Monte Recommends

These true stories share the extraordinary impact of long walks that went very right or very wrong, plus a local hiking guide to get you started on your long walk.  

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson can get a giggle with his snarky cynicism on most any topic; this book just happens to be his journey along the Appalachian Trail alongside an old friend. Enjoy his new experiences and his annoyances equally. 

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Wild by Cheryl Strayed

A very lost young woman finds purpose on the Pacific Crest Trail. Taming her basic necessities propels her from a life of ruin to a life of promise. 

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A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A boy walks across his country to freedom and returns to restore resources for those in need. Watch storylines merge while marveling at the strength of hope.

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A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

Narrated by a young wolf, this journey starts in the state of Oregon and goes down to California, approximately 1,000 miles. The mission is survival; the outcome is an incredible tale. This story is based on a true wolf's journey that was tracked via a collar fitted as a pup. If you enjoy this title, you are in for a treat. The missing brother of this tale got his own book recently, A Wolf Called Fire.

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60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Madison: Including Dane and surrounding counties

Find a great spot to go out and enjoy a walk nearby for yourself! 

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Visit (or maybe revisit?) Prince Edward Island of Canada with these Anne of Green Gables suggestions. If you've already read Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, here are more ways to dive into her world. 

Anne (DVD) (later seasons are entitled Anne with an E) 

Sassy and determined Anne finds her way through childhood and friendships on the beautiful Prince Edward Island in the 1880's. Beautifully filmed. 

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Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy

Author Sarah McCoy envisions Marilla's early life before Anne is even a thought. Watch Marilla as a young woman growing up and see how that may have inspired some of her parenting decisions for Anne. 

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The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables: The Enchanting Island that Inspired L.M. Montgomery

Immerse yourself in the island beauty with this photograph rich title. See L. M. Montgomery's locations and isnpirations and perhaps find a little of Anne as well. 

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The Road From Belhaven by Margot Livesey

This book is so similar to Anne's world, taking place instead near Glasgow, Scotland. If you read all you can of Anne, try this title, which includes smart details about milking cows, raising hens, wood stoves in the kitchen, and the daily joys and struggles of life on the farm. The main character grows up and becomes a mother quickly in a well-researched and rich environment.

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Anne Arrives by Abigail Halpin

Anne is getting a chapter book refresh. Try these titles for a lovely first introduction to Anne for young readers.

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If getting things tidy is on your list of things to do, look to these titles for inspiration.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

Follow this no-nonsense guide if you need some solid guidelines to lessen clutter. Kondo discovered success with organizing all of the same items in category instead of by location. She's a proponent of using what you have to store your items and stresses decluttering as the first step. 

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The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin

Friends turned business partners, Shearer and Teplin feature gorgeous inspiration! Color coding, beautiful stacks of cookies in glass jars, and handwriting you will covet—dive into the eye candy of organization. 

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Organized Simplicity: The Clutter Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider

Oxenreider is practical and inspiring. She shares her experience of living across the globe and prioritizes experiences over stuff. She also squeezes in clean living and has the best natural deodorant recipe! Cleverly, the book is spiral bound for easy use. It is list heavy for those who thrive 

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Remodelista: The Organized Home: Simple, Stylish, Storage Ideas for All Over the House by Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick

Remodelista is more inspiration, less decluttering. It's tips and tricks to employ for all sorts of spaces. They acknowledge we all don't have spacious mudrooms as entryways and show off how to tackle small spaces like an apartment entryway. 

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New Order: A Decluttering Handbook for Creative Folks (and Everyone Else) by Fay Wolf

This book is more interested in how to tackle your mess, not the outcome of the mess (so it's not pretty photos of organized food items in pantries). This book is resource-rich; there is a section in the back of the book that lists so many places you can recycle, drop off shredding, send old trophies, donate musical equipment, and more. It is a treasure trove of responsible ways to banish clutter from your space!

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If you are dreaming of Iceland, here are some resources to get you started.

Ragnar Jonasson's Hulda Series

Before you go visit, after you return, or just to travel via book, dive into Ragnar Jonasson's Hulda Series. Follow Detective Hulda Hermannsdottir across the island to solve forgotten mysteries. Each book stands alone, and the trio gives a fuller picture of Hulda's personal story. 

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Stunning Iceland: The Hedonist's Guide by Jouanne Bertrand

When you are ready to plan your visit, or if you'd like to know what that looks like, join Icelander Jouanne Bertrand on many mapped out adventures in this title. The trips are very obtainable in the given time frames and highlight local lifestyles. This title is for sale all over Reykjavik for traveler's to nab as a beautiful souvenir. A wonderful bonus, this is part of a book series covering other major world cities. 

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The Lopapeysa Sweater: A Journey North in Search of Iceland's Iconic Knitwear

Iceland is closely bound to sheep and the wool they give for for warmth. This book features the author's journey to find the perfect sweater from many Icelandic knitters. Shopping in Reykjavik you cannot miss the countless sweater options, made from Icelandic brands like 66 Degrees North and Icewear, but this book takes you around the entire island, featuring handmade sweaters. It includes patterns, history, and mini adventures. Look to it for a few off the beaten path travel destinations even if you don't like wool, sweaters, or knitting.

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Moon Guide: Iceland (2023) 

Originally from New York City, the author relocated to Iceland in 2012. As such, her recommendations come with local authority. This guide is a great planning and decision making tool with loads of suggested stops and possible agendas. 

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (DVD)

When a middle aged day dreamer gets confronted with job loss, things start to become more real. Watch Walter start to spend less time wondering and more time living in this daring journey which was filmed in Iceland. 

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