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This book lover’s link-up isn’t restrictive, joins great books with even better bloggers, and creates a wonderful space for conversation. I love that the prompts are open ended, meaning you can be as literal or as figurative as you’d like. We’ll pick the theme, you’ll pick the book, and then we’ll all link up at the end of the month. Sounds fun, right?
This month’s prompt was Green With Envy. Rachel and I challenged you to find a book with a totally green cover, green somehow on the cover, or even “green” in the title, if that worked best for you! I had ordered this book on a whim from Book of the Month Club and didn’t even think about it being green. I honestly had no idea what I was planning to read this month, but the jacket copy on this one intrigued me. If you aren’t already a BOTM subscriber, you need to head over ASAP. I love getting a book delivered to my door every month and, so far, I haven’t been disappointed a single time!
The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel
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.
Book Description via Amazon | Buy Here
RIVETING.
What part of the book could you NOT get enough of? For some reason, this sort of subject matter intrigues me. I was obsessed with reading (and watching) Into the Wild last month, so when I saw this offered on BOTM, I couldn’t resist. While I can’t imagine walking away from my own life, I am captivated by stories of those who can. In a world where more is more and people spend their entire lives amassing things they don’t use and money they can’t spend, I am fascinated by the idea of living on the fringes, with very little in the way of personal possessions.
ELEMENTS.
How did you relate to/care for the characters? What’s your thought on the plot line and twists and turns? I loved Christopher Knight throughout this entire tale and even when I knew I shouldn’t identify with him, or excuse his actions, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him. I wanted him to be freed immediately and (even though I know I would have been that person) I was so frustrated with the victims of his crimes. I wanted everyone to understand his lifestyle and why he had to steal from them. I swear, it was an out of body experience where I advocated every crime he committed. Who am I, even?!
ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it’s themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? I’ve already mentioned Into the Wild, but that is the book that most perfectly aligns with this sort of storyline. If you loved Krakauer’s novel, you’ll appreciate this one just as much. I didn’t think the writing was as strong (but, really, whose is?), but the story was equally captivating. If you’re looking for something in the fiction category, try The Good Father by Noah Hawley. The subject matter is completely different, but there have been many references to young men who fall off the grid and no matter how this novel ends up (I’m not even halfway through it), there are certainly parallels.
DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? I loved the cover of this one and since it’s green, I have to give it a big thank you for fitting our book club criteria this month. As always, BOTM does a great job with the type and layout of their book editions.
STARS.
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? I’m going to go out on a limb here and give it four stars. It might not appeal to everyone, but I read this one in a single sitting. So, so good.
You know what makes a book club even more fun? When you get to share it with all of your (virtual) friends! We would love it if you would share with your own readers or give us a little shout on social media (use the hashtag #collaboreads). The more the merrier! We’ve even put our heads together and come up with a prompt list for the entire year so that you can plan ahead!
