A Goodreads user
asked:
Haven't read this but not likely to. The mere fact that he stole from people that worked hard for what they had...the fact that for 27 years this community in Maine lived in fear because of these unsolved burglaries that he committed is beyond shameful. He didn't live off the grid. He lived off of other people who worked for a living. "He survived by his wits and courage" ?? No. I don't think so.
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The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit,
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Michael Finkel
Hello. I'm the journalist who wrote this book. Chris Knight -- the hermit -- is not portrayed, not for a page, as some sort of angelic hero in the book. Knight himself did not want to be portrayed that way. He confessed to 1,000 break-ins, one of the most extensive burglary cases in U.S. history. He tormented people. But -- he also never physically harmed anyone, never carried a weapon, never stole anything of great monetary value, never shattered a window or kicked down a door. He had a wildly unusual idea for how to live, and he lived in a way radically different from any other human you will ever encounter, and he has an awesome and daunting brain -- he is, I feel certain, a genius -- and he has insights into modern society and solitude and the meaning of life that you will find nowhere else. "Take the good with the bad," Knight told me, when speaking of how he should be portrayed in my book, and I did. I firmly believe that in the good are some incredible insights, and in the bad is a fascinating true-crime tale. And please note -- Knight is receiving no money from this project. A summer camp for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities (The Pine Tree Camp), from which Knight frequently stole, will instead be receiving donations.
Mahalie
You're using 'ask a question' to promote a review of a book you haven't read.
The story is fascinating, not a morality tale. Reading about it isn't promoting stealing.
The story is fascinating, not a morality tale. Reading about it isn't promoting stealing.
Rosanne Wilson
The author is not presenting Mr. Knight as a hero! This is why you need to actually read the book before you criticize.
Edward Brown
I read the book in less than 24 hours while I'm in the middle of six or seven other books. I cried at the end, reading in my car outside a bagel shop here in Baltimore. This is one of the best books I've read in five years. I don't know how to feel about Chris, but I do know that he is an extraordinary person, whether he's good or bad or somewhere in between. I teach high school and plan to read this with my 10th graders next year. Lots to think about, both about Chris and his behavior, and much larger questions, including but not limited to why are we here.
Shelli
C. Savage, Roe, & those of similar ilk: you DO understand that this is not an autobiography, right? The author is not the one who committed these crimes. Chris Knight (the hermit) is not receiving any royalties. By your logic, you should NEVER read ANY non-fiction in which ANY criminal or unscrupulous activity is reported, because then you're – what? "supporting" criminal behavior? How do you even read the news? It's chock full of people who should be in jail, which according to you, is reason enough to put it on a dramatically flouncy, pre-judgey "never ever ever read, bad!" list. This kind of head-in-the-sand attitude is very disturbing to me, as it's a lot of what's causing societal decline in this world. Please reconsider your opinion of this and of other things you have absolutely no basis upon which to have an opinion.
CatMS
Food, clothing and reading material.....how important is that in relation to trying to survive. I would have been glad to offer what I have for someone who is living on his own in the woods. You sound like an incredibly insensitive person. Hopefully you will never need assistance from strangers.
Erin
Guess you won't be reading Les Miserables either?
Doreen
I just finished listening to the audio edition of this book. It is a deeply nuanced investigation into the life of a complex human being and an intricate and complicated situation. I'm struck by the utter lack of judgmentalism in the author's portrayal of Christopher Knight's life and actions, It is deeply compassionate, profoundly insightful, yet neither glorifying nor condemning. Personally, I am deeply moved by this book and have not yet entirely collected my thoughts about it, but I strongly recommend that prospective readers approach it with an open mind and an open heart.
Marissa Thayer
Don't judge a book by it's cover, darling (or in your case, the back summary of a book!).
Chris Conrady
I just read the book, and, your questions and opinions seem valid, but there is just so much more to the story. I'd suggest that you read it and decide for yourself after. The situation, on the surface may appear black and white, but it is not. And that is what makes this book and the story so fantastic. The author, Michael Finkel does an excellent job of exploring and addressing all of your logical considerations. I'd say also, that a major part of the book is of Finkel's adventure in getting this unique story. Remember, "they" say, don't judge a book by it's cover. And don't pass judgement without really understanding that which you are judging.
Stephany Wilkes
All this (including attitudes *just like* yours) and so much more is covered in the book you haven't read. The author devotes quite a bit of time to it. I find it odd that you're even unwilling to read things you agree with but hey, your loss. It's a fabulous book.
Erika Daniels
I do not know anyone personally involved with this story, project, or book but feel compelled to respond to this "question that is not a question." It is completely unfair to criticize a book when you have not even read it yourself. In no way does Michael Finkel condone burglaries and theft, and the themes of this story are far too complicated to be distilled into one brief synopsis.
I have read the book and am conflicted by Chris Knight's actions (mostly coming down on the side of saying they are completely wrong and he was wrong for 27 years). This book, however, does not take a side--Michael Finkel tells the story, poses some difficult questions, and leaves it to readers to form their own opinions.
If you do not want to read the book, don't do it. By the same token, do not condemn a book you have not read.
I have read the book and am conflicted by Chris Knight's actions (mostly coming down on the side of saying they are completely wrong and he was wrong for 27 years). This book, however, does not take a side--Michael Finkel tells the story, poses some difficult questions, and leaves it to readers to form their own opinions.
If you do not want to read the book, don't do it. By the same token, do not condemn a book you have not read.
Kaeli
My question: How can anyone NOT read this book....I read it from the library, but will probably buy it so that I can read and highlight all amazingly insightful passages that caused me to think about my life and our society.
Lynn
Open your mind and read this book. I found it poignant
And so very human
And so very human
Jodell
why are you even speaking on a book you have not read and are not going to read? Seriously
Julian
This book presents an extremely well balanced view and brilliant study on a human's behaviour who simply does not fit into modern society. The book does not glamorize any behaviour at all, good or bad, it just offers deep insight into what makes this person tick . Real life, honestly described is full of contradictions and uncomfortable facts. I found it honest and fascinating, and I feel more the wiser for having read it.
Amy
Um... so... what was the question?
Drew
Before you judge the book, you really need to read it, it is by far one of my favorite books. The fact that you can judge the book before you even read is in my opinion unacceptable.
Roe
I agree with C Savage above.
Sounds to me like he should be in jail.
I've taken this book off my "want to read" list and placed it on my "wouldn't read if you paid me" list.
It infuriates me that criminals like him rob people like me to survive. "Survived by his wits and courage?" are you kidding me? Courage? Cowardice is more like it.
Sounds to me like he should be in jail.
I've taken this book off my "want to read" list and placed it on my "wouldn't read if you paid me" list.
It infuriates me that criminals like him rob people like me to survive. "Survived by his wits and courage?" are you kidding me? Courage? Cowardice is more like it.
Wendy Cosin
Mr Finkel, I have a theoretical question. If Knight had asked you not to write the article and the book, what would you have done?
My understanding is that he clearly knew why you were there and it was his choice to engage with you (until he withdrew and made his desire to be left alone very clear). I can surmise reasons why he let you into his confidence - you did a good job laying the groundwork, you were respectful, he was bored and unhappy in jail, he liked you on some level, pride. Do you have other ideas about why he let you in?
I enjoyed the audio book very much. Thank you.
My understanding is that he clearly knew why you were there and it was his choice to engage with you (until he withdrew and made his desire to be left alone very clear). I can surmise reasons why he let you into his confidence - you did a good job laying the groundwork, you were respectful, he was bored and unhappy in jail, he liked you on some level, pride. Do you have other ideas about why he let you in?
I enjoyed the audio book very much. Thank you.
Theresa
Your self-righteousness is showing. As though you've never stolen anything in your ENTIRE life? Don't hop on your high horse so quickly!
Fatim
Perhaps you should first read the book before providing criticism to which you have no merit. How are you so confident that the book portrays Chris in a completely positive light when you have not even given it a chance? Also, this section is for questions, not reviews. Especially not reviews by an individual who has nothing to go off of.
Marty Fried
I agree about the stealing - and I disagree with the author about "not harming anyone", and who's to decide what has great monetary value? A lot of people in Maine are not very rich, and the theft of an expensive sleeping bag alone can be devastating, and possibly physically harmful if it's needed when cold. What right does anyone have to decide what's valuable to a stranger?
Julia
If the author said that the hermit lived "off his wits and courage" then he was WRONG to say that. I'm about half way though the book right now, and so far the author has not glamourized the thefts that the hermit commited. Since these thefts were 100 PERCENT WRONG, I am glad the author is not glamourizing them, but simply stating the facts. Whoever said "wits and courage" is a fucktard, because you are right - stealing is not living off your "wits and courage", it's just being unethical, immoral, and wrong.
Noli Janos
Ken M, is that you?
Coritiz1679
Do you often take the time to write about books you have not read, or not likely to?
Robert Mcelmeel
ignore this fool
Shelley
How on earth can you critisize a book you haven't read?
I was enthralled by this book; it was a fascinating read.
I was enthralled by this book; it was a fascinating read.
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