Written with simplicity and care, The Stranger in the Woods, is a tribute of sorts to a man who lived 27 years alone in the forest with no ulterior motives other than to have a place where he could exist in relative peace. 
 At 20, Christopher Knight drove his car as far as he could into the Maine woods before abandoning it and walking to find a secluded and hidden place for a camp. Though he did find the perfect spot, he was never very far from family owned cabins and a local summer camp. His existence often depended on supplies he would steal from these locations, taking only inexpensive items, never encountering the owners and taking care not to damage anything upon breaking in. This would eventually be his undoing, once security systems and tracking devices became more advanced. He was caught breaking into the Pine Tree summer camp, a frequent haunt in the off-season due to their industrial sized food supplies. 
 While incarcerated, Knight agreed on several occasions to meet with reporter Michael Finkel, who had previously opened up a line of communication by writing Knight heartfelt and inquisitive letters regarding his time in the woods. Though Knight was very intelligent and a voracious reader, he was not loquacious or particularly warm. He offered no "hermit insight" and displayed none of the cliches usually attributed to someone who has dedicated their life to solitude. He was apologetic for the thefts and attempting to figure out how to exist now that he was to be reintroduced into society. 
 What was most fascinating about Knight's story was not how he lived in the woods so long with no human contact (which is detailed somewhat) or his ability to move about and "gather" his supplies without being caught for 27 years, but rather the question of why he would crave this type of lifestyle. Some of his motives are discussed here, but no conclusive argument is made for his choice. However, after he is court ordered to find a job, perform community service and undergo psychological counseling, it becomes clear that assimilating to what is considered "normal" is more of a punishment for Knight than any prison sentence could ever be. 
 Finkel has an ease in his writing style which does credit to Knight's story, which was never intended to be told. Finkel asked Knight's permission to respectfully share his story. There is no feeling of exploitation here (although Finkel may have begun to push his luck and Knight's patience a bit toward the end of their acquaintance) rather, it allows us a chance encounter with a person and lifestyle that seems both unfathomable and yet alluring. 
 A thought-provoking read that will have you contemplating where you find your own peace and perhaps appreciating those moments of silence when they come.