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.

★★★★☆ (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.

Having just visited NYC with my teen daughter last fall, I certainly wish I’d had this book to walk with and to walk through my favorite park. The rich history and lush beauty makes this park unlike any I have been to, and the poetry, prose and photography throughout this book captured it beautifully. I cannot wait to take the walks again through the park one day with along this knowledge and even more new appreciation.

Central Park is an iconic part of New York. It is a remarkable space that was set aside in the city's real estate for people of all classes, and one that is beloved by many. Poochigian invites the reader into the park from the first page where he dedicates his book to the man who planned the park, Frederick Olmsted. His admiration is clear.

Poochigian immediately speaks directly to the reader, urging them to take a look at the park, which, they will come to see, is filled with beauty and variety. Next, the walks and commentary-there are four and they are glorious with inviting text (really(!) because the reader is constantly invited to come see) and photos. I wish that there were more of these.

Follow one of these walking tours, either virtually or when it is possible to be at the park in person. Those who are visiting for the first time will, I think, be amazed by how much is on offer. Those who already think that they know the park, will find that there is a bit more to discover. Note that some of this is grim as in the detailing of "The Preppy Murder." Yet, the good far outweighs the sad.

The text is beautifully written and a pleasure to read. Poochigian is a poet and it shows.

Get to know the park through this title. It is special.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Familius for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 09 September 2025

Four Walks in Central Park isn’t your average guidebook; it feels more like wandering with a poet friend who notices things you’d normally rush past.
Aaron Poochigian divides the walks by mood: overworked, melancholy, disillusioned, fallow, and somehow they all fit.
I loved how he made familiar spots like Strawberry Fields and Literary Walk feel new, while also pointing out hidden gems like the Swedish Cottage.
The mix of history, little stories, and poetic reflections gave the park so much more depth. Sometimes he wanders off into tangents, but honestly, that’s part of the charm.
It’s less about directions and more about slowing down, looking closer, and letting the place seep into you.
Made me want to take one of these walks. Not a book for someone who wants a quick checklist of sights, but perfect if you love meandering.
For me, it turned Central Park into something more than scenery.

I've only been able to visit Central Park once in my adult lifetime, if I've been there in my childhood I have no memory. But after reading this book I can't wait to go back. Because I would use this book as my guide and I will follow the map of it's words through every bridge and pond, and get a better sense of the Park. It felt like going on a walking tour without physically being there. I found myself reaching for my phone to open the map app and follow along the journey because it truly felt like the author was giving us a tour. The fact that there's also history not only in the poems but on the second half of the book just makes it even a better experience.

It’s part guidebook, part soul-search—and all heart. Divided by mood (overworked, disillusioned, etc.), each walk blends history, poetry, and personal reflection into something quietly profound.