The Wander Society review + giveaway

by Kaylah Stroup
Keri Smith, book review, wander society

A few weeks back I received an email asking if I’d like to receive an advanced copy of Keri Smith’s newest book, The Wander Society. I was interested just based on the fact it was by Keri Smith. She’s the author of many awesome books including wildly popular Wreck This Journal which I most definitely had and LOVED when it first came out.

The story is that Keri Smith was browsing her local bookstore when she stumbled upon strange notes in a worn copy of Leaves of Grass by Walk Whitman: “WW will show you the way,” “Solivitur ambulando,” and then “The Wander Society” accompanied by a small thunderbolt symbol. Intrigued, she followed the clues and discovered pamphlets, more hidden messages, and a like-minded professor to help her in her search. Keri then complied her findings into this book, aptly titled The Wander Society.  The book is a manifesto of a secretive group that extols the notion that in order to find your way and live deliberately, soulfully, you must wander.

Intrigued yet? Yeah, it’s just as awesome as it sounds! As someone who has been becoming more and more disenchanted with technology and how social media seems to rule everything around us, this book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

wander society, book review, keri smith

The book includes prompts and calls-to-action, as well as how-tos and practical tips and strategies for wandering fieldwork. I found it to be incredibly inspiring. It was honestly hard to sit down to try and read it because I would read a couple pages and immediately feel like “maybe I should be outside instead…?” When I did sit down to read, I found myself bookmarking lots of passages. There were so many I wanted to share in this post. The one I chose was a photo Keri had taken. Her notes under it say “found this written on a wall”


“The beauty of happenstance. Of looking for one thing and finding something else. Of stumbling onto something when you were least expecting it. The book on the shelf next to the one you wanted. Overhearing an interesting conversation. Finding a special sitting spot. In just the right place. Seeing an amazing sunset. Stumbling onto the perfect passage in a book. Discovering a place you want to go for tea. Taking a detour and seeing a different view. A combination of ‘happen’ and ‘circumstance’. To find or come across by chance. Can only happen if we provide the opportunity for them to appear.”

I’m excited to exercise my wandering legs. The Wander Society really, really struck a chord with me. It reinforced some thoughts I had already been having and was exactly the encouragement I needed to get out and do more of what I really love. One chapter, titled “leave behinds”, talks about how it’s nice to plant things for other to find in hopes that will encourage them to wander too. It gives some ideas of things to leave behind. One of the suggestions was stone piles and arrangements which immediately made me think of all my beach adventures – like my driftwood fort!

Keri Smith, book review

The publishing company was sweet enough to offer one lucky wanderer their own copy of Keri Smith’s newest book The Wander Society. US entries only, please. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

I LOVED this book. Like I said before, it just came at a time when it was exactly what I needed to read. I’m really excited for y’all to check out this book too!
xoxo

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69 comments

Kelly March 30, 2016 - 12:54 pm

The book sounds lovely and I'd like a chance to read it. 🙂

Rebecca March 30, 2016 - 1:38 pm

I *love* walking! you never know what you're going to find and best of all- it's free! I've resolved to spend as much of the summer outside as I can, and this book would help 🙂

nicole marie March 30, 2016 - 1:44 pm

I would love to read this as I have made it so much more imporant in my life to deplugg. Then I could pass along to my brother who is hiking the JMT this summer!

Heather March 30, 2016 - 1:53 pm

Well… this just looks like to much fun not to check it out!

Alexandra March 30, 2016 - 2:26 pm

The design of this cover/book is very excellent!

Bri March 30, 2016 - 2:30 pm

I also loved Wreck This Journal, so I am intrigued by this new title now too!

Johnna LaFaith March 30, 2016 - 2:36 pm

Even before I realized this was a give away I was really excited to hear what you had to say! I totally want to read this book, it's right up my alley. Wonderful!!

Heather Shoberg March 30, 2016 - 2:45 pm

I Loved Wreck This Journal… actually I'm still finishing it and this book sounds just as fun and inspiring.

Lisa March 30, 2016 - 2:55 pm

This book sounds like it's exactly what I need, especially since I find myself too busy with work and never make time to wander!

amyalicejones March 30, 2016 - 3:05 pm

Great giveaway, I loved the passage you shared.

Jana March 30, 2016 - 3:06 pm

I love her books! Can't wait to check this one out!

machella March 30, 2016 - 3:07 pm

I'm very excited about this book! I applied to be a part of the Wander Society.

The Library Faerie March 30, 2016 - 3:09 pm

This book sounds & looks amazing. I work in a library and love finding little treasures and notes inside of books, so that aspect right there makes me want to read this book!

Emily Salsberry March 30, 2016 - 3:15 pm

This looks like a great book! I live in a new neighborhood, so this would be fun to explore the new place with.

Laura March 30, 2016 - 3:23 pm

Wow, what an interesting book!! I have recently become pretty annoyed with the amount of time I spend before a computer screen so now I want to get out and wander!

Amber March 30, 2016 - 3:25 pm

This book sounds so cool and awesome! It's definitely shooting to the top of my "must read" list!! Thanks for sharing!!!

evann hannon March 30, 2016 - 3:40 pm

I've been living in a city the last few years and I cannot wait to do some forest/mountain wandering back home this summer. This book looks great!

ihazpurplehair March 30, 2016 - 4:04 pm

Gah! I love Keri Smith AND wandering. Thanks for the opportunity, this is so cool!

xoxolib.com March 30, 2016 - 4:13 pm

This book looks awesome and creative and interactive! I want to get to know it!

Aine March 30, 2016 - 4:17 pm

I feel like I NEED this book at this time in my life. 🙂

miranda.gabriela March 30, 2016 - 4:38 pm

Ahhhh! I am so into this! Forever a wanderer! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, Kaylah!

Sarah March 30, 2016 - 4:49 pm

This sounds very intriguing! I'm currently in a life funk so any inspiration to get out and do something is welcome. Plus, how beautiful is the word wander? Love it.

Whitney March 30, 2016 - 5:04 pm

Rad! I hope I win a copy! I love a good wander and secret societies.

Lynn N March 30, 2016 - 5:08 pm

I would like to win the book because for years now I have found wandering brings me peace. I wander in big cities, mountains, around lakes, in libraries, in museums, in farmland, anywhere really. Now I am teaching my sons the joy of taking the time to wander and discover the delights that wait just around the corner. A few weeks ago, I was wandering my way to work and came across a beautiful mural dedicated to Harriet Tubman. 🙂

prettythoughtfulblog.com March 30, 2016 - 5:11 pm

OOh this book both sounds lovely and looks lovely. I really appreciate books that leave a mark and make you want to DO things!! Entered the competition with fingers crossed 🙂 – Sam

Raisa Pinkkis March 30, 2016 - 5:25 pm

I love Keri's books! I have few of them already and would love to get this one as well!

henna73 March 30, 2016 - 5:27 pm

That book sounds excellent! We just got back from Route 66 and I noticed lots of little "plantings" left by others. I would love to be a part of that!

hyperbolie March 30, 2016 - 6:11 pm

I LOVED Wreck This Journal! My friends and I had many fun nights filling out its pages. I can't wait to read/experience Keri Smith's new book!

Alyse Williams March 30, 2016 - 6:16 pm

I'm definitely at a time in my life when wandering is exactly what I need. I've been spending too much time inside my head and not enough acting on my thoughts.

Haley Harris March 30, 2016 - 6:53 pm

I think this is an incredible idea. And what a way to be challenged to get outside your every day norm!

Lii March 30, 2016 - 6:54 pm

This book sounds so exciting!! 😀

Kait Conrad March 30, 2016 - 7:16 pm

I adore her books/journals! I have got to check this one out!

Morgan Smith March 30, 2016 - 7:32 pm

This sounds so neat! I also loved WTJ so I'm sure I'd love this one, too! I sure hope I win it! <3

Mallori March 30, 2016 - 7:33 pm

I would LOVE to win this book! I have seriously been wanting to do more outdoors. My partner and I even created an outdoor "bucket list" to start doing all the things we want to do…but never get around to doing. I've also been looking for a new book to get into & hello? best of both worlds! Something awesome to read & inspiring, yes please! 🙂

Cheap Glam Sugar Punk March 30, 2016 - 7:33 pm

I'm such a hermit so that looks like it would help with having a reason to get out and about

Gabbi Vaughan March 30, 2016 - 7:40 pm

This book sounds great and can't wait to get my hands on it! Hopefully it will inspire some of my friends that are also in college to go out and get away from the electronic world that we are sometimes forced to stay in because of school. I'd love to enter the giveaway!

Carlyn Brody March 30, 2016 - 8:58 pm

I am a fan of Keri Smith books and I love the idea of this Wanderer book.

D. Carlson March 30, 2016 - 10:14 pm

This sounds like an awesome book and I think that my students might enjoy it as well

Nicole Keane March 30, 2016 - 11:11 pm

I've been feelin the wanderlust desire pretty hard, especially with the time change. To capitalize on all the extra sunshine I've started walking to and from work each day! It helps me a lot (gotta get those fitbit steps) to clear my mind and enjoy the city I live in. You see so much more just by walking instead of taking the bus or driving! I highly encourage it.

Sarah Pete March 31, 2016 - 1:19 am

souuunds awesome, and like something I'd like to use to make life more interesting, keep me on my toes, and do things out of the norm. thanks for sharing!

Kelly March 31, 2016 - 1:20 am

Wanderlust

lslkmiller March 31, 2016 - 1:48 am

Would love to win! Thanks for the chance!

gabbi bump March 31, 2016 - 6:00 am

This book seems so rad. It seems like you and I are in the dwindling numbers of our generation that are becoming less impressed with social media — honestly, if it weren't for the photography of Instagram and creativity sparked by Pinterest, I'd probably get rid of my phone and social media entirely. One of my dreams has always been to just go adventure as a verb like they used to do in the early times and see where it leads me, who I meet, find my way to survive. That would be awesome. Even if I don't win the giveaway, I'm 100% buying this book. Thanks for a great recommendation 🙂

Jasilyn Albert March 31, 2016 - 6:15 am

I would love this book to get inspired to get out of my home! Sometimes I am such a homebody and I need inspiration to do things by myself. I actually bought one of her books here in Russia for the sole purpose of getting ideas for a art travel journal I have started. It's all in Russian (which is kind of cool) but not sure what to do with it when I go back to the USA I only know a few people who speak Russian.

temple matisse March 31, 2016 - 8:35 am

i would love to read this book, i have loved and gifted some of keri's previous work which i've found inspiring! i've been in a big of a funk lately, perhaps this would help

Ashley Ziemianski March 31, 2016 - 10:06 am

I think I came across this book at the store, but didn't remember it again until just now – it sounds super interesting! – Ashley

sweethannahpea March 31, 2016 - 5:54 pm

I graduate from college is 36 days, and five days after that I am leaving on my first solo adventured. I will be driving from Iowa to Los Angeles, with a minimum of 13 stops in between, From New Orleans to Yellowstone, I can't wait to see it all, and I think this book would be the perfect companion.

Jordyn Schwersky March 31, 2016 - 6:37 pm

Oh my goodness this books sounds amazing. Want want want.

Brenna Lehotsky March 31, 2016 - 10:31 pm

I would love to have a copy of this book as my own to help inspire future wanderings and adventures. Lovely blog post 🙂

Kal April 1, 2016 - 3:10 am

LOVE this idea! Such a cool way to get outside. 🙂 Book sounds amazing!

angela April 1, 2016 - 3:35 am

This book seems very interesting. I love Kerri Smith's style 🙂 Thank you for doing this, it's fun!

Irene Dose April 1, 2016 - 12:30 pm

My life is based on adventure, wander and take action. I couldn't skip this!

Dana Lerch April 2, 2016 - 2:59 pm

Started a book club and would love to have this as our next book 🙂

  April 2, 2016 - 6:13 pm

I need to read this!

robotslovehedgehogs April 3, 2016 - 12:52 am

Ugh! The wanderlust right now! Love this post!

Marta Chan April 3, 2016 - 1:30 am

For a vivid explorar like me this is a must! Keri is awesome, still need to finish my wreck this jornal though 🙂

Suzanne April 3, 2016 - 1:51 am

Keri Smith is awesome! I have a couple of her journals. I'm addicted to prompt journals and her's are among my favs!

Sacha April 3, 2016 - 1:06 pm

Huge fan of Keri Smith's books, "how to be an explorer of the world" helped me fight a major depression, I'm excited to read this new one! 🙂

Carlyevangeline April 4, 2016 - 4:30 pm

This is RAD

biroqueen April 4, 2016 - 4:37 pm

Sounds amazing! Feelin pretty cynical with modern life lately so this sounds like a breath of fresh air

Rachel Monk April 4, 2016 - 4:37 pm

A legit reason to wander? Sign me up!

twelvedaysold April 4, 2016 - 4:38 pm

I'm intrigued that it inspired you during your disenchantment with social media – something I think a lot of us can relate to! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown April 4, 2016 - 4:59 pm

This sounds like a book sounds like my soul book. Would love the opportunity to read it!

L-N-Or April 4, 2016 - 5:05 pm

I could use more reminders to wander in my life.

Aljohara Alathel April 4, 2016 - 5:31 pm

I love reading and I'd love to get a chance to read this book so I can feel some inspiration. I've been in a slump for a while and hopefully this will help me get my creative juices flowing and explore 🙂

Rosalee C. April 5, 2016 - 2:13 am

This reminds me of a Lemony Snicket mystery and I would love to read it! I'll definitely keep my eye out for it in the bookstore even if I don't get it! ��

Elif April 5, 2016 - 8:36 am

I actually got Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith and I was quite happy about it even though I'm not good at drawing so I definitely don't think I'd be dissappointed in The Wander Society considering my love for exploring. I'm such a wanderer recently.

Kerri McAteer April 5, 2016 - 5:43 pm

This book sounds perfect for me! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Jessica April 14, 2016 - 1:07 pm

The part about "leave behinds" reminds me of the art of Andy Goldsworthy. He made amazing art in nature out of natural materials and then just left it there. There's a great documentary about him called Rivers and Tides. I think you would like it.

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