both books dive deep into solitude, resilience, and the healing power of nature. Another gem is 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson, though it’s lighter and funnier. Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail with his hilariously unprepared friend contrasts Strayed’s intensity but shares that 'outsider vs. wilderness' theme. For something more meditative, 'The Salt Path' by Raynor Winn follows a couple walking England’s coast after losing their home. It’s heartbreaking but uplifting, like 'Wild' with a British drizzle.

If you loved the quirky, introspective vibe of 'The Thruhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy', you might enjoy 'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It’s got that same blend of absurd humor and philosophical musings, but with a supernatural twist. The way it pokes fun at bureaucracy and human nature feels very much in the same spirit. Another great pick is 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers—it’s a cozy sci-fi adventure with a focus on character relationships and the weirdness of space, much like how 'Thruhiker' explores the absurdity of the universe. For something a little more grounded but still packed with wit, 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a masterpiece of satirical fiction. Ignatius J. Reilly’s misadventures in New Orleans have that same chaotic energy as Arthur Dent’s journey, though with a more earthly setting. And if you’re after another sci-fi romp, 'Redshirts' by John Scalzi is hilarious and meta, playing with tropes in a way that’ll remind you of Douglas Adams’ clever subversions.

If you loved the raw, immersive adventure of 'On Foot Through Africa', you’ve got to check out 'The Lost City of Z' by David Grann. It’s got that same pulse-pounding exploration vibe, but swaps Africa for the Amazon. Grann’s storytelling is so vivid—you feel every mosquito bite and hear every rustle in the underbrush. Another gem is 'Tracks' by Robyn Davidson, where a woman treks across Australia’s deserts with just her dog and camels. It’s less about conquering nature and more about surrendering to it, which gives it this meditative quality. For something with a historical twist, 'Walking the Nile' by Levison Wood is fantastic. It’s modern but echoes that old-school explorer spirit. Wood’s journey is grueling but sprinkled with these moments of human connection that make it unforgettable. And if you want pure, unfiltered wanderlust, 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson is hilarious and humbling—his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail is a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to be epic to be meaningful.

If you loved 'Old Path White Clouds' for its serene portrayal of Buddha's life, I'd suggest diving into Thich Nhat Hanh's other works like 'The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching.' It shares that same gentle, introspective tone but focuses more on Buddhist philosophy rather than narrative. Another gem is 'Siddhartha' by Hermann Hesse—though it’s fictional, the spiritual journey of its protagonist echoes the peacefulness of 'Old Path White Clouds.' For something more rooted in history, 'Living Buddha, Living Christ' blends spirituality across traditions with Thich Nhat Hanh’s signature warmth. Each of these books feels like a quiet conversation with a wise friend, perfect for those seeking depth and calm.