Cover of The stranger in the woods

The stranger in the woods

by Michael Finkel · first published 2017

5mentions
2recommended by
5HN commenters
2020–2026first – last mentioned

40% recommend60% neutral

"For readers of Jon Krakauer and The Lost City of Z, a remarkable tale of survival and solitude--the true story of a man who lived alone in a tent in the Maine woods, never talking to another person and surviving by stealing supplies from nearby cabins for twenty-seven years. In 1986, twenty-year-old Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the woods. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even in winter, he had survived by his wits and cou

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What Hacker News says

  • kashyapc · Apr 8, 2020 · Recommends

    Speaking of hermits ... it's a great time to read the excellent book about the "North Pond Hermit" (in Maine, the US state)—The Stranger in the Woods[1]. I learnt about it when I was in Denver, CO, last year at an outstanding independent bookstore, Tattered Cover[2] (don't miss it when you're in Denver; it's a calm, spacious, and a gorgeous bookstore…

    on “The art of the hermit” ↗
  • davely · Dec 25, 2023 · Recommends

    This immediately reminds me of a book I read a year ago about a man who walked off into the woods of Maine in 1986 and lived as a hermit for 27 years [1] [1] “Stranger in the Woods” by Michael Finkel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30687200

    on “Petrov: A man who lived in the woods of Mendocino County (2022)” ↗
  • sqwrell · Dec 12, 2023 · Mentions

    …Japan. As events unfolded, they found themselves on the front lines of the Pacific war. This untold story sheds light on their bravery and the pivotal role they played during a critical time. 4. "The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit" by Michael Finkel Delve into the fascinating life of Christopher Knight, who disappeared into the wilderness for nearly three decades. Finkel's narrative…

    on “Ask HN: Best books you read in 2023” ↗
  • …it all the time, in various countries. Most of the time we call them "homeless", but also there are people who literally set up camp in the forest then stay there, it isn't unheard of. The book "The Stranger in the Woods" is one such case, about a man who lived in the woods for 27 years by himself. That said, it isn't easy, and it's harder in some countries than others, but I'd still say it's possible in many countries…

    on “In Europe, Wind and Solar Overtake Fossil Fuels” ↗
  • mousa19 · Sep 24, 2022 · Mentions

    Stranger in the Woods https://amzn.to/3LCroAy

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