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Reviews
The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel
peaknit's review against another edition
4.0
Very quick read. No pictures just a story told with what seems the barest of details woven together. Hermits are probably not known for providing a lot of information *sarcasm. Very curious, I'd like to know more. Interestingly The Mainers seem to embrace the guy and his desire for anonymity in spite of his 1000+ burglaries for necessities, save for a few, people seemed unbothered by him hiding in the woods. He did a great job not existing, until he needed something to eat:)
leelacey's review against another edition
2.0
Listened to this on audiobook for my drive from Boston to Nova Scotia as a good way to accompany the Maine stretch of the journey. By the third CD (out of 5) I was wishing I had just read the author's article or the Wikipedia page. I wanted to find out what happened to Knight but found myself frustrated with the author rehashing several of the same points. It also felt a bit stuffed with extra material to make it book length... I'm interested in some of the history and thought Finkel puts towards hermits but was increasingly tired of the story as it went on. Interesting true story, the book was alright, but wouldn't recommend it... just read the wiki article.
kerinl's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written story of the Christopher Knight. Easy to read and an incredible account of a man who left civilization at the age of 21 year and survived the Maine woods before finally being caught.
missfortune99's review against another edition
4.0
No matter your opinions on nonfiction, on hermits, or any other criteria, I think it's vitally important that everyone reads this book. It's a fascinating examination of what it takes to achieve true calm in one's life, and highlights just how different that standard is per person.
Finkel spends the first half or so of this book creating a vivid image of Knight from and outside perspective- that being societies' perspective of hermits in general, of the North Woods Hermit, and of Finkel's view of Chris Knight. It fills you with questions about the different paths people take to "happiness", and causes a great amount of reflection. From there, you see more of Knight from his own perspective, and learn of his life from beginning to present. Some of the answers for why he did what he did are greatly unsatisfying, and that's what makes me appreciate Finkel's work so much more. It is a great mirror of life.
I like to read books on alternative paths to fufilment, and this story, if nothing else, gives me a look into minds that are greatly unlike my own. In my opinion, this is a "must read."
Finkel spends the first half or so of this book creating a vivid image of Knight from and outside perspective- that being societies' perspective of hermits in general, of the North Woods Hermit, and of Finkel's view of Chris Knight. It fills you with questions about the different paths people take to "happiness", and causes a great amount of reflection. From there, you see more of Knight from his own perspective, and learn of his life from beginning to present. Some of the answers for why he did what he did are greatly unsatisfying, and that's what makes me appreciate Finkel's work so much more. It is a great mirror of life.
I like to read books on alternative paths to fufilment, and this story, if nothing else, gives me a look into minds that are greatly unlike my own. In my opinion, this is a "must read."