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The Wander Society
From the internationally bestselling creator of Wreck This Journal...
wan·der
verb \ˈwän-dər\
to walk/explore/amble in an unplanned or aimless way with a complete openness to the unknown
Several years ago when Keri Smith, bestselling author of Wreck This Journal , discovered cryptic handwritten notations in a worn copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass , her interest was piqued. Little did she know at the time that those simple markings would become the basis of a years-long, life-changing exploration into a mysterious group known only as The Wander Society, as well as the subject of this book.
Within these pages, you’ll find the results of Smith’s A guide to the Wander Society, a secretive group that holds up the act of wandering, or unplanned exploring, as a way of life. You’ll learn about the group’s mysterious origins, meet fellow wanderers through time, discover how wandering feeds the creative mind, and learn how to best practice the art of wandering, should you choose to accept the mission.
wan·der
verb \ˈwän-dər\
to walk/explore/amble in an unplanned or aimless way with a complete openness to the unknown
Several years ago when Keri Smith, bestselling author of Wreck This Journal , discovered cryptic handwritten notations in a worn copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass , her interest was piqued. Little did she know at the time that those simple markings would become the basis of a years-long, life-changing exploration into a mysterious group known only as The Wander Society, as well as the subject of this book.
Within these pages, you’ll find the results of Smith’s A guide to the Wander Society, a secretive group that holds up the act of wandering, or unplanned exploring, as a way of life. You’ll learn about the group’s mysterious origins, meet fellow wanderers through time, discover how wandering feeds the creative mind, and learn how to best practice the art of wandering, should you choose to accept the mission.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2016
213 people are currently reading
3219 people want to read
About the author
Keri Smith
62 books1,847 followersKeri Smith is an author/illustrator turned guerilla artist. She has several bestselling books, including Wreck This Journal, This is Not a Book, How To Be An Explorer of the World, Mess, Finish this Book, and The Wander Society all published by Penguin Books. Read more at her website http://WWW.KERISMITH.COM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
April 5, 2017
Interesting subject, terrible presentation. A patronizing and pretentious book about how walking, daydreaming, being bored, and reading are better for your brain than sitting in front of a screen coveting material possessions. If you don't already know that, this book won't change your life, because you will never read it. I guess I thought this would be a Mary Roach like book on the topic. Instead, I got a bunch of haphazard personal notes on her research of The Wander Society. The Wander Society is a society that doesn't meet, talk to each other, talk to Keri Smith, or anybody else. They were almost certainly created for this book and only exist in Keri Smith's imagination. The culmination of her research is her realizing that she is a member of The Wander Society, and so are you if you want to be. Keri Smith says that she doesn't want to capitalize off of The Wander Society. The book retails for $20.00 and took me less than three hours to read.
April 7, 2016
DNF at 30%
I started reading this on a recommendation from a blogger I really enjoy. It was so pretentious. Like, upper middle class, white, hipster pretentious. If you OMG LOVE Whitman, Kerouac, or any of those types, you might enjoy this as they seem to be presented as gods to be worshiped (Yes, I've read them). The concept was interesting but the presentation had my eye roll game on point. As someone who has traveled, and lives for the experience of travelling over the destination, it just did not hit the mark with me.
I started reading this on a recommendation from a blogger I really enjoy. It was so pretentious. Like, upper middle class, white, hipster pretentious. If you OMG LOVE Whitman, Kerouac, or any of those types, you might enjoy this as they seem to be presented as gods to be worshiped (Yes, I've read them). The concept was interesting but the presentation had my eye roll game on point. As someone who has traveled, and lives for the experience of travelling over the destination, it just did not hit the mark with me.
April 10, 2016
I have been waiting for this book to come out with eager anticipation. I live in the Philippines so the release date in America doesn't apply and I am still waiting for the hard copies to arrive on the shelves of my bookstores. But I am not very patient when it comes to book and bought a Kindle version on the day of the release. I proceeded to finish it within 24 hours.
Keri Smith has talked of synchronicity often in her works, and this is one of those great synchronous moments in my life, because before reading this book—before even hearing about it in fact—I had been plagued by the terrifying existential questions that plagues all 20-something year olds of my generation. Who am I? What should I be doing with my life? What matters in this ephemeral world? The only thing that made sense to me, both as a practice and as an answer, was wandering. I don't know what it is about aimless walking that shifts you into a state of peace, but I have yet to find another activity that does the same quite as well. Wandering also made sense when I considered that life effectively leads up to death, which is a relinquishing of everything in this life: our achievements, our friends, our family, and even ourselves. Death is the ultimate act of letting go. Wandering—a lifestyle defined by non-ownership—was the only thing that made sense.
Then I heard about this book. Reading it was one of those rare and beautiful moment where you see your soul on paper, penned in the hand of a complete stranger. Nothing makes you feel more at home in this world than having your soul validated by someone you've never met.
Keri Smith's book goes deep into the philosophy and practice of wandering, examining the nuances of the word and revealing its breadth and depth in terms of applicability in one's life. As always, her words run through you like electricity, and suddenly everything is more vibrant. I am more awake, more open. Very few authors and artist have done that for me. So thank you, Keri Smith!
Keri Smith has talked of synchronicity often in her works, and this is one of those great synchronous moments in my life, because before reading this book—before even hearing about it in fact—I had been plagued by the terrifying existential questions that plagues all 20-something year olds of my generation. Who am I? What should I be doing with my life? What matters in this ephemeral world? The only thing that made sense to me, both as a practice and as an answer, was wandering. I don't know what it is about aimless walking that shifts you into a state of peace, but I have yet to find another activity that does the same quite as well. Wandering also made sense when I considered that life effectively leads up to death, which is a relinquishing of everything in this life: our achievements, our friends, our family, and even ourselves. Death is the ultimate act of letting go. Wandering—a lifestyle defined by non-ownership—was the only thing that made sense.
Then I heard about this book. Reading it was one of those rare and beautiful moment where you see your soul on paper, penned in the hand of a complete stranger. Nothing makes you feel more at home in this world than having your soul validated by someone you've never met.
Keri Smith's book goes deep into the philosophy and practice of wandering, examining the nuances of the word and revealing its breadth and depth in terms of applicability in one's life. As always, her words run through you like electricity, and suddenly everything is more vibrant. I am more awake, more open. Very few authors and artist have done that for me. So thank you, Keri Smith!
April 10, 2016
The New Dead Poet's Society. I loved this book. It inspires people to get back to nature, slowing down, enjoying literature, getting to know yourself and making your own adventures. Definitely will be rereading and referencing.
April 26, 2016
I can get behind a lot of the ideas in this book, just not how the whole thing was packaged. It just felt way too gimmicky and fake for me to ever really like it.
April 24, 2016
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.." Thoreau's words; not mine, but I love to claim the message of living deliberately and am embarking on taking in inspiration to cultivate this. That is why I was pleased to see this book pop up in my Instagram feed from the publisher's blog (Penguin). I have a lot of mixed thoughts on this book. Overall, I liked it and the message it promotes. It was one that I have been mulling over and found that I have been a wanderer; I just didn't know it. But I discovered I could be a better wanderer, a more mindful and interested wanderer. And I can do this from my own home, I don't need to be on a trip to be a wanderer. Solvitur Ambulando: it is solved by walking.
What is it about: Keri Smith is surprised to discover a secret society comprised of anonymous members. Each purposefully wanders, letting the soul and mind roam freely, to be open to happenstance and the unexpected, and ultimately to reclaim the euphoria, giddiness, completeness, awareness of all that is the authentic you. Or perhaps there is a different ultimate goal for you in your wanderings. Keri discusses other famous wanderers and the profound effect wandering had on their thinking and writing. She embarks on a similar journey that is her own and seeks to understand the purpose of this society. Smith finds herself stumbling upon this society coincides with a time in her life where she needed a redirection in her thinking. Perhaps this unexpected finding was not so happenstance. Smith suggests that the more you open yourself to the unexpected and free the mind of the trappings of the churning combine of societal expectations; the spirit of other wanderers, the universe, or perhaps your own intuitive energies will provide what you need for soul growth. Or at least, that is what I took from this book and see the value in it. Smith offers tips on how to exercise the mind to this new way of thinking. It is a way of thinking that is taken from us as we enter school, the workforce, and the conformity to societal expectations. Wandering is a break from that and a way to reclaim your mind and soul to experience the very essence of you. A way to connect to experiences bigger than you. An isolated society that connects through leaving symbols, quotes, and messages for other members. I love this part. I plan on incorporating some of the practices in my own life.
What I didn't like: Parts of this book seem quite contrived. I mean, pages dedicated on apparel for wandering, knitting a bracelet, creating a notebook, etc. It seemed a little forced. I would have appreciated more information on former wanderers, experiences, and perhaps other locations of society member stations.
The real gem of this book is the message it promotes and supports. It isn't a new concept; men have done this for centuries. However, I think with technology, promotion of efficiency, and the mindset of instant gratification we have lost the appreciation and knowledge for the art of wondering and pondering. Delightful read!
What is it about: Keri Smith is surprised to discover a secret society comprised of anonymous members. Each purposefully wanders, letting the soul and mind roam freely, to be open to happenstance and the unexpected, and ultimately to reclaim the euphoria, giddiness, completeness, awareness of all that is the authentic you. Or perhaps there is a different ultimate goal for you in your wanderings. Keri discusses other famous wanderers and the profound effect wandering had on their thinking and writing. She embarks on a similar journey that is her own and seeks to understand the purpose of this society. Smith finds herself stumbling upon this society coincides with a time in her life where she needed a redirection in her thinking. Perhaps this unexpected finding was not so happenstance. Smith suggests that the more you open yourself to the unexpected and free the mind of the trappings of the churning combine of societal expectations; the spirit of other wanderers, the universe, or perhaps your own intuitive energies will provide what you need for soul growth. Or at least, that is what I took from this book and see the value in it. Smith offers tips on how to exercise the mind to this new way of thinking. It is a way of thinking that is taken from us as we enter school, the workforce, and the conformity to societal expectations. Wandering is a break from that and a way to reclaim your mind and soul to experience the very essence of you. A way to connect to experiences bigger than you. An isolated society that connects through leaving symbols, quotes, and messages for other members. I love this part. I plan on incorporating some of the practices in my own life.
What I didn't like: Parts of this book seem quite contrived. I mean, pages dedicated on apparel for wandering, knitting a bracelet, creating a notebook, etc. It seemed a little forced. I would have appreciated more information on former wanderers, experiences, and perhaps other locations of society member stations.
The real gem of this book is the message it promotes and supports. It isn't a new concept; men have done this for centuries. However, I think with technology, promotion of efficiency, and the mindset of instant gratification we have lost the appreciation and knowledge for the art of wondering and pondering. Delightful read!
Read
July 11, 2016DNF - I don't usually review my DNF's here but doubt there will be many from a Christian point of view so thought I'd include it for those interested in my perspective.
I read the first half and skimmed the second. This book is all new-agey and *NOT* for Christians. I totally agree with her goal just not how she advises getting there. She has no God in her life so goes into all sorts of "spiritual" nonsense to make up for the lack of the Holy Spirit in her life. Walk, ramble, wander but keep your goal on God and worship Jesus (not the objects and people the author asks you to revere) and you'll get the exact results the author is *trying* to get without Him. I recommend studying Charlotte Mason. I followed her ideas and went on "Nature Walks" with both my kids: journalling, notebooking, creating from nature or just plain scratch, and making art. They are grown but I am still at it!
I read the first half and skimmed the second. This book is all new-agey and *NOT* for Christians. I totally agree with her goal just not how she advises getting there. She has no God in her life so goes into all sorts of "spiritual" nonsense to make up for the lack of the Holy Spirit in her life. Walk, ramble, wander but keep your goal on God and worship Jesus (not the objects and people the author asks you to revere) and you'll get the exact results the author is *trying* to get without Him. I recommend studying Charlotte Mason. I followed her ideas and went on "Nature Walks" with both my kids: journalling, notebooking, creating from nature or just plain scratch, and making art. They are grown but I am still at it!
February 13, 2017
Disappointing. I read a blurb somewhere about this book and thought it sounded interesting, but instead I found it silly and pretentious. As I was reading I kept thinking I'd turn a page and discover that the whole thing was a joke in the manner of The Onion - for instance, this quote - "R and I have created our own Wander Society message station (old log with holes in it). We have been using it to communicate with each other. Tiny notes hidden in the holes." For heaven's sake, send a letter via USPS if electronic communication is too common.
The general idea of this book, which is about walking, reading, turning off electronics, is a sound one, but here it is presented like this super-secret Wander Society came up with the idea and the rest of us are just clueless sheeple, not attuned to the awesomeness these folks have discovered. I added a star for the list of books about walking/wandering, which it appears to have some good titles on it. Other than that I think giving this one a miss is ok.
The general idea of this book, which is about walking, reading, turning off electronics, is a sound one, but here it is presented like this super-secret Wander Society came up with the idea and the rest of us are just clueless sheeple, not attuned to the awesomeness these folks have discovered. I added a star for the list of books about walking/wandering, which it appears to have some good titles on it. Other than that I think giving this one a miss is ok.
March 30, 2025
I'm truly amazed at how many people missed the entire point of this book.
TWS, as anything more than a concept created by Smith, is made up. She invented it. She pulled in a compelling aesthetic and offered up a secret society embracing a concept that humans have been walking around (pun intended) for a long time: walking with no purpose has benefits to you as a person. It's not a new concept. From the psychogeographers/flaneurs/situationists to Thoreau to the slew of authors writing about walking today. It's not that deep.
And I think that's where some readers went off on a left-hand tangent that has very little to do with Smith's book and more to do with themselves. It's not pretentious, it's making fun of pretentious secret societies. It's not meant to be an instruction manual on the idea. It's a story, woven together in a way that lets readers with imagination who connect with the core idea take the book and run with it. To have fun with it.
The small activities and walking games included are for fun.
The membership idea is for fun.
The whole weaving together of Walt Whitman and a band of faceless walkers infiltrating all echelons of society? FUN.
Not every book is going to appeal to every reader. But if the reader goes into it thinking this is meant to be taken seriously, they're going to be very disappointed. Or very annoyed, in some cases, it seems. This just means that if you're not able to suspend disbelief for a bit and take things for what they are and play along, you should probably skip it. (Also, look up "alternate reality game", since this is sort of that. It has ARG DNA.)
And THAT said, the best part about TWS is that it's not real....but it is. Springing from this book, there's various communities that have sprung with it, of varying states of activity. At one point, Smith had the whole transmedia thing going, with a couple of book-related websites, an actual membership where a card and stickers would appear in your physical mailbox, downloadable zines for wandering (and even The Perigrinator, the mythical newsletter in the book, showed up in some mailboxes), and at least one social media group where people who were enchanted with TWS could post their own wandering results and zines and projects.
It's imaginary, and also a real-life thing for people with imagination. Not just a book that reads like the child of a fiction book and an interactive theater piece, but an actual thing full of people all doing the same thing the book talked about: walking to see.
I do wish Smith would have kept up with it all, but I'm sure it was a lot of work and expense to spearhead an entire imaginary secret society, especially when so many people misunderstood it or didn't get it at all. I still leave TWS chalked symbols on lightpoles from time to time, and tuck TWS zines inbetween pages of WW books in stores. Right now, I'm not walking as much (long term foot injury), but when I wasn't hobbled, I wandered a lot, partially because of TWS and partially because psychogeography's one of the things I love most in the world. :D
It's one of my favorite books of all time. When I cleared out nearly all of my books a few years back, this was one of nine physical volumes I saved, in fact. (And I had a LOT. So it's not just faint praise.). I reread it now and again just to touch the magic and relight the fire of wandering.
I just wish more people could understand it.
TWS, as anything more than a concept created by Smith, is made up. She invented it. She pulled in a compelling aesthetic and offered up a secret society embracing a concept that humans have been walking around (pun intended) for a long time: walking with no purpose has benefits to you as a person. It's not a new concept. From the psychogeographers/flaneurs/situationists to Thoreau to the slew of authors writing about walking today. It's not that deep.
And I think that's where some readers went off on a left-hand tangent that has very little to do with Smith's book and more to do with themselves. It's not pretentious, it's making fun of pretentious secret societies. It's not meant to be an instruction manual on the idea. It's a story, woven together in a way that lets readers with imagination who connect with the core idea take the book and run with it. To have fun with it.
The small activities and walking games included are for fun.
The membership idea is for fun.
The whole weaving together of Walt Whitman and a band of faceless walkers infiltrating all echelons of society? FUN.
Not every book is going to appeal to every reader. But if the reader goes into it thinking this is meant to be taken seriously, they're going to be very disappointed. Or very annoyed, in some cases, it seems. This just means that if you're not able to suspend disbelief for a bit and take things for what they are and play along, you should probably skip it. (Also, look up "alternate reality game", since this is sort of that. It has ARG DNA.)
And THAT said, the best part about TWS is that it's not real....but it is. Springing from this book, there's various communities that have sprung with it, of varying states of activity. At one point, Smith had the whole transmedia thing going, with a couple of book-related websites, an actual membership where a card and stickers would appear in your physical mailbox, downloadable zines for wandering (and even The Perigrinator, the mythical newsletter in the book, showed up in some mailboxes), and at least one social media group where people who were enchanted with TWS could post their own wandering results and zines and projects.
It's imaginary, and also a real-life thing for people with imagination. Not just a book that reads like the child of a fiction book and an interactive theater piece, but an actual thing full of people all doing the same thing the book talked about: walking to see.
I do wish Smith would have kept up with it all, but I'm sure it was a lot of work and expense to spearhead an entire imaginary secret society, especially when so many people misunderstood it or didn't get it at all. I still leave TWS chalked symbols on lightpoles from time to time, and tuck TWS zines inbetween pages of WW books in stores. Right now, I'm not walking as much (long term foot injury), but when I wasn't hobbled, I wandered a lot, partially because of TWS and partially because psychogeography's one of the things I love most in the world. :D
It's one of my favorite books of all time. When I cleared out nearly all of my books a few years back, this was one of nine physical volumes I saved, in fact. (And I had a LOT. So it's not just faint praise.). I reread it now and again just to touch the magic and relight the fire of wandering.
I just wish more people could understand it.
May 26, 2016
Great little book about wandering through nature and reconnecting to our environments. Includes a variety of simple experiments to "creatively disrupt everyday life." Using our powers of observation and openness, we can fill the hole left in us from a life ruled by technology. I really loved just taking a breather and noticing all of the little things around me as I wandered. I wandered through a small patch of woods beside my house; I wandered around a lake and a marina; I wandered around the edges of a nearby park; I wandered through the streets in an area and neighborhood I was not familiar with; I wandered even in my own yard where I noticed a new bird's nest and a beautiful butterfly that landed and fluttered very close to me. I will definitely be wandering more in the future and making notes of my surroundings and observing like a real explorer of my environment!
June 14, 2016
This is a book you use. You never actually finish it, because it is like a guidebook to your life. It's vital to me now.
July 29, 2019
An unusual book that argues that unplanned wandering not only has a long tradition but is useful to live in the moment, connect with nature and allows to benefit from the flow state that it can bring. It's a mix of a personal journey, investigation, reflection, quotes, recommendations and instructions. To be a wanderer you don't have to be in nature, it's an activity with a special state of mind that is possible in an urban environment too.
It's funny that I have found this book, which is about aimless wandering and being open to discoveries, in exactly that manner: by wandering through the bookstore where it was hiding in an unexpected place. It didn't even had a price tag on it and felt like a treasure. It's definitely not for everyone so read the first pages and see if they resonate with you.
It's funny that I have found this book, which is about aimless wandering and being open to discoveries, in exactly that manner: by wandering through the bookstore where it was hiding in an unexpected place. It didn't even had a price tag on it and felt like a treasure. It's definitely not for everyone so read the first pages and see if they resonate with you.
September 25, 2025
Pretentious? Yes. But I like pretentiousness. But I actually LIKE pretentiousness in writing. Sure, it's a little "twee" at times, but so what? Keri Smith is living her best life. Get over yourself.
What he have here is non-fiction disguised as fiction. It's a handbook, really, an eclectic mix of false story that entices one into the Wander Society. There is a touch of armchair philosophy and a lot of practical types on how to be impractical, which is a wonderful undertaking. Whimsy is the heartbeat of everything you'll find in this work. If you take yourself really seriously, you are going to be seriously disappointed.
My favorite sections were "The Wander Society's Tactical Guide" and, most importantly, "Assignments/Research/Field Work". These are were the rubber (of your soles) hits the road (or the dirt or mud or gravel). This is what I was looking for when I first heard about this strange little book. Before reading the book, I had already implemented my own brand of "Leave Behind," as Smith names it, a calling card, if you will, and a tribute to life, death, and the struggle between the two. It's been exactly a year since I started the practice of beautifying death on the trail, and, in fact, I laid a garland on a critter this afternoon. Poor little guy! If I don't memorialize his little life, who will?
This book has also helped me as I do my best to go analog and ditch the smart phone. Walking, especially wandering (there is a difference) is a great way to immerse oneself in analog, as long as one is willing to turn their phone off or leave it at home while on the trail. It's a beautiful, horrifying, lovely world. Look up from your screen for a while and take it all in. The Wander Society can be used as a tool to help you learn how.
Remember "Solvitur Ambulando" and "non omnes qui errant perditi sunt"!
What he have here is non-fiction disguised as fiction. It's a handbook, really, an eclectic mix of false story that entices one into the Wander Society. There is a touch of armchair philosophy and a lot of practical types on how to be impractical, which is a wonderful undertaking. Whimsy is the heartbeat of everything you'll find in this work. If you take yourself really seriously, you are going to be seriously disappointed.
My favorite sections were "The Wander Society's Tactical Guide" and, most importantly, "Assignments/Research/Field Work". These are were the rubber (of your soles) hits the road (or the dirt or mud or gravel). This is what I was looking for when I first heard about this strange little book. Before reading the book, I had already implemented my own brand of "Leave Behind," as Smith names it, a calling card, if you will, and a tribute to life, death, and the struggle between the two. It's been exactly a year since I started the practice of beautifying death on the trail, and, in fact, I laid a garland on a critter this afternoon. Poor little guy! If I don't memorialize his little life, who will?
This book has also helped me as I do my best to go analog and ditch the smart phone. Walking, especially wandering (there is a difference) is a great way to immerse oneself in analog, as long as one is willing to turn their phone off or leave it at home while on the trail. It's a beautiful, horrifying, lovely world. Look up from your screen for a while and take it all in. The Wander Society can be used as a tool to help you learn how.
Remember "Solvitur Ambulando" and "non omnes qui errant perditi sunt"!
did-not-finish
November 1, 2018Abandoned 15% of the way into the audiobook. Gushy, new agey twaddle.
April 21, 2016
This book sounded intriguing and imaginative when the publisher brought it to my attention. And it was all of that. But for some reason it left me a little cold in the end. To me it seemed a little too clever by half; all the mystery of the Wander Society, its membership and activities. And I didn't care for the new age sensibility of it all either
But that seems a bit harsh. I am not exactly the creative or crafty type. I am a reader and a critic. I like to think about abstract things and argue about specifics of policy, art and culture. I really don't think this book is aimed at me exactly. Or perhaps it is and I just refused to let it crack my shell or impact my life by diving into its instructions and ideas.
But I think there are some very creative and worthwhile elements here. There is a sense in which are technology dominated world separates us from reality and clogs our brains. Creativity, imagination, connection, insights, etc. are all much more likely to flow if we can get away from starring at screens all day and night never getting out of the daily routine.
The willingness to wander and explore; to seek out new and unexpected things is worth cultivating. And Smith does a great job of laying out a way to do so wrapped in a mystery and infused with visual and literary stimulation and/or motivation. And the beauty of a book like this is you can take what you want from it and leave the rest behind.
I like the idea of wandering, and have done it myself in the past, and breaking free of technology and routine/habit. I like the idea of finding space to be open to new ideas and to feel better connected with who you are and where you want to go/be. I might even leave stom stickers around town and slip some quotes into books. I think I need to find my sources and inspirations, however, as hers don't quite line up with mine.
But that seems a bit harsh. I am not exactly the creative or crafty type. I am a reader and a critic. I like to think about abstract things and argue about specifics of policy, art and culture. I really don't think this book is aimed at me exactly. Or perhaps it is and I just refused to let it crack my shell or impact my life by diving into its instructions and ideas.
But I think there are some very creative and worthwhile elements here. There is a sense in which are technology dominated world separates us from reality and clogs our brains. Creativity, imagination, connection, insights, etc. are all much more likely to flow if we can get away from starring at screens all day and night never getting out of the daily routine.
The willingness to wander and explore; to seek out new and unexpected things is worth cultivating. And Smith does a great job of laying out a way to do so wrapped in a mystery and infused with visual and literary stimulation and/or motivation. And the beauty of a book like this is you can take what you want from it and leave the rest behind.
I like the idea of wandering, and have done it myself in the past, and breaking free of technology and routine/habit. I like the idea of finding space to be open to new ideas and to feel better connected with who you are and where you want to go/be. I might even leave stom stickers around town and slip some quotes into books. I think I need to find my sources and inspirations, however, as hers don't quite line up with mine.
August 17, 2016
I did not know exactly what to expect when I got this book, but I expected something interesting. Instead, I found a collection of documents with a tiny bit of original writing, writing that sounds like an attempt to reassure the writer that they are enlightened to the truth in life.
This book, if you are to call it that, is mostly a collection of Wander Society documents. There is very little connective tissue bringing everything together. The author's notes are personal in nature but extremely impersonal in delivery. Considering The Wander Society is described as a "secret society" where members neither meet nor discuss the society with others, I find it ironic that someone aspiring to the society's values would publish it's documents...
Writing and quality of the book aside, the source material is still unappealing. You could sum everything up as "Live purposefully, simply, and honestly. Find meaning not by the values created by society, but by the fundamental existence of your being. Love nature."
If you like the romantics movement, and are also not a skeptic, you might enjoy this. I, for one, did not.
This book, if you are to call it that, is mostly a collection of Wander Society documents. There is very little connective tissue bringing everything together. The author's notes are personal in nature but extremely impersonal in delivery. Considering The Wander Society is described as a "secret society" where members neither meet nor discuss the society with others, I find it ironic that someone aspiring to the society's values would publish it's documents...
Writing and quality of the book aside, the source material is still unappealing. You could sum everything up as "Live purposefully, simply, and honestly. Find meaning not by the values created by society, but by the fundamental existence of your being. Love nature."
If you like the romantics movement, and are also not a skeptic, you might enjoy this. I, for one, did not.
September 15, 2025
Such a beautifully designed book! Keri Smith is so creative!
This book is about an actual organization called "The Wander Society," established around 2011. The author stumbled upon their name and message in a used bookstore, and from then on, she followed the signs and information she gathered to form this book. Which is mainly about disconnecting from social media and wandering around, exploring the world around us and inside of us. Sort of like meditation.
This book speaks to my soul.
This book is about an actual organization called "The Wander Society," established around 2011. The author stumbled upon their name and message in a used bookstore, and from then on, she followed the signs and information she gathered to form this book. Which is mainly about disconnecting from social media and wandering around, exploring the world around us and inside of us. Sort of like meditation.
This book speaks to my soul.
May 22, 2016
I have such mixed feelings about this book. It was a cool idea, it is put together so wonderfully with all the pictures and stuff. But the writing was very cheesy at times and there were many things that I just did not agree with, but that's not the author's fault!
The Wander Society was quite intriguing and it will change how I do some things. I wanted to love this book so badly, but I was just okay.
The Wander Society was quite intriguing and it will change how I do some things. I wanted to love this book so badly, but I was just okay.
November 11, 2016
Fiction presented as nonfiction. A story about a self-organizing group that is, as best I can guess, an attempt to get readers to self-organize into the fictional group described in sod story. Silly craft projects, and a transparent framing story about the author "discovering" this hidden society and hunting for evidence of their activities. I wish I had that $20 back.
June 23, 2025
(2.75) i liked what this way saying but really didn't care for how it went about saying it. at times somehow simultaneously immature and pretentious
June 27, 2025
A solid 3. Lots of fun ideas for this week like to wander. It is better as a physical read and not an audio book as it's presented very differently than a typical book.
June 24, 2025
Inventing a secret society of wanderers, setting up cryptic social media accounts for it, and then writing about the "search" for more info about it was a really gimmicky way to basically say that wandering, exploring, meditative walking, taking a new route, shaking up your routine, etc. is a GREAT way to get unstuck, and that many great writers, thinkers, etc. have used wandering as a way to spark their imaginations.
So, skip the book and go out and wander!
So, skip the book and go out and wander!
Read
March 30, 2017Why haven't I read this sooner? I swear as I read through it, I felt like she and I were twins separated at birth. So much in common in our perspective and even the kinds of little adventures we love to create and share. The way she designed the book is flat out brilliant. It reminds me a bit of the book "S" or Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel, incorporating a secondary narrative within the main narrative ~ with a parallel line of commentary in the footnotes. If you follow the little clues in the book and check out the footnoted websites, there's even more fun to discover. And Walt Whitman who figures prominently in the book is one of my heroes. Such a treat.(and psst...if you're thinking about getting a copy, definitely get the hard cover version, not the ebook version).
December 15, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the experience and admired how everything is put together yet I found a lot of the writing to be so cheesy. What I loved the most were the suggested random experiences and the possibility of learning from the TWS to create similar real life experiences for a cause. Not a very deep book, but easily read and definitely gives a good breath of freshness.
March 18, 2018
I am not supposed to talk about The Wander Society but I must give you a hint.
This book was incredible. It is part Zen Buddhism, part meditation, part Marie Kondo, part bibliotherapy, part ....
I have been struggling with meditation and applying Kondo's often excessive/obsessive principles of simplification but perhaps I can wander.
This book was incredible. It is part Zen Buddhism, part meditation, part Marie Kondo, part bibliotherapy, part ....
I have been struggling with meditation and applying Kondo's often excessive/obsessive principles of simplification but perhaps I can wander.
September 2, 2017
It's funny that I picked this book up in an almost eerily similar way in which the author suggests when entering a library or bookstore-I was in the Florence, Italy train station waiting for my train to Venice. My wife was browsing some Italian books(since she can speak Italian) and I was browsing the English books-i was looking in the fiction section and saw the bright yellow binding on the book-took or out looked it over and then put it back. Browsed all through the English fiction section and into the non-fiction where I saw the book placed there too-I figured that it must be a sign! Read the book my mind yelled! I mean it was my first "wandering" into a different country and had time to kill why not?!
Ok so for the book itself now. The book is ok. It's a great idea, but I found the author's style somewhat cutesy and insufferable at times. Though she has some good suggestions, I feel like this book was written for high school and college kids with loads of time on their hands or rich peeps with idle time and money. In the real world, the idea of wandering aimlessly in order to find oneself sounds delicious, but with work, family, friends, hell even hobbies, her suggestions fall a bit flat, despite her telling you this is exactly why you should wander.
The bad:
-make badges, totems, uniforms for wandering
-follow the wind or a leaf to a new destination, etc
-essentially become nancy drew/hardy boys/scooby and gang
The good:
-meditate
-take time to put technology down and learn new skills
-take time to really relax, explore and pay attention to your surroundings
-discover new authors and push your boundaries with regard to literature, art, film, food, and music i.e. Try new things by being random or reading a book that's 7 over from the one you were looking for, or read three books with a certain color, etc
-tinker
-look at things from new angles i.e. High, low, sideways
Overall I think the books message is positive, but I really hate that she has notes in the margin that make her look like nancy drew uncovering some "secret society" and passing it off as whole truth when really I think it's a fiction she ripped off from JJ Abrams "S", House of Leaves or even found footage films like Blair Witch.
Ok so for the book itself now. The book is ok. It's a great idea, but I found the author's style somewhat cutesy and insufferable at times. Though she has some good suggestions, I feel like this book was written for high school and college kids with loads of time on their hands or rich peeps with idle time and money. In the real world, the idea of wandering aimlessly in order to find oneself sounds delicious, but with work, family, friends, hell even hobbies, her suggestions fall a bit flat, despite her telling you this is exactly why you should wander.
The bad:
-make badges, totems, uniforms for wandering
-follow the wind or a leaf to a new destination, etc
-essentially become nancy drew/hardy boys/scooby and gang
The good:
-meditate
-take time to put technology down and learn new skills
-take time to really relax, explore and pay attention to your surroundings
-discover new authors and push your boundaries with regard to literature, art, film, food, and music i.e. Try new things by being random or reading a book that's 7 over from the one you were looking for, or read three books with a certain color, etc
-tinker
-look at things from new angles i.e. High, low, sideways
Overall I think the books message is positive, but I really hate that she has notes in the margin that make her look like nancy drew uncovering some "secret society" and passing it off as whole truth when really I think it's a fiction she ripped off from JJ Abrams "S", House of Leaves or even found footage films like Blair Witch.
June 7, 2021
3-1/2 stars
This was a fun book to read. I learned about it after acquiring one of Keri Smith's "Wreck This Journal" books. Here she introduces us to how she learned about a group called The Wander Society -- people who are dedicated to wandering or going on unplanned walks with no real destination in mind other than roaming about taking in sights, sounds, and scents. It's kind of like a way of decompressing or disengaging from daily routines and responsibilities and concentrating on what's happening at the moment. Smith says that "Wandering is not about a specific place or destination, getting from one place to another, or movement as a means to an end. Instead, it's about letting the soul and mind roam."
While some of it had a bit of woo woo for me, there was a lot that I really enjoyed. There were some interesting suggestions to focus on as you wander like "Spend one wandering session tracking one specific color. Take photos. Give a name to each of these sessions (the white session, the blue session). Print out the photos and put them in your journal."
Another: "Document one chosen common thing everywhere you go. Some examples: a shape, a color, typography, sewer covers, walls, signs."
And this: "Assign a bunch of variables to a die. For example, 1= left, 2=right, 3=forward, 4=pause and look, 5=reverse, 6=you choose. Roll the die at each intersection to determine the direction to travel in." She even has a section on "Library wandering!"
I liked this quote: "I've been thinking a lot lately about how, with its focus on productivity, society doesn't allow for unplanned time and pursuits like wandering, as they fall under the category of idleness. We are taught to experience feelings of guilt and shame when we are not actively doing something productive (wasting time)." That may be more a product of one's personality (feeling guilty) than what society dictates.
All in all the book gave me some things to think about. I like the idea of taking time to just experience the outdoors especially. We just did that on a vacation. . . explored an old abandoned church in a tiny town. Quite fun!
This was a fun book to read. I learned about it after acquiring one of Keri Smith's "Wreck This Journal" books. Here she introduces us to how she learned about a group called The Wander Society -- people who are dedicated to wandering or going on unplanned walks with no real destination in mind other than roaming about taking in sights, sounds, and scents. It's kind of like a way of decompressing or disengaging from daily routines and responsibilities and concentrating on what's happening at the moment. Smith says that "Wandering is not about a specific place or destination, getting from one place to another, or movement as a means to an end. Instead, it's about letting the soul and mind roam."
While some of it had a bit of woo woo for me, there was a lot that I really enjoyed. There were some interesting suggestions to focus on as you wander like "Spend one wandering session tracking one specific color. Take photos. Give a name to each of these sessions (the white session, the blue session). Print out the photos and put them in your journal."
Another: "Document one chosen common thing everywhere you go. Some examples: a shape, a color, typography, sewer covers, walls, signs."
And this: "Assign a bunch of variables to a die. For example, 1= left, 2=right, 3=forward, 4=pause and look, 5=reverse, 6=you choose. Roll the die at each intersection to determine the direction to travel in." She even has a section on "Library wandering!"
I liked this quote: "I've been thinking a lot lately about how, with its focus on productivity, society doesn't allow for unplanned time and pursuits like wandering, as they fall under the category of idleness. We are taught to experience feelings of guilt and shame when we are not actively doing something productive (wasting time)." That may be more a product of one's personality (feeling guilty) than what society dictates.
All in all the book gave me some things to think about. I like the idea of taking time to just experience the outdoors especially. We just did that on a vacation. . . explored an old abandoned church in a tiny town. Quite fun!
November 12, 2025
LV/ENG
Šī grāmata saņēmusi vairākas diezgan kritiskas piezīmes. Dažas no tām stāsta, ka lasot jūtams, ka grāmatu sarakstījusi priviliģēta, baltā sieviete, un ka tieši tādām tā arī domāta. Ko lai saka - esmu īstā mērķgrupa.
Nopietni, man tiešām patika šī grāmata. Izbaudīju gan Klejotāju kopienas mistēriju un izmeklēšanas gaitu, gan atsauces uz, jā - pārsvarā balto, jā - pārsvarā vīriešu, rakstnieku pārdomām par staigāšanu, klejošanu, pastaigām, pazušanu, domāšanu kustībā.
Es, protams, biju pietiekami naiva, lai noticētu . Bet lasīšanas procesu tas netraucēja. Ņemot vērā savu personīgo aizraušanos ar ekocentrismu, kur liela nozīme ir klejošanai, jūtos piederīga Klejotāju kopienai un novērtēju autores spēju tam visam pielikt šķipsnu aizrautības un viegluma.
~~~~ENG~~~~
Quite some critical reviews for this book. Some of them suggests that this is a read by and for privileged white woman. Oh, well, then I am the right target group, ha!
And I must say I actually enjoyed this read. Loved the mystery and research of Wonder Society, as well as the quotes of the writers, yes - mostly white, and yes - mostly men. Still, loved their reflection om walking, wandering, getting lost, thinking in the movement.
Of course, I was naive enough . But it did not disturb the reading process. As I am quite entangled with ecocentric approach, where wandering plays a big role, I am happy that Keri Smith could add to my own research a but of excitement and lightness.
Šī grāmata saņēmusi vairākas diezgan kritiskas piezīmes. Dažas no tām stāsta, ka lasot jūtams, ka grāmatu sarakstījusi priviliģēta, baltā sieviete, un ka tieši tādām tā arī domāta. Ko lai saka - esmu īstā mērķgrupa.
Nopietni, man tiešām patika šī grāmata. Izbaudīju gan Klejotāju kopienas mistēriju un izmeklēšanas gaitu, gan atsauces uz, jā - pārsvarā balto, jā - pārsvarā vīriešu, rakstnieku pārdomām par staigāšanu, klejošanu, pastaigām, pazušanu, domāšanu kustībā.
Es, protams, biju pietiekami naiva, lai noticētu . Bet lasīšanas procesu tas netraucēja. Ņemot vērā savu personīgo aizraušanos ar ekocentrismu, kur liela nozīme ir klejošanai, jūtos piederīga Klejotāju kopienai un novērtēju autores spēju tam visam pielikt šķipsnu aizrautības un viegluma.
~~~~ENG~~~~
Quite some critical reviews for this book. Some of them suggests that this is a read by and for privileged white woman. Oh, well, then I am the right target group, ha!
And I must say I actually enjoyed this read. Loved the mystery and research of Wonder Society, as well as the quotes of the writers, yes - mostly white, and yes - mostly men. Still, loved their reflection om walking, wandering, getting lost, thinking in the movement.
Of course, I was naive enough . But it did not disturb the reading process. As I am quite entangled with ecocentric approach, where wandering plays a big role, I am happy that Keri Smith could add to my own research a but of excitement and lightness.
February 19, 2022
I was disappointed by this especially as I love Kerri Smith’s other books. ‘The Wander Society’ is a book about people who wander and encourages the reader to set off on their own journeys to just wander and see where they end up and what they see. While there are some exercises and ideas to try, the majority of the book is about wandering itself, it’s benefits and famous people who wandered. I think this could have been a lot better if the presentation of it had been different. It read slightly like a university or school assignment on the topic of wandering rather than the enthusiastic, engaging book it could have been. Others may really enjoy it but for me it just sort of stated the obvious. However I did like the free stickers at the back and have jotted down some of the quotes quoted within the pages.
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