What Are You Reading Wednesday?

What Are You Reading Wednesday was created by Rhianna, Marissa, and Kendall. The idea is to create a space for book lovers to share, discuss, and recommend the books they are currently reading and loving. All you have to do is answer the questions about your current read and then head over to one of the host’s sites to link up your post! Have fun and don’t forget to check out everyone’s posts as well!

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MY CURRENT READ

Many people dream of escaping modern life, but most will never act on it. This is the remarkable true story of a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years, making this dream a reality—not out of anger at the world, but simply because he preferred to live on his own. 

In 1986, a shy and intelligent twenty-year-old named Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the forest. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later, when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even through brutal winters, he had survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store edibles and water, and to avoid freezing to death. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothing, reading material, and other provisions, taking only what he needed but terrifying a community never able to solve the mysterious burglaries. Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life—why did he leave? what did he learn?—as well as the challenges he has faced since returning to the world. It is a gripping story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude, community, and what makes a good life, and a deeply moving portrait of a man who was determined to live his own way, and succeeded.

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1. Why did you decide to pick up this book–cover or content?

Content. The true story of a person who actually lived off the grid for 27 years is just fascinating. The minute I heard about this book I knew I was going to read it.

2. Who is your favorite character so far, and why?

Since this is a non-fiction book we really only have the author and Christopher Knight, the hermit this book is about. I am going to have to say Chris is my favorite character just because he intrigues me, but also because I can relate to him on a certain level. I connect to his introvertedness (not a word but deal with it. My blog, my rules.) While I’m not to his extreme on the introverted scale, I am quite the introvert as well. As I’m reading, I can see just how much I can relate to him on this aspect. I’m not sure if this should worry me or not. I honestly can see myself becoming a recluse with the exception of a few people. I know I wouldn’t be able to survive in the wilderness like Chris did, but I don’t crave social interactions with people, just like him. He is also a reader. Of course I could relate to that as well! So yes, to answer the question, Chris is my favorite character.

3. Will you finish this one?

Most definitely. It’s not a very long book and I’m already halfway through it. Though by the time this post goes up I’ll most likely already have finished it.

4. This book reminds me of…

Cast Away. Different circumstances, but each person ends up living by them self  without any human interaction for extended periods of time.

5. What type of read is this one? (Slow but interesting, cannot put it down…)

That’s difficult to determine with a non-fiction. It’s all very interesting but there isn’t a plot with action. I guess I’ll say this is a slow but interesting read.

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Well, that completes this week’s What Are You Reading Wednesday post! It was a lot of fun! Are you planning on participating next week? What is your current read? Let me know down in the comments! ‘Til next time!