The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
By Michael Finkel
People spend their lives in cities or in the country virtually all have a roof over their head. Christopher Knight chose something different. At age 20 he left his home in Massachusetts and drove to Maine. He went into the forest and did not have any human contact for almost 30 years. He had taught himself some survival techniques but mostly learned through the processes he lived through. He lived mainly in a tent where of course the winters were very cold and harsh.
He had no food and lived off the land. Sometimes he broke into area houses for food, clothing, reading material and whatever he could find. He said he only took what he needed but it was a frighting experience for the communities and it finally lead to his capture.
He was interviewed and the material for this book came from those notes. His life is detailed in this book as are some of the reasons he chose to leave. Problems in returning were also discussed.