STRANGER IN THE WOODS BY MICHAEL FINKEL REVIEW

TW: Brief mention of suicide.

Ever had dreams of becoming a total hermit?

Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel is a informational nonfiction book about the true story of Christopher Thomas Knight--a man in Maine who lived in isolation in a tent in the woods for 27 years. Specifically 1986 to 2013. He survived and lived by stealing people's stuff and food from nearby cabins whenever other people weren't around. Journalist Michael Finkel (the author) tells us Knight's life story up until his arrest in 2013, and then shortly after his arrest, and the possible reasons why he chose to isolate himself from society for so long.

The book is mostly framed with Finkel telling us how he was able to meet Knight and the conversations he had with him. Intertwined throughout the story are snippets of how Knight's life was before and during his isolation period. Finkel also interviewed people who lived near Knight's camping ground, his family, and other people who knew him growing up. Finkel also has some other snippets of info about other famous hermits and historically and psychologically why people choose to live as hermits. It's very fascinating!

As interesting as the book was, I had to give it 4 stars because there is a small part towards the end of the book where the author has a conversation with Knight and Knight tells him he was thinking about offing himself. It was a tad triggering for me, but not to the point where it ruined the whole book. Don't worry, Knight doesn't off himself. As of now he is living in rural Maine in his family's old home. 

Have you read any nonfiction books on people accomplishing what seems to be impossible?