Stranger in
the Woods by Michael Finkel – Discussed on Wed. Oct. 3, 2018 at Geneseo
Library
Many people dream of
escaping modern life. Most will never act on it—but in 1986, twenty-year-old
Christopher Knight did just that when he left his home in Massachusetts, drove
to Maine, and disappeared into the woods. He would not have a conversation with
another person for the next twenty-seven years.
Drawing on extensive interviews with Knight himself, journalist Michael Finkel shows how Knight lived in a tent in a secluded encampment, developing ingenious ways to store provisions and stave off frostbite during the winters. A former alarm technician, he stealthily broke into nearby cottages for food, books, and supplies, taking only what he needed but sowing unease in a community plagued by his mysterious burglaries. Since returning to the world, he has faced unique challenges—and compelled us to reexamine our assumptions about what makes a good life. By turns riveting and thought-provoking, The Stranger in the Woods gives us a deeply moving portrait of a man determined to live his own way.
Drawing on extensive interviews with Knight himself, journalist Michael Finkel shows how Knight lived in a tent in a secluded encampment, developing ingenious ways to store provisions and stave off frostbite during the winters. A former alarm technician, he stealthily broke into nearby cottages for food, books, and supplies, taking only what he needed but sowing unease in a community plagued by his mysterious burglaries. Since returning to the world, he has faced unique challenges—and compelled us to reexamine our assumptions about what makes a good life. By turns riveting and thought-provoking, The Stranger in the Woods gives us a deeply moving portrait of a man determined to live his own way.
This was an interesting
book. We were amazed at how a 20 year
old American man could drop out of society for 27 years. His family did not report him missing. Chris was very resourceful, inventive, and able
to survive outdoors all year long. He did what he wanted to do which was just
leave him alone in the woods. He has a
very different personality. He was finally caught stealing food and other necessities
as he had done for 27 years. He never
got sick until he went to prison. Most
of our group liked this book and it generated great discussion.
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