THE NATURE FIX

For centuries, poets and philosophers extolled the benefits of a walk in the woods: Beethoven drew inspiration from rocks and trees; Wordsworth composed while tromping over the heath; Nikola Tesla conceived the electric motor while visiting a park. Intrigued by our storied renewal in the natural world, Florence Williams sets out to uncover the science behind nature’s positive effects on the brain.

From forest trails in Korea to islands in Finland to groves of eucalyptus in California, Williams investigates the science at the confluence of environment, mood, health, and creativity. Delving into completely new research, she uncovers the powers of the natural world to improve health, promote reflection and innovation, and ultimately strengthen our relationships. As our modern lives shift dramatically indoors, these ideas—and the answers they yield—are more urgent than ever. Williams describes scientific inquiry underway all over the world with a wit and understanding every bit the equal to Mary Roach’s similar (and very successful) approach to explaining the contemporary science of us. Florence Williams is a journalist and contributing editor to Outside magazine. Her book Breasts won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in science and technology and an Audie Prize in nonfiction. She lives in Washington, DC.