This was a pleasant, thoughtful read but not necessarily the kind that lends itself to being read in one go. Though all the chapters follow the common theme of walking, it's explored in such radically different senses that various chapters don't necessarily feel like they're part of the same book. For example, in a stretch of association, Solnit argues that "climbing could be called the art of taking a vertical walk" and therefore devotes an entire chapter to mountaineering (which I didn't particularly care for). As a result, this might be the kind of book best enjoyed in fits and starts; picked up and put down over and over again over weeks or months.

Regardless of how you go about your reading, Solnit is almost guaranteed to surprise you with the rabbit holes of history that she goes down. My personal favorite was her extensive discussion of the manor gardens evolution, from the walled gardens of medieval times to the quintessential English garden in the 18th century. Erudite without getting too dry, this makes for an enjoyable, easy-going read about walking and a wide array of associated activities and landscapes (not only rural, but urban and suburban as well). 

My only compliant is that being published in 2000, Solnit could not foresee the various ways walking has evolved in the last 20 years, from the step-tracking technology, so ubiquitous today, to the annual Slut Walk marches (would have been perfect for her chapter on women in public space) and explosion of political demonstrations in recent years (her chapter on political marches/processions is almost quaintly old fashioned). However, given when it was published, I'm impressed by how intersectional it is. Solnit makes a point of commenting on issues concerning class, race and sexuality, not to mention devoting an entire chapter to women's experience.