There are many reasons to celebrate Henry David Thoreau, but his decision to build a small cabin on Ralph Waldo Emerson's property in the woods near Walden Pond in order to "live deliberately" remains one of the most inspiring.
Many people, whether inspired by Thoreau or not, have ventured into nature to live deliberately, seek solitude, connect with what's essential or find themselves. So let's celebrate Thoreau's 200th birth anniversary on July 12 by reading Thoreau's Walden or the stories of others inspired to go into the woods.
Thoreau spent two years in his cabin at Walden Pond. Christopher Knight, known as the "North Pond Hermit," disappeared into the woods of Maine for 27 years until he was arrested for stealing food. Journalist Michael Finkel presents an absorbing portrait of Knight, how he survived and speculation on what compelled him to abandon everything for a life of a hermit in the woods in The Stranger in the Woods.
Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild tells the story of a young man who left his comfortable, affluent life to live in the Alaskan wilderness. What was Chris McCandless longing for that led him to the wilderness and, ultimately, to death?
Young men prompted to retreat into the wilderness due to existential crises not your cup of tea? Maybe Grandma Gatewood's Walk will capture your interest. In 1955, Emma Gatewood, at 67, became the first woman to hike the Appalachian trail solo. She wore a pair or sneakers and traveled without a tent, sleeping bag or map.
Speaking of shoes, Cheryl Strayed loses an ill-fitting hiking boot over a cliff during her attempt to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. To find out what other mishaps are in store for the newbie backpacker, pick up Wild. If you loved Wild and are looking for a readalike, try Apsen Matis' Girl in the Woods.
For a more amusing take on going off into the woods, try Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, which recounts the author's trek on the Appalachian Trail with a pal as a way of reconnecting with America after some years abroad.
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