Typically when I read authors from the 19th century (or earlier), I feel a distance and a disconnect between them and me. However, in Walden I hear a modern man speaking to me. I hear a voice that resonates in my soul, and keeps my mind thinking. The beginning and end to the book are full of great thoughts, questions, and commentary. However, the middle can be hard to sort through; there are no Deep Thoughts or things to spurn you on, only a blow by blow description of his life by the pond. In the future, I'll probably only re-read the beginning and end, as the middle drags too much for me.