The Walking Book Club 2022

Reading has never been so invigorating

The Walking Book Club is a virtual global organization for mind, body, heart, and soul which I created to help my clients be more active and motivated to move by engaging the mind and body.

And it works!

We listen to an audiobook while walking, running, cycling or even doing otherwise-mundane chores around the house and share our opinions and walking adventures in our private on-line community.

As a National Board Certified Health Coach and ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, my passion is to help people manifest their personal Healthy-Body Happy-Mind.

That’s why you’ll find Healthy-Body Happy-Mind inspirations and bonus doses of coaching in our Facebook group, Instagram, and email updates!

The personal trainer in me will offer regular posts on fitness-related topics (Healthy-Body), while the counselor and positive psychology enthusiast will provide tips and reminders for Happy-Mind.

The Walking Book Club with Julie Kaminski

The Walking Book Club is great for anyone who struggles with exercise or physical activity and would love a fun new way to “squeeze it in.” It’s also for readers who like fitness and would love a new exercise hack to add to their arsenal.

Join the Walking Book Club and never miss an update

The Walking Book Club Magazine

Group selections are offered quarterly and are supported by The Walking Book Club magazine. The quarterly magazine is part of our Heart and Soul Programs, which supports your health and happiness while supporting humanitarian causes.

Magazine subscribers also receive:

Priority seating and the opportunity to chat with authors in our Heart and Soul Book Chats.

Audiobook extras for group selections to enhance and give context to the listening experience including pictures, background information, character guides, discussion questions, quotes, and more.

Complimentary reserved seating in all virtual workshops.

Inspiration and information on Healthy-Body Happy-Mind topics.

Health coaching inspiration from an experienced Board Certified Health Coach.

Your subscription supports the work of The Walking Book Club community and women, children, and the environment. The subscription is also part of our Heart and Soul Programming which supports philanthropic causes. Making The Walking Book Club good for mind, body, heart, and soul. Your support also keeps the platform alive.

You get all these perks for only $27.99 - ½ of which goes to charity, and ½ supports the platform.

Subscribe and Register Here

50% percent of all proceeds will be donated to a charity aligned with our vision.

All you need to participate:

Audiobook download (Check out our free Guide to Audiobook Platforms)

Sneakers

Computer for access to online platforms & Zoom

Optional subscription to The Walking Book Club Magazine (please consider enrolling, not only does it support the community, it gives back to the community.)

Karen Hites testimonial for Julie Kaminski

“I think about all the pain and injustice the world and the role that book clubs can play in opening up dialogue. One of the many difficult things about this moment in our culture is that people who feel moved to stand up and speak up, when they are people of privilege, they often don’t know how to engage.

I really feel like book clubs can help facilitate more candid dialogue around important issues of racial injustice and inequality. A book club like yours can really promote positive change. Anything that gets people talking and listening outside their own bubble of reality is a really important thing right now. So keep up the great work.”

– Jeanine Cummins, author, American Dirt

“Thank you so much for choosing Where the Crawdads Sing for The Walking Book Club’s selection. What a great concept.”

– Delia Owens, author, Where the Crawdads Sing

Lisa Wingate shoutout for the Walking Book Club

“Thank you for starting the Walking Book Club. This is a time when so many people need connection and a bit of an escape from everyday strife, and you’re reaching out and providing both, plus a reason to get out and walk, another thing that helps us all keep on keeping on.”

– Lisa Wingate, author, The Book of Lost Friends

“What you have created is a much needed space where people who want to understand in a deeper manner what is going on around them, while taking care of the vessel—mind and body—given to us to engage with our reality, are welcome. Precious!

Connecting to issues through creative work is a fantastic way to engage and create solutions to themes dealt with in the work. Your choice of books and access to the authors is the key to expanding the possibilities and influence of your great idea.”

– Yareli Arizmendi, narrator, American Dirt

“The Walking Book Club increased my motivation and enjoyment of movement. When I move/exercise it not only helps me physically but also mentally. Exercise is a stress reliever and a mood enhancer for me. When I exercise, I feel like I am doing something for me because I am important too!

Connecting with others in the Walking Book Club has been a great value to me as I’m a stay at home mom. Sharing my health and fitness goals and my love for books has been great.”

– Laura

“The Walking Book Club helped me reach at least 10,000 steps every day and motivated me to take an extra walk in the evening on many days to get my 10,000. Once I left the house, it was hard to come home because the book was so good. So I often exceeded my goals.

I have lost about 10 lbs since we started, and though much of that is attributed to careful eating, every bit helps! The slow burn of the walk is a wonderful addition to my regular, higher intensity workouts. Plus my dog loves it.”

– Molly

So what are you waiting for?

Stop forcing exercise and start enjoying physical activity.
Become a Walking Book Club Insider and never miss an update! You’ll get all future bonuses delivered right to your inbox. It’s all about getting you in action with motivation, camaraderie, and fitness you finally look forward to.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're considering joining The Walking Book Club, you might have questions about logistics. We are an unconventional club, after all, not to mention an innovative way to build more movement into your life. These FAQs explain it all.

What is the mission and vision of The Walking Book Club?

My heart's mission is to help women discover, manifest, and celebrate their unique recipe for Healthy-Body and Happy-Mind!

I founded The Walking Book Club, a virtual global community, that moves while listening to audiobooks to make exercise and activity more enjoyable, and productive, and to inspire wellness.

My vision goes beyond coaching clients and The Walking Book Club Community. I aim to support women, children, and the environment through the Heart and Soul Programs. (Check out Heart and Soul Coaching and Programs here.)

Is The Walking Book Club really free?

Yes! The Walking Book Club is my soul's work; I want to help make Healthy-Body Happy-Mind easier. As my gift to you, all The Walking Book Club online communities, tips, tricks, coaching prompts, and inspiration, are free.

If you enjoy The Walking Book Club, please consider supporting growth and outreach by enrolling in a Heart and Soul Program. Fifty percent of proceeds go to a charity supporting human rights or environmental healing. The other fifty percent helps expand the reach and impact. You can read more about Heart and Soul Programs here.

Why is The Walking Book Club unique?

As a National Board Health Coach, ACE Personal Trainer & Group Fitness, and counseling psychologist, The Walking Book Club also includes coaching/goal-setting prompts and information on Healthy-Body Happy-Mind topics.

Unlike traditional book clubs, we’ll infuse our time together with health-related tips and inspiration and the tools to motivate change.

Why should I join The Walking Book Club?

The Walking Book Club makes exercise and everyday chores more enjoyable while providing accountability, mental stimulation, and interaction and support from a virtual community. I hope that you become engaged in the book so much that you want to keep moving (insider secret - there's no Walking Book Club police department, so do what works best for you ).

The extra activity will improve your overall productivity, create physical changes in your body and cells, and even help you lose weight. In fact, walking is the number one exercise of people who have lost weight and kept it off long-term!

Much like a traditional book club, you’ll have the option to meet with us from time to time to discuss the audiobook from the comfort of your home. You’re invited to join us, comment, and engage in our online Facebook group, Instagram or directly with me via email.

What do I need to get started?

A device to listen to the audiobook, headphones if you choose, and a good pair of sneakers if walking is your choice of exercise or activity. If you want to participate in the optional discussions, you will need access to a computer.

Where can I find what The Walking Book Club is currently moving and listening to?

Our current audiobook group selections can be found in several places.

In the header of The Walking Book Club Discussion Group on Facebook - please join us!
On the story covers on Instagram - you can follow here.
In email updates which are reposted above on this resources page.
You're always welcome to reach out to me directly via email as well.

Is the audio book included?

Not at this time. There are a variety of platforms to access audio books. In addition, many public libraries now loan free audio books. Here’s a link that compares audiobook services.

Here’s a comprehensive list of The Walking Book Club’s top 20 audiobook platforms as recommended by the members of our global community of book lovers in sneakers!

Do I need to participate in the online conversation?

Nope. Nothing is mandatory. Many participants find the discussions enhances the experience, making it even more enjoyable.

Here's what one participant says about our discussion group: "I love discussing books. I learn so much from others. We all perceive through our own lenses on the world and interpret in different ways."

The choice is yours: engage a lot or a little in our Facebook group, connect on Instagram, follow on Goodreads, or stay tuned in through email only.

I don’t use social media. How else can I stay connected?

Regular emails are sent with updates for The Walking Book Club, and Healthy-Body Happy-Mind information and inspiration. I welcome email correspondence and do my best to reply within 24 hours. You can also connect with us on Goodreads. Please see Q & A below to make sure emails from Julie Kaminski make it to your inbox and not spam.

I also offer The Walking Book Club magazine which is part of our Heart and Soul Program. The quarterly guide includes:

Priority seating and the opportunity to chat with authors in our Heart and Soul Book Chats
Audiobook extra for group selections to enhance the listening experience
Reserved complimentary seating in all virtual workshops
Inspiration and information on Healthy-Body Happy-Mind topics
Health coaching from an experienced Board Certified Health Coach
Puts you at the top of the list for any author promotions

Fifty percent of the proceeds are donated to a charity that supports women, children, or the environment. All these perks for 24.99!

Enroll here.

How often are new selections introduced?

Group selections are introduced quarterly. Book extras are included in The Walking Book Club Guide. Sometimes the group selections are theme based, for example, Audie nominated audiobooks.

Can I complete the book at my own pace?

Yes! The beauty of The Walking Book Club is its flexibility. You choose when and where you listen and move. Nothing is mandatory.

Do you have a list of books that you can recommend?

Looking for your “next great listen?” Check out the Sneaker Reviews of our past selections. We rate the book on Motivation to Move, Narration Quality, and Overall Experience. You can access past audiobook sneaker reviews and ratings here.

What are Sneaker Ratings?

At the end of each selection, we rate the listen on a scale of 1-5 in the following areas: a) Did it motivate you to move more? b) How did you like the narration? and c) How was your overall experience with the audio book?

Are there any rules?

The only thing we ask is to be mindful of "letting the cat out of the bag" when it comes to storyline. The idea is to listen only when moving, but it’s not a hard rule.

Do I have to walk, or can I be active in other ways?

Any activity counts - chores, gardening, cooking, etc. Non-Exercise Active Thermogenesis or NEAT energy is a significant contributor to overall health.

What if my walking environment isn’t safe? Or the weather is bad?

Try listening while doing daily life activities, like chores around the house. One of my favorite non-exercise activities is prepping fruits, veggies, and healthy meals. The Walking Book Club can make repetitive tasks like laundry more enjoyable.

What if I already read/listened to the selected group titles or I’m not interested in them?

I try to offer at least two group selections. If you have trouble getting the selected title, consider another title by the same author. If neither group selection piques your interest, no worries! Pick something that excites and interests you. You still get goal-setting accountability, bonus materials, and Healthy-Body Happy-Mind tips, tools, and tactics for inspiration. We’re always looking for great selections and welcome recommendations.

I didn't receive my welcome email, what do I do?

Technology is sometimes finicky. Please check your junk or spam folders if your welcome email doesn’t arrive within an hour. Next, please mark julie@juliekaminski.com as safe so that emails from my address do not end up in your junk folder. Here are instructions for the most popular ESPs:

Gmail
Sign in to your account at Gmail.com and add julie@juliekaminski.com to your Gmail Contacts. If Gmail has marked emails from julie@juliekaminski.com as spam, tell Gmail the emails are not spam.

In Gmail, navigate to the spam folder.
Search for julie@juliekaminski.com.
Select all the emails shown.
Click More and then Not spam.

Outlook.com, Windows Live Mail, Hotmail and MSN Mail
Sign in to your account at Outlook.com and add julie@juliekaminski.com to your Outlook.com Contacts.

Click the cog icon in the top-right corner and then More mail settings.
Select Safe and blocked senders and then Safe senders
Add julie@juliekaminski.com to the list of Safe senders
Return to Safe and blocked senders and then select Safe mailing lists
Add the email address of the online group you want to whitelist to the list of Safe mailing lists

Yahoo! Mail
Sign in to your account at Yahoo! Mail and add julie@juliekaminski.com to your Yahoo! Mail Contacts. Next, create a filter for the address:

Mouse over the Settings menu icon and select Settings
Click Filters and then Add
Enter a Filter Name
Enter julie@juliekaminski.com in the Recipient field
Select Inbox as the folder to deliver the email to
Click Save and then click Save again.

Why does this happen?
Email Service Providers (ESPs) sometimes block email from an entire server, IP address, or ISP (Internet Service Provider) to protect you from unwanted or malicious email such as phishing, scams and spam. From time to time they get a false negative, which happens when they mistake email that you want for email that you don’t want.