STRANGER in the WOODS-Man Lives Alone in the Woods for 27 Years, Stranger than Fiction

"Modern life seems set up so that we can avoid loneliness at all costs, but maybe it's worthwhile to face it occasionally," contemplates NYT journalist, Michael Fink.  Fink was the only person Chis Knight, "the hermit," corresponded with or granted visitations.  Knight a.k.a., the hermit is notoriously known for surviving alone in the wilderness for 27 years.  Hermit and surviving are questionable terms because the appellate was coined by people in ME whose homes were subjected to his thefts.  Surviving is not how  Knight would describe his life of for nearly 30 years throughout severe weather and stark conditions in the woods.  Perhaps, thrive would best describe Knights existence in isolation in a primitive environment.   Therein lies two major enigmas, how did he manage to survive alone and secondly, and what's even more perplexing, why would he choose to ostracize himself?  Knight managed to elude detection as he mysteriously managed to traverse the words without leaving footprints and his break-ins for food, clothes, books and batteries were meticulous; nothing left awry.   Still, there are so many why questions left unanswered.  One ponders conceptions we hold from reading Fink's factual reporting of Knight's history, and methods for survival and an accounting of Knight's state of mind.  One wonders how and why Knight chose to live like this and how exactly did he managed to avoid any human interaction for so long.   Most beguiling, how did Knight manage not to feel lonely? What's to be gained by self-awareness and self-reliance and what benefits mankind by living amongst others.  I strongly recommend STRANGER in the WOODS for its unique opportunity to assess a lifestyle and a lifestyle choice unlike any that's been previously reported.  It's endlessly fascinating and spins a romantic idea of solitude and a hellhole of self-inflicted banishment.  Knight remained true to himself in a way most could ever conceive.  "He left because the world is not made to accommodate people like him.  He was never happy in his youth.  It made him feel constantly nervous.  There was no place for him, and instead of suffering further, he escaped.  It was not so much a protest as a quest.  He was a refugee from the human race.  The forest offered him shelter."   Knight's disdain for society stems from its frenzy and crassness.  "It's too loud.  Too colorful. The lack of aesthetics.  The crudeness. The inanities.  The trivia. The inappropriate choices of aspirations and goals." Aside from Knight judgements of societal flaws,  Knight had a natural proclivity for the serenity inherent in nature.  "I did it because the alternative was-I wasn't content.  I did find a place where I was content.  I miss the woods."   

SEVEN DAYS in JUNE-Rates a 6.5 for a LIGHT SUMMER READ

Tia Williams latest novel, SEVEN DAYS in JUNE, is about two sexy, 30 something, writers who hooked up at seventeen and reconvene some 20 years later.  The two sense their original attraction is something  more than what came before.  Shane, is now a highly regarded writer having earned a Pulitzer Prize.   Eve is a successful author of a series of sensual, "Twilight, esq." novels that garner a cult following.  Together, they're dubbed "the Black book world's new prom king and queen."  Since the two went their separate ways, Eve has raised a precocious teenage daughter, with whom she shares a tight bond, perhaps too strong.  "Eve's self-worth depended on how her daughter thought of her.  She knew it was unhealthy."  Audre, Eve's daughter, is delightful with her mature vibrato which stems in part from being raised in an affluent, NYC neighborhood by a strong, single parent.  The mother/daughter dynamic between the Eve and Audre is what I found most captivating.  Williams focuses on the tumultuous upbringing Eve had with her mother who relied on the men in her life to care for her leaving Eve to fend for herself.  Williams is ambitious in the subjects she lilts upon; chronic illness, sexual abuse, and self-mutilation.  The book also dabbles in Haitian/Spanish file-flavored culture rich in both highly religious and colorfully superstitious customs.  The mirepoix of sexual tension, serious topics and light heartedness doesn't always congeal.  Still, the romance between Shane and Eve sizzles and all the characters are immensely likable to concoct a magical intoxication for a fun summer read. "I've always, loved you, he whispered.  What a coincidence, she whispered back.  I've always loved you, too.  Shakespeare, this star crossed lovers story, this is not.  But it is hot and it speaks to familial love that rings true.  "This is that family feeling, he thought.  Of total acceptance, belonging to people. A connection that eclipsed everything."  SEVEN DAYS in JUNE is a delightful summer read with a wink at Twilight fans who are now  probably 30 something or other.   

Melinda's Top Ten Picks on Mindel's Kindle, Fiction and Non-Fiction Read This Year

The following list of my favorite reads so far this year include both fiction and non-fiction in alphabetical order by author:

1.   A LIE SOMEBODY TOLD US about YOU - "Honorable," elective abortion and its impact on a couple's coupledom by Robert Ho Davies.   

2.  LAWN BOY - Y/A novel banned in FL public schools is an uplifting and inspiring coming of age by Jonathan Evison

3.   A CALLING for CHARLIE BARNES is a novel about a charming & annoying man told by his enamored son, a successful novelist despite his siblings many misgivings by Joshua Ferris.

4.    The STRANGER in the WORDS by journalist Michael Finkel, the only non-official person to speak with Chris Knight who chose to live in the woods of ME alone for 27 years.

5.   The FRAN LEBOWITZ READER - The social commentary orateur known for her sharp wit and lengthy writers' block.

6.   MOTH - Y/A Coming of Age novel told in poetic prose by Amber McBride.

7.   HELL of a BOOK - Nat'l Book Award Winner for Fiction ('21) by Jason Mott.

8.   The LAST INTERVIEW - Israeli novelist's memoir told in response to interview questions he construes for himself by Eshkol Nevo.

9.   RENEGADES - Transcribed buddy podcasts with President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen.

10.  A SWIM in the POND - A Master class in short story writing by Booker Prize Winning novelist George Saunders.