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The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative Hardcover – February 7, 2017
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Florence Williams
(Author)
Florence Williams
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Print length304 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherW. W. Norton & Company
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Publication dateFebruary 7, 2017
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Dimensions6.5 x 1.2 x 9.6 inches
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ISBN-100393242714
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ISBN-13978-0393242713
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“[A] lively exploration of what modern research has to say about the myriad health benefits of the great outdoors. . . Ms. Williams resists the tendency of so much nature writing towards easy epiphanies, adopting a tone that is, instead, pleasingly puckish. . . [She] puzzles out the pros and cons, concluding, on balance, that there’s a good case for connecting with nature to extend both the quantity and quality of life. . .”
- Danny Heitman, Wall Street Journal
“The Nature Fix offers a cross-continental rumination on nature’s feel-good effects in a world that’s increasingly concrete-centric.”
- Portland Monthly
“Williams’s findings are eminently reassuring, and perversely specific.”
- Atlantic
“…Fascinating…”
- New York Times Books Review
“…Engaging…”
- San Francisco Chronicle
“Florence Williams, keen observer, deft writer, creates a fascinating mosaic here. What are the costs―to us!―of humanity’s increasing disconnection from nature? What are the likely benefits―to us!―of retaining that threatened connection?…Large.”
- David Quammen, New York Times best-selling author of Spillover
“I’m no tree hugger, but The Nature Fix made me want to run outside and embrace the nearest oak. Not for the tree’s sake but mine. Florence Williams makes a compelling, and elegant, case that nature is not only beautiful but also good for us. If Thoreau were steeped in modern neuroscience and possessed an endearingly self-deprecating sense of humor, the result would be the book you hold in your hands.”
- Eric Weiner, New York Times best-selling author of The Geography of Genius
“The Nature Fix is a beautifully written, thoroughly enjoyable exposition of a major principle of human life now supported by evidence in biology, psychology, and medicine.”
- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
“[The Nature Fix] has much to offer to anyone interested in human health, from city planners and health practitioners to educators, scientists… and anyone concerned with their own well-being.”
- Esther Jackson, Public Services Librarian at the New York Botanic Garden
- Danny Heitman, Wall Street Journal
“The Nature Fix offers a cross-continental rumination on nature’s feel-good effects in a world that’s increasingly concrete-centric.”
- Portland Monthly
“Williams’s findings are eminently reassuring, and perversely specific.”
- Atlantic
“…Fascinating…”
- New York Times Books Review
“…Engaging…”
- San Francisco Chronicle
“Florence Williams, keen observer, deft writer, creates a fascinating mosaic here. What are the costs―to us!―of humanity’s increasing disconnection from nature? What are the likely benefits―to us!―of retaining that threatened connection?…Large.”
- David Quammen, New York Times best-selling author of Spillover
“I’m no tree hugger, but The Nature Fix made me want to run outside and embrace the nearest oak. Not for the tree’s sake but mine. Florence Williams makes a compelling, and elegant, case that nature is not only beautiful but also good for us. If Thoreau were steeped in modern neuroscience and possessed an endearingly self-deprecating sense of humor, the result would be the book you hold in your hands.”
- Eric Weiner, New York Times best-selling author of The Geography of Genius
“The Nature Fix is a beautifully written, thoroughly enjoyable exposition of a major principle of human life now supported by evidence in biology, psychology, and medicine.”
- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
“[The Nature Fix] has much to offer to anyone interested in human health, from city planners and health practitioners to educators, scientists… and anyone concerned with their own well-being.”
- Esther Jackson, Public Services Librarian at the New York Botanic Garden
About the Author
Florence Williams is a journalist and contributing editor to Outside magazine. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the New York Times Magazine, and National Geographic among others. Her first book, Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History, was a New York Times Notable Book of 2012 and the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in Science and Technology. Williams lives in Washington, DC.
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Product details
- Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (February 7, 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0393242714
- ISBN-13 : 978-0393242713
- Item Weight : 1.15 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.2 x 9.6 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#330,669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #563 in Nature Writing & Essays
- #675 in Anatomy (Books)
- #1,558 in Stress Management Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
598 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
I'm learning a lot from this book about why I so long to be in nature, and why I feel so grounded and energized when I get the chance, be it for a few hours on a local trail or park, or away camping for the weekend, or on a hike. This book has helped confirm and validate that being in nature, in any form, is healing for us physically, emotionally and mentally. As our days grow busy w/ work and raising a family, and caring for our parents, this book helps remind us to slow down and recognize the beauty around us, breathe it in, allow quiet time, not just for stress relief but to improve our longevity and quality of life. It is researched based. I am happy I found it.
50 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2018
Honestly, I found religion with Nature, that day on the north rim looking into the canyon below and across the surrounding landscape of beauty that somehow healed all of whatever stressors were in my life.
Florence Williams novels, "The Nature Fix," and "The Three Day Effect," are essential reading for all humans who are stressed out, mentally and physically.
She identifies specific studies in Japan, and Korea, along with American researchers discovering and describing the effects of absorbing nature.
Florence Williams herself participated with others on various backpacking and hiking outings to reveals why it is essential for the body to absorb nature, no matter what your background or history of trauma, or, your social, economic environment.
More importantly, it is a simplistic and easy way for humans to heal, by merely taking a walk in the woods for three days if not three days straight return visit, in my opinion, several times weekly.
As an aspiring, unpublished author, the novel has strengthened my belief that I will continue my outdoor travels around the world focusing on the absorption of nature because creativity flows easier and more precise for the mind while healing the soul.
Verified Purchase
Ever since I witnessed the beauty of the Grand Canyon, I was awestruck not only with its magnificent but it was a moment that allowed me to discover something enriching about absorbing Nature.
Honestly, I found religion with Nature, that day on the north rim looking into the canyon below and across the surrounding landscape of beauty that somehow healed all of whatever stressors were in my life.
Florence Williams novels, "The Nature Fix," and "The Three Day Effect," are essential reading for all humans who are stressed out, mentally and physically.
She identifies specific studies in Japan, and Korea, along with American researchers discovering and describing the effects of absorbing nature.
Florence Williams herself participated with others on various backpacking and hiking outings to reveals why it is essential for the body to absorb nature, no matter what your background or history of trauma, or, your social, economic environment.
More importantly, it is a simplistic and easy way for humans to heal, by merely taking a walk in the woods for three days if not three days straight return visit, in my opinion, several times weekly.
As an aspiring, unpublished author, the novel has strengthened my belief that I will continue my outdoor travels around the world focusing on the absorption of nature because creativity flows easier and more precise for the mind while healing the soul.
Honestly, I found religion with Nature, that day on the north rim looking into the canyon below and across the surrounding landscape of beauty that somehow healed all of whatever stressors were in my life.
Florence Williams novels, "The Nature Fix," and "The Three Day Effect," are essential reading for all humans who are stressed out, mentally and physically.
She identifies specific studies in Japan, and Korea, along with American researchers discovering and describing the effects of absorbing nature.
Florence Williams herself participated with others on various backpacking and hiking outings to reveals why it is essential for the body to absorb nature, no matter what your background or history of trauma, or, your social, economic environment.
More importantly, it is a simplistic and easy way for humans to heal, by merely taking a walk in the woods for three days if not three days straight return visit, in my opinion, several times weekly.
As an aspiring, unpublished author, the novel has strengthened my belief that I will continue my outdoor travels around the world focusing on the absorption of nature because creativity flows easier and more precise for the mind while healing the soul.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorb Nature
By M. J. Leake on December 12, 2018
Ever since I witnessed the beauty of the Grand Canyon, I was awestruck not only with its magnificent but it was a moment that allowed me to discover something enriching about absorbing Nature.By M. J. Leake on December 12, 2018
Honestly, I found religion with Nature, that day on the north rim looking into the canyon below and across the surrounding landscape of beauty that somehow healed all of whatever stressors were in my life.
Florence Williams novels, "The Nature Fix," and "The Three Day Effect," are essential reading for all humans who are stressed out, mentally and physically.
She identifies specific studies in Japan, and Korea, along with American researchers discovering and describing the effects of absorbing nature.
Florence Williams herself participated with others on various backpacking and hiking outings to reveals why it is essential for the body to absorb nature, no matter what your background or history of trauma, or, your social, economic environment.
More importantly, it is a simplistic and easy way for humans to heal, by merely taking a walk in the woods for three days if not three days straight return visit, in my opinion, several times weekly.
As an aspiring, unpublished author, the novel has strengthened my belief that I will continue my outdoor travels around the world focusing on the absorption of nature because creativity flows easier and more precise for the mind while healing the soul.
Images in this review

16 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2017
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Impeccably researched and thoughtfully written, The Nature Fix is a great read. Florence Williams immerses herself in the subject by subjecting herself to one study after another about the effects of nature on human well-being. She makes her particular experience universally approachable through clear-eyed and heartfelt storytelling. The natural world has an awful lot to recommend it and Florence Williams expertly helps us understand why. We need to get outside, now we know why.
69 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
Wow, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading this book. The subject matter -- how nature and the human brain are interconnected -- fascinated me. The author takes the reader through many real life "experiments" complete with data on blood pressure, heart rate, and many other scientific measurements. I had often wondered why my blood pressure automatically dropped the moment I stepped outside and walked through a forest of filtered light and birdsong -- and now I understand why. Humans are wired for nature. It feeds every cell in our being. Highly recommend this book to parents. Get your children off digital devices and outside. You will see an amazing difference in them, in a good way. Anyone with depression, especially, should read this book.
23 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2018
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As someone who knows the importance of getting outside, I found the book only slightly interesting. It was not at all what I expected. The author injects too much of her personal opinion into things and is, quite often, judgemental of thoughts or beliefs that aren’t her own. Within the first few chapters, she also has a few “ignorant” things to say about Japanese culture/food. I made it almost halfway but just couldn’t finish the book.
16 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2019
Verified Purchase
Journalists should not write books. I am not sure if this is a new genre, if it is it should not be included with books. There's articles thrown together do not transmit information, nor do they entertain. Journalists come off sounding like a privileged class saying look at me, look at all the access I have and the "book" is nothing more than anectdots.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
Nature is my addiction. I try to spend as much time as I can outside because I find it soothing, it sparks my creativity, and it's beauty speaks to my soul. Choosing The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams was out of interest on the research with the hope of possibly converting my adult children.
The chapters were short, and I found the sections on Japan's forest bathing, the impact of nature on children with ADHD, and the way our brains fire on being and seeing nature most intriguing. Despite this, I think convincing those adverse to engaging regularly with nature to do so won't happen due to the book's points. My rating is 4.5 out of 5.
The chapters were short, and I found the sections on Japan's forest bathing, the impact of nature on children with ADHD, and the way our brains fire on being and seeing nature most intriguing. Despite this, I think convincing those adverse to engaging regularly with nature to do so won't happen due to the book's points. My rating is 4.5 out of 5.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
Good all around book. Really makes youthink of things you havent thought of about nature, sounds and smells. This was a great read and had a bunch of facts and studies that were very interesting. The author also does a great job of trying to keep her opinion out and sticks to facts and results. This book covers everything from noise of city vs nature to weather putting pictures of nature around you has an effect on your stress levels. Very good read
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Cath Prisk
5.0 out of 5 stars
This gives great insight as to simply WHY nature is good for ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2017Verified Purchase
This gives great insight as to simply WHY nature is good for us. It probably seems self evident, but when has that stopped scientists wanting to know why. The sad thing is Canada adds Vitamin D to its milk instead of saying children need to be outdoors. Recess everywhere is being cut. Parents too often feel they are bad parents if they let their children out. This book doesn't preach, but it equips you with the key facts and reasons why we should all make time for wildness in our lives.
9 people found this helpful
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Kirsty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Possibly the best book I've read on anything, ever!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2019Verified Purchase
Florence Williams has captured everything my heart knew and given my analytical brain proof via a wide range of personal insight, case studies and academic research. A must for anyone who has kicked off their shoes and walked barefoot in the park, but especially for those who haven't (yet)!
One person found this helpful
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Janet Boynton Runeson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Profoundly important in our hectic modern times
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2017Verified Purchase
Good review of what is being studied about how deeply nature affects us.
2 people found this helpful
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Paula Dugan
4.0 out of 5 stars
... few lovely pics would have made this book even better!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2017Verified Purchase
A few lovely pics would have made this book even better!
2 people found this helpful
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HaiSundera
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 26, 2019Verified Purchase
Outstanding. Written with wit, facts, and proper personal exploration about the power of nature on our minds and bodies.
Really easy to read. Wish there was even more.
Really easy to read. Wish there was even more.
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