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.

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.

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.

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.

★★★★☆ (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.

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.