A marvelous read. Can just imagine sitting on a variety of benches reading it each of the days I choose to take one of the walks. A real delight. My only cavil is that I wanted more of a picture tour within it. I feel that having more of the very old photos would only enhance.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected galley on Thorium PDF from Familius via NetGalley.
Pub Date Sep 09, 2025 ***** review #FourWalksinCentralPark #APoeticGuidetothePark by @aaronpoochigian @familiusbooks @BookBub #NetGalley @librarythingofficial @NYPL @nyplsnfl @bklynlibrary #poetry #centralparknyc#pictures.of.ny #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @the.storygraph

Aaron Poochigian, Four Walks in Central Park A Poetic Guide to the Park, Familius, September 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

I had mixed feelings about the writing style when I began reading Four Walks in Central Park. However, I became captivated by the way in which Aaron Poochigian brings Central Park to life, although I found his style idiosyncratic. Both the writing, and the material is distinctive, making this book more than a wander through the Park with attention to the familiar. Under Poochigian’s hand memorials, vegetation, sites, and cafes become interesting places to visit as well as a memorial to the Park’s architect, Frederick Olmsted. There are digressions into political and social commentary, and memorable observations about literary and other figures. The four walks include well known sites, and many (at least to me, unknown locations).

Each of the four walks is covered in one chapter, and the sites to visit are listed in the table of contents. The narratives woven around the sites can be read to enhance the walks – or, ignored if what you want is a photo opportunity or to enjoy the plant and animal life. However, I wish that this book had been available on the occasions on which I walked in Central Park. And to return to the animal life, look for the black swans with which any Australian is familiar. Although they become part of the poetry and visual effects in the Park, they are not native to America and their capture in the 1800s could have joined some of the other poignant stories with which the four walks abound.

The walks are named: For the Overworked, For the Fallow, For the Melancholy, and For the Disillusioned. The various sites that will be visited on each walk, are not only numerous but afford the very properties Poochigian claims the walks will advance – they will redress stress, gloom, burnout, and deflation. Some examples illustrate the breadth of interests covered in the walks – The Artist’s Gate, The Chess and Checkers House, The Carousel, The Literary Walk, The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument and, sadly, Strawberry Fields, feature in walk one. Walk two begins with The Children’s Gate and includes the Children’s Zoo, and again, a violent image, “The Preppy Killer.” The Hunter’s Gate begins walk three and is followed by the Diana Ross Playground, and the theatre I passed when walking to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Delacorte Theatre. The Shakespeare Garden and Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre are on the same walk; the Ladies Pavilion an ornate building surrounded by foliage completes this walk. Walk four is entered by The Stranger’s Gate, the “Central Park Five” providing social commentary, but followed by delightful gardens, bridges, and the tennis centre.

Interspersed with the text are illustrations and poetry, and the book is completed with an index and a description of the publisher and their aims. For those who will not have the chance to walk in Central Park Aaron Poochigian has created valuable images of the pleasure that would be, ensuring that one does not entirely miss out. For those who can walk in Central Park the book provides not only information about the various walks, and sites but a creative approach that can only enhance such journeys.

Poochigian's poetic voice in "Four Walks in Central Park" revitalizes the tradition of flaneur poetry for contemporary readers, creating intimate guided tours calibrated to psychological states—"overworked, fallow, melancholy, or disillusioned." His language achieves a conversational immediacy that belies its careful construction, creating the sensation of an attentive companion rather than a didactic guide.

A poetic and meditative walk through Central Park, even if you’ve never set foot there (like me). Divided into four emotional states (overworked, fallow, melancholy, disillusioned), this book pairs park routes with reflection. Calming and touching.

★★★★☆ (4-4.5/5)
Wow! What a lovely read! I had a very enjoyable afternoon and evening spent with Four Walks in Central Park.

It is the poetry of this collection that is the true star of this reading experience. I found the poems to flow effortlessly and to carry me through the paths of Central Park like a gentle breeze; and left me dreaming of gorgeous summer days – on a dreary spring day. Central Park isn’t just the setting of the book, it becomes a character in its own right. It’s alive, moody, exciting, sometimes dark and often touching. The writing is immersive and captures both the grandeur and the small, quiet details of Central Park in a way that is delicate and vivid.

While Four Walks in Central Park blends travel and poetry in a unique way. My only (minor) critique would be that I simply wasn’t sure if it was meant to be a poetry book first, travel book second or the opposite. In the end, though, I think it doesn’t matter. The poetry is stunning and I had a great time reading this.

The writing was beautiful. Included very interesting stories and history about Central Park. Perfect book for those who love NYC and history. The historic photographs were a wonderful addition. And the cover provides a great shot of Central Park.

I have been to Central Park a few times in the last couple years as my daughter lives nearby. The title caught my eye and I am glad I scooped it up. I loved reading it and of all of the stories of the park and the creative eye that the author has. I can't wait to use it the next time I visit Central Park.

This collection struts. Aaron Poochigian takes us on four fabulous, fiercely observant strolls through Central Park—equal parts poetic promenade and soulful unpacking. With lush language and classical form, he captures New York’s iconic greenspace not just as scenery, but as a mirror for the self: chaotic, gorgeous, a little messy, always alive.

It’s heady, heartfelt, and low-key flirty with the world—ideal for anyone who finds the sacred in pigeons, the sublime in sirens, and a little existential ache beneath the cherry blossoms. High art with a wink. I adored it.

A big, big thank you to the author, Aaron Poochigan, Familius, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Four Walks in Central Park. I will share my review to Amazon, Goodreads, & Barnes & Noble upon release.

This book about Central Park is perfect for the history buff and New York City lover, especially those who love to experience the romantic and beautiful aspects of the park built in the middle of the city. There's a lot of older photographs, which I found really interesting and provided a lot of context for the eras. I love Central Park, and I can't wait to take some of these walks and reflect on the history. I also thought the section focused on Central Park references was really cool and allowed me to reflect on how important the park is to the city and the community surrounding it. It has a mythical personality in itself, and the history is a huge part of how it was created. The cover shows how the park is really the heart of the city, at the very center of everything. The title stands out and is eye-catching. I'm so thankful to have learned more about the park. This book is beautiful and very informative - would make a great gift for the NYC and Central Park connoisseur.

I love the idea behind this book — it’s very quick, useful, and straight to the point. The concept is unique, offering 4 different routes through Central Park depending on your mood and needs, with clear route explanations, maps, pictures, and highlights of iconic places. It also includes some fun facts and history about the park. Central Park is such a significant and well-beloved part of New York, and this book really captures that magic. If you live in New York, plan to visit, or just want a book that can mentally transport you there while learning more about its background, definitely give it a shot!

This is great! It would be actually great to to be able to listen to this while walking through Central Park and following this walks.

This wasn't what I expected, but I learned a lot about Central Park, not just the sights but history and literary references. The first 4 sections are like guides to different sections, and it's all in verse. The photos aren't modern and there's so many interesting stories about the Park through the years.
I've only been to Central Park once for a few hours and I was chaperoning teens but it was easily the best part of the trip. It's easy to see how it's influenced so many artists, and there are multiple selections from literary works that I enjoyed.
I would have liked more photos but this is a great introduction to Central Park.