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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Stranger in the Woods summary
The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
13 mins
Brief summary
The Stranger in the Woods is a captivating true story about Christopher Knight, a man who lived alone in the Maine wilderness for 27 years. It explores solitude, survival, and the power of nature.
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The Stranger in the Woods
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Into the woods
In 1986, at the age of 20, Christopher Knight made a spur-of-the-moment decision that would define the rest of his life. After leaving home in central Maine for the first time on a solo road trip, he found himself overwhelmed by the wider world. So he drove his car deep into the remote backcountry near North Pond. He left the keys inside, and vanished alone into the wilderness.
He would not speak to another human being for the next 27 years.
The dense, disorienting woods known locally as the Jarsey became both his home and his hiding place. It’s a vast, remote wilderness dominated by dense, old-growth forests and largely owned by timber companies – an immense tangle of similar-looking trees and boulders that can quickly disorient even experienced hikers and hunters. With few improved roads or year-round homes, the region offers plenty of undisturbed hiding places.
This rugged, confusing landscape enabled Knight's extraordinary 27 years of seclusion and survival, startling residents once his hidden life was revealed. Accustomed to more welcoming terrain, locals found it hard to fathom how someone could navigate the twisted forests without getting lost forever. Yet Knight managed to teach himself the Jarsey's patterns, mentally mapping key rocks and trees to orient himself.
Residents were also amazed that Knight was able to endure bitter Maine winters. Through ingenuity and grit, he succeeded in constructing concealed encampments that shielded him from the elements. Knight built small tents from tarps and trash bags that proved to be surprisingly secure shelters through snow and storms. Inside, he nestled deep into multiple sleeping bags for warmth through frigid nights.
To maintain his isolation, Knight carefully avoided hiking paths, selecting remote campsites where no one would stumble upon his camouflaged shelters. He got supplies by raiding nearby vacant cabins during colder months when seasonal owners were away. Taking just enough food and fuel to survive, Knight left homes undamaged in a way that kept his presence nearly undetectable.
When owners returned each spring, they faced only minor evidence of a mysterious intruder. Knight moved like a ghost, leaving no trace of disturbance other than missing food stocks and tools. As decades passed with no sightings, local police remained baffled. For residents, “the hermit” became a myth – an eerie anomaly in a landscape that should not have hidden anyone for so long.
So while few understood the appeal of Knight's extreme isolation, the Jarsey proved the perfect refuge. With ample space to disappear into and winter vacancy to exploit, the windswept forests enabled one man's remarkable rejection of society. For 27 years, the Maine woods kept Knight's secret.
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What is The Stranger in the Woods about?
The Stranger in the Woods (2017) recounts the extraordinary story of a man who chose to leave behind the comforts and social aspects of modern life – and instead opt for a solitary existence in the woods of Maine.
The Stranger in the Woods Review
The Stranger in the Woods (2017) is an intriguing exploration of a man who chose to live alone in the Maine wilderness for nearly three decades. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its captivating narrative, it takes readers on a journey of solitude, freedom, and what it means to truly live off the grid.
- The rich character development paints a vivid picture of the man behind the intriguing story, leaving readers questioning their own beliefs and desires.
- Through meticulous research and interviews, the book offers fascinating insights into the mind of a man who shunned society and embraced a life of solitude.
Who should read The Stranger in the Woods?
- Psychology lovers looking for stories of extraordinary people
- True crime buffs curious about what’s behind the headlines
- Anyone fascinated by unusual tales of survival against the odds
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The Stranger in the Woods FAQs
What is the main message of The Stranger in the Woods?
The main message of The Stranger in the Woods is a fascinating exploration of the desire for solitude and the clash between individual freedom and societal norms.
How long does it take to read The Stranger in the Woods?
The reading time for The Stranger in the Woods varies depending on the reader's speed. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is The Stranger in the Woods a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Stranger in the Woods is worth reading for its captivating story of a man who lived alone in the wilderness for 27 years. It offers profound insights into solitude and the human desire for freedom.
Who is the author of The Stranger in the Woods?
The author of The Stranger in the Woods is Michael Finkel.
What to read after The Stranger in the Woods?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Stranger in the Woods, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Thirteen Days by Robert F. Kennedy
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty
- Uncommon by Mark Divine
- Phaedo by Plato
- The Art of Witty Banter by Patrick King
- You Only Die Once by Jodi Wellman
- How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb
- Liars by Cass R. Sunstein
- The Uses of Delusion by Stuart Vyse
- The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt