4 stars because this book, though only 203 pages, was endlessly fascinating. I would say mostly everyone who enjoys reading is an introvert, and since the premise of this book is to explore the hermit lifestyle as well as the psychology around it, The Stranger in the Woods will likely resonate deeply with anyone interested in reading it. Michael Finkel clearly took a ton of time to research the idea of solitude - voluntary and involuntary - and the care that was taken with this topic is obvious. There is a delicateness toward Christopher Knight and the life he chose to live, and this sensitive objectivity left me feeling infinitely curious rather than combative. I greatly appreciate that. There is a skill that comes with writing on a subject that isn't wholly understood, like hermits and their lifestyle, and to be reading this book without feeling a pressure to "take sides" is refreshing. 
 I enjoyed the additional research beyond Christopher Knight's story that was included. The details of hermit life in general and the explanations of mental disorders like autism gave me a bigger lens through which to read this story. However, I do wish that there was more to Knight and his family. Obviously this is nonfiction, so Finkel can't include scenes or details that simply weren't there or weren't given. I understand that. But I guess I wish the Knight family had been more open to the collaboration; but I also suppose that would be exactly counter to who they are, and had they been receptive, I might have been more skeptical. 
 Overall, this is an incredibly interesting book. It's short and easy to read, and the content is easily digestible. Finkel also provided a ton of his references in his "A Note on the Reporting" at the end of the book, and I'm compelled to read them myself. As someone who is very introverted and enjoys being alone, I feel like solitude and quietness is vastly misunderstood by society as a whole. I'd love to read more on this topic and broaden my own knowledge.