Required Reading
Open your mind and get your gears turning with these books on remote work, the outdoors and combining the two. Whether you're prepping for a remote work trip, about to go hike the AT or simply looking for a good read to get you through the winter, these books will get you outside - at least mentally!
Some of our Favorites:
Remote : Office Not Required -Jason Fried and David Heinemeir Hansson
If you're unfamiliar with the work of these two, congrats, you're in for a treat. The founders of project management software Basecamp and now e-mail service Hey have been writing about working remotely for years. This is a must read for anyone working remotely or wishing they could.
Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer
Kimmerer combines her background as a botanist and her membership of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in this beautiful work. She embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers.She argues that to achieve a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learning to give our own gifts in return. If you want to connect deeper with nature and think wider about our role on this earth, this one is for you.
Let My People Go Surfing - Yvon Chouinard
Few people, if anyone are as well respected in both business and the outdoors as Yvon Chouinard. The founder of Patagonia breaks down his philosophies of life and business in this beautiful book.
Braving the Wilderness - Brenee Brown
This one's more a metaphorical wilderness than the actual woods, but it'll get you in the right mindset to find peace and build something great. Brown breaks down our roles in community, organization and culture and shows a path to embrace uncertainty and find your true self - lessons learned from spending time in the actual wilderness.
Walden - David Thoureau
It's almost too cliche to put on this list, but we had to. Escaping into the woods to build a cabin and write, that's pretty much what we're all about here at Offsite. If you're looking to read a classic about working in nature, look no further.
Deep Work - Cal Newport
Computer Scientist and Professor Cal Newport deep dives into how we can become more productive with our work. A collection of useful and actionable advice, Newport advocates for a new approach to working - one that we fully support and can get behind.
On Trails - Robert Moor
Unline Bryson, Moor has thru-hiked the AT. However, on trails is less of a story about the hike, and more of an exploration of what a trail is, has been, and could be. Allow Moor to expand your mind on the history, meaning and purpose of all different types of trails, from ant pheromones to global hiking networks.
Island - Aldous Huxley
Island was Huxley's last book, and his only Utopian novel. In it, Huxley outlines principals for a high functioning society. It's sure to get you inspired to improve on your work/life balance and spend more time outside.
A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson
Bryson's hilarious and inspiring story of his attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian trail. He may not have succeeded in the hike, but he got a damn good book out of it. See what happens when you put yourself in nature?
To Shake the Sleeping Self - Jedidiah Jenkins
If adventure is your goal, then dive right into this one. Jenkins takes us on a journey via bicycle from Portland, OR to Patagonia. Lots of time outdoors, lots of time in self-reflection, discovery and growth. If you're looking for inspiration to get out there and do something, then read this book and then go do it!
If you have any other suggestions on books to read, please let us know! We're always looking for titles to add to our library. Our cabins come with books on work and nature available upon request. Just let us know what you're interested in before you're stay and we'll place a few titles in your bookshelf!