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Dear Readers,
While group chats with your book-loving BFFs can be exhilarating (and let’s be honest, downright hilarious), there’s something so magical about meeting up to chat books outdoors IRL. Seeing a friend’s eyes light up as they dramatically pitch a novel you MUST start this second or they’ll explode? Top tier feeling. The only thing better is chatting about that very story after you’ve finished it too.
Picture it – you gather your pals, choose a picturesque route in your neighborhood or city, and get some fresh air while listening to the same audiobook (don’t forget to grab some coffees and chat about what you read after). Cue the laughs, hot takes, and plot twist predictions! Want to make this dream day a reality? We’ve hosted Story Walks across the country with our friends at Apple Books, and we’re bookmarking our top tips so you can plan your own meet-up with buddies this summer and fall. Here’s how to get started.
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Keep it easy! Choose a 45-minute (ish) loop you already know and love or have been wanting to try— like a stroll through a local park, a wander through your neighborhood, or a path that conveniently ends at your favorite coffee shop. As long as it's walker-friendly and has a place to grab a drink after, you’re good to go.
Pro tip: make your route a loop so your friends can easily return to their cars after (plus, there’s something so satisfying about closing a circle)!
Let your friends know the date you have in mind (we recommend a Saturday or Sunday for more flexibility), and give them plenty of notice. If you’re feeling crafty, mail a fun physical invitation (or simply send a text with the deets). Here’s what we’d recommend sharing with your pals:
What: You’re Invited! I’m hosting a Story Walk–let’s stroll outside and listen to an audiobook together, then debrief over coffee.
When: Month, Day, Year, Time
Where: Address, City, State, Zip Code (if applicable, note a specific location like a local park or beautiful landmark).
Bring: Wear comfy clothes and the right walking shoes, download your audiobook ahead of time (I’ll share which one closer to!), bring headphones that are fully charged, and don’t forget your water bottle.
RSVP: Let me know if you’re coming so we don’t leave without you! Shoot me a text to confirm.
Gather at your agreed-upon meeting spot (bonus points for choosing an inspiring park or landmark), load up your audiobook on Apple Books (see our Weekly Stack section below for fast-paced recs), and select a listening speed that works best for everyone. Press play on Apple Books at the same time, and start your stroll together!
At the end of the route, choose a cozy location to grab a coffee or tea, and debrief what you listened to while you strolled. Pro tip: prepare a few discussion questions related to the book, but don’t stop there! Pick your friend’s brains on their favorite recent reads, tropes they can’t get enough of right now, and maybe even plan your next meet-up? Let’s get something on the calendar and keep the community going and the conversation flowing.
Remember, the best stories move us (literally and figuratively), so let’s get walking with an audiobook and friends, shall we?
Happy Listening!
Fast-moving audiobooks that will keep your pace (and the conversation) going all Story Walk long.
🎥 Into the Blue by Emma Brodie
As their on-screen chemistry grows, the lines between acting and reality blur for these castmates. Trust us, your heart will be pumping, and you’ll be speed walking with the plot of this lightning-fast novel. Listen Now.
📝 Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Be warned: you may lose track of time (and your route) as you step into this razor-sharp story. Deadly consequences, plagiarism in the publishing industry, and an audiobook narrator that will make you cringe (compliment). Listen Now.
🌊 Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
A breathtaking, fully absorbing audiobook that will sweep you out to sea with every stride. Cue a debrief post-walk full of dizzying emotion, plot twist predictions, and pure awe. Listen Now.
Thank you for reading! Join us in the comments and let us know where your dream audiobook walk would take place. A boardwalk by the beach? On a bookstore crawl in your city? Through Central Park?
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