Episode 033: The Stranger in the Woods
Download MP3Thanks for joining us. We’re talking about The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel:
Is it possible to live a totally solitary life, without relying on others or modern society at all? Christopher Knight lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years. Though in that time he had no contact or conversation with another person, he survived off food, books and provisions stolen from nearby cottages, greatly affecting the people who owned them. Why did this shy young man depart on such a life? How else could he have lived the life he craved, not at the expense of others? Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of his secluded life.
In this episode we also discuss:
Editor’s Note (New York Times)
True Story (movie)
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan.
Can you tell me a book I would also like?
Erica: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Kirsten: Intimations: Six Essays by Zadie Smith (and Adam Buxton podcast with Zadie Smith)
Trevor: When the Trees Say Nothing: Writings on Nature by Thomas Merton
Dennis: Paddle to the Arctic by Don Starkell, plus Kabloona in the Yellow Kayak by Victoria Jason
Nerd words for word nerds:
Erica: Proactive
Trevor: Nonology, (“Like a trilogy, but with 9 books. Questionable whether this is even a thing” – Trevor)
Dennis: Edge Case
Kirsten: Prestigious (current definition and archaic definition)
Many thanks to everyone who got in touch with us this month.
Next month we’re talking about The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See.
We’re looking forward to hearing what you think! Join our Facebook group, or follow Winnipeg Public Library on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Email us at wpl-podcast@winnipeg.ca with suggestions, comments, and questions. Visit us at wpl-podcast.winnipeg.ca.
Time to Read is a production of the Winnipeg Public Library. Our panel today included Kirsten Wurmann, Dennis Penner, Trevor Lockhart, and Erica Ball.
Creators and Guests
Host
Dennis Penner
Dennis works in the ideaMILL and while he prefers mysteries and non-fiction, he’s open to reading almost anything. He’s also the editor/producer, so he can edit the show to make himself sound smarter than he really is.
Host
Trevor Lockhart
Trevor is the Branch Head of the Louis Riel library. He tends to be a slow reader but a fast talker, so it all evens out.
