This is a memoir about a young man who is not finding satisfaction with his job and on a whim buys a very rundown off grid cabin. We follow his adventures as he upgrades the place on a very limited budget and with no previous skills to draw on. Along the way he learns more about life and what he wants out of it. Thanks to both NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy. I really enjoyed it as it was light & funny, but still a worthy read. 4/5 stars.

Patrick Hutchinson was just in his late twenties when he felt that his job was dead-end, and while his friends were moving on into full adulthood with marriages, mortgages and families, he was not sure what his next step should be. Then on a whim, he bought a run-down, tiny remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest mountains. Totally off-grid, the cabin seemed to defy gravity, still standing even though the roof leaked, nothing was square, and as Patrick would learn later, one side totally lacked a foundation. But when Patrick and his friends were at the cabin, even just for a night, life seemed better. Repairs were a challenge (even getting there was often a challenging hike on muddy trails in the dark), but Patrick and crew used ingenuity and newly obtained skills to make the 120 sq. feet cozier. For those who don't deal with dimensions, that is equal to a medium sized bedroom. Decades separate Patrick and me, but I was in my early twenties when a weekend trip to Wisconsin's northwoods planted a tiny seed (dream) in my heart that someday I would someday have a cabin there. For years, while my husband and I introduced our three kids to camping, canoeing, and fishing, we kept fueling that dream. Finally as our sixties approached, our children grown, and dozens of cabins explored, we purchased a lot on a small lake and the cabin dream became a reality. Not having building skills ourselves, we had the cabin roughed in, and then somewhat like Patrick, finished it with the help of friends, our children, and some skills we taught ourselves. So while I can't connect with Patrick's drinking round the campfire, I totally understand how even a few hours at his cabin refueled his spirit and led him to make major changes in his life. I think anyone who has dreamed of his own spot in the wild will enjoy this book

Thanks to St Martins Press and Netgalley for letting me read this fantastic adventure book. The author Patrick Hutchison decides to buy a dilapidated cabin in the middle of the woods in the state of Washington. This adventure takes you through the process of a man who has zero skills rebuilding his cabin. I’ve always wondered about living off the grid and this book answered a lot of questions about that process. I really enjoyed this read. I will definitely be suggesting this title to my family and friends.

Patrick's job as a copy editor was sucking the life out of him. He needed something to feed his soul. It came in the form of a 10 foot by 12 foot shack in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Patrick knew the purchase might be a mistake, but it spoke to him. Despite primitive conditions and the fact he had no knowledge of or experience in building or carpentry, he lived for the weekends working on the cabin. Those weekends became his life line.

Patrick paints a picture of something more akin to a lean-to than a cabin. Barely standing, with floors that weren't level, walls that weren't plumb and a leaky ceiling, he chronicles his six year journey to bring the poor cabin back to life.

Patrick Hutchinson is honest in telling his story, not pulling any punches about his lack of experience, but very clear in his vision of what he wants the cabin to be. HIs descriptions of his efforts to affect repairs are often humorous, sometimes worrisome. As time passes, he discovers the difference between that work he can learn to do on his own (Youtube was his friend), and those things he needed an expert to complete. When he pulled in the experts, he paid attention, asking questions and learning from them as they worked.

He explains in plain language how the cabin became a part of him, how it gave him purpose. The mountains and the cabin became his sanctuary. Even unfinished, the cabin became his weekend home, a place not only for him, but a place his friends came to enjoy as well. He was able to take a run down, barely standing shack and create what he imagined it could be.

As someone who has a tote bag of unfinished needlework projects, I admire Patrick Hutchinson's desire, his devotion and his passion. Reading his story was inspiring. Maybe I'll even dig out one of those projects and make it my goal for the new year.

I read this while doing a very questionable job of remodeling my own home in the country. I felt kinship in the wild self confidence of the author as he tackles a rustic cabin in the woods outside of Seattle Washington. I felt the draw of those of us with the resources, and the support networks, and the audacity to try this type of thing. Hutchinson does not hold back as he flails his way through his cabin adventure. Introducing the reader to a number of quirky friends and neighbors all with their own middling skills, questionable choices and desire to leave the crowds of the city behind.

This was a fun read for anyone looking to dive into their own renovations projects, a good reminder that sometimes our labor works out and sometimes they don’t but when you work on your home you always learn something.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this title.

I really related to this book as a slightly younger millennial who wants to do nothing more than run away from society and the cultural norms of modern living.

The hijinks, the lessons, and the true relatability of the authors story rang true throughout, and I appreciated his outlook on life.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started this book. The author held a monotonous office job while in his twenties when he impulsively decided to buy a decrepit cabin in the mountains of Washington. This book describes how he went about turning the cabin into a loved retreat for him and his friends. Most surprising, it is really funny at times. Laugh out loud funny. This is my las book for 2024 and a perfect way to end the year. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

While I can empathize with the author's not feeling adult enough or adult in the right way, I found this a bit too self-indulgent to be enjoyable.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "CABIN: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman," Patrick Hutchison takes readers on a heartfelt, humorous, and often humbling journey into the wilds of self-sufficiency. This memoir is a breath of fresh air, blending the rugged challenges of off-grid living with the poignant reflections of a novice craftsman discovering his true capabilities.

Hutchison's narrative is driven by his earnest, often self-deprecating voice that is as endearing as it is relatable.
As he embarks on the seemingly impossible task of building a cabin with minimal skills and a lot of enthusiasm, readers are treated to a series of misadventures that are entertaining and enlightening. The author’s willingness to share his blunders and learning curves adds an authentic touch that is comforting as well as inspiring.

The setting of the book—a remote location far from the conveniences of modern life—serves as a character in its own right, presenting the breathtaking beauty and the relentless challenges of nature. Hutchison’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and his encounters with the elements make the reader feel as though they are right there, braving the cold or basking in the serene wilderness alongside him.

Character development in "CABIN" extends beyond Hutchison himself. The various individuals he meets along the way, from seasoned woodsmen to curious neighbors, add richness to the narrative. Their interactions provide a tapestry of community and resilience, highlighting the human connections that sustain us, even in the most isolated environments.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of what it means to truly disconnect and find oneself. Hutchison’s journey is as much about inner discovery as it is about physical endurance. His reflections on solitude, self-reliance, and the simple joys found in hard work and nature are thought-provoking and deeply resonant.

While the memoir is filled with practical insights and tips for aspiring off-grid enthusiasts, its appeal extends beyond those with a penchant for wilderness adventures. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of their depth or yearned for a simpler, more grounded way of life. The humor and humility with which Hutchison recounts his experiences make "CABIN" a universally appealing read.

"CABIN: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman" is a compelling and heartwarming tale of perseverance, growth, and the unexpected joys of embracing the unknown.

Hutchison’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of the beauty found in our triumphs and our stumbles.

Whether you’re an armchair adventurer or a seasoned outdoorsman, this book offers valuable lessons and an enjoyable escape into the world of off-grid living.

As a fellow millennial, I connect to the author’s need to be something a bit more than corporate America can offer. Grasping at the odd chance that doing the unconventional becomes the adventure of a lifetime. This memoir follows the adventures of Patrick attempting to navigate wilderness with a few power tools and curiosity. I did struggle with the DIY struggle as the daughter of a home builder and this likely impacted my rating. I can’t help that I know what I know.

That being said, tandem reading the book with the audiobook helped to paint the picture much better. The audiobook has snippets of nature sounds that create an atmosphere. The story is narrated by the author allowing his personality to shine. He is also easily understood at faster speeds.

A very pleasant read about a man and his cabin and the things he learned along the way. Highly recommended.

It was definitely the synopsis of this book that peaked my interest. When I started reading it, it wasn't what I expected but it definitely felt right. 

It's hard to describe what this book is about but all-in-all I would say it consists of the misadventures of a guy and some friends who find solace in fixing up a derelict cabin in a precarious location where you never know what is going to happen from one day to the next. And sometimes, nothing happens and that is even better.

I loved everything these guys got into, all the life puzzles that came up and how this characteristic cabin shaped years of their lives and their futures. 

This book pays homage to the DIYs around the world that we all try to do or one day, hope to.

Hutchinson has a steady career as a copywriter but it’s not what he wants to be doing. He’s not ‘adulting’ enough to hit the usual milestones so ennui ensues. He responds to this quarter life crisis by acquiring a ‘rustic’ cabin (with a loan from mom). 

I dipped in and out of this book because it moves slowly and wasn’t holding my interest. This all felt very self-indulgent to me. ‘I wrote a book about working on a crappy shack in the woods. I’m a writer AND more of a grown-up.’ 

I made it to 80% before I was just over it. The writing is fine but forgettable. The subject matter is fine but forgettable. Nothing about this felt particularly interesting or special. There’s nothing WRONG but there’s nothing to be excited about. Big meh. 2.75/5

The best part of this book is the name of the street that Hutchison's cabin sits. The repetition of call of the cabin and hating the office 9-to-5, j.o.b. was funny at first but later feels like a joke that we are done laughing at and want to cry. Overall, it is a relatable feeling of leaving everything behind to rebuild a cabin with all the heartache of not having skills until you do. The ending was abrupt. Mostly, we can all relate to the courage it takes to lake a leap toward uncertainty and the satisfaction of building something with your hands.

Patrick Hutchison’s CABIN is a love letter to the process of transformation—both of a place and of a person. With warmth, humor, and an inspiring dash of grit, Hutchison takes readers on his journey from a nine-to-five office life to a six-year adventure restoring a 120-square-foot cabin in the moss-draped woods of Washington’s Cascade Mountains.

The memoir is part how-to (or sometimes how-not-to!) guide to renovation and part meditation on the beauty of embracing the unknown. Hutchison’s candid reflections on his lack of carpentry skills when he started—and the slow, often humbling process of learning—are relatable and endearing. His descriptions of the cabin and surrounding nature are vivid, pulling you into the quiet, green world where so much of his transformation took place.

What truly stands out is Hutchison’s ability to weave humor and vulnerability into his story. CABIN is about more than fixing up a shack; it’s about reimagining what life can be when you’re willing to take a leap into the unconventional. For anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting over, living off the grid, or tackling a project way beyond their comfort zone, this memoir is a comforting reminder that growth often comes in unexpected ways.

While some sections linger a bit long on the nitty-gritty of construction, they’re balanced by poignant moments of personal reflection and a deep appreciation for the process. Hutchison’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about woodworking, and it’s one worth taking.

A perfect read for nature lovers, dreamers, and anyone contemplating their own leap of faith.

4 stars for a very entertaining and relatable nonfiction adventure. Without hesitation, I selected CABIN by Patrick Hutchison because it appeared that I was the target audience. I am a nature lover who enjoys camping, getting away from the world and undertaking DIY projects, some of which I have no business even thinking about attempting.

Patrick decides to buy what sounds like a poor excuse for a cabin in the Pacific Northwest in a difficult-to-access area, surrounded by iffy structures and people. I can relate to the tug of nature on Hutchison and a desire to hold a part of it as his own.

"I saw only potential, and I saw a version of myself that was capable of making it better. Not great, necessarily, but better. Most importantly, for the first time in a while, I felt the pull of something bigger, a grand pursuit, a thing to dive into that was different and new and exciting. I could buy a cabin and fix it up. Why not?"

He and a bunch of easy-going, willing friends repair and rebuild the cabin in bits and pieces, and learn a lot about home construction and themselves, while of course questioning everything they were undertaking along the way. Which tools are good tools? Should they have used math for making steps?
Should they tie people by the waist to hoist them on the roof?

"Three cars, six idiots, a couple of hundred bucks of lumber, and a truck full of tools no one knew how to use stood between us and that cabin."

Ultimately, fake it 'til you make it worked out. Hutchison, his friend Bryan, and their closest comrades created a place where everyone could relax, escape to, make memories at and fall in love with. CABIN draws readers in with its relatable and humorous missteps, hooks them with exploration of what makes some people feel the most themselves, and highlights the potential in all of us.

"Going into cabin ownership without any knowledge had taught me to remember tidbit like this. If you can spice up ignorance with a few real-world facts, a few slang words, a few tools of the trade, it's remarkable how much credibility it buys."

Hutchison wrote CABIN in such a way that I could picture the cabin and its surrounds, and felt part of every step. I wanted to know a little more about everyone, especially the other residents of Wit's End, and to hear more about the adventures and activities there. But Hutchison saying yes to that cabin has relayed enough confidence that I might have started nonchalantly exploring cabin possibilities here on the other side of the country. I recommend this for readers who have been tempted by the call of escaping to the wilderness and also for readers that want to laugh at the follies of others mostly because they can see themselves in them.

3.5/5
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book. Fans of Bill Bryson and Outside Magazine will enjoy this memoir about a first time DIY-er who purchases a very rustic tiny cabin escape in the Pacific NW. I can relate to the author's quest to simplify and escape modern conveniences for the quiet comfort camping brings. Some of the stories were funny and the book was well written, although long winded at times.
#Cabin
#PatrickHutchison
#StMartinsPress

I really enjoyed this dive into turning a small cabin and learning as you go and how peaceful it is in the outdoors. As someone that completely agrees, I was transported into a place that was peaceful and of true rest while experiencing making things new.

Patrick Hutchison’s *Cabin* is a refreshingly honest and humorous memoir about restoring a run-down, off-the-grid cabin in the Pacific Northwest. At its core, this book isn’t just about the practicalities of fixing up a dilapidated structure; it’s a deeper exploration of dreams, resilience, connection, and self-discovery. Hutchison’s dry humor shines as he recounts the trials and triumphs of taking on a monumental task with little experience but an abundance of determination. His friends, equally enthusiastic yet hilariously inept, bring heart and camaraderie to the narrative, emphasizing that building a cabin isn’t just about the nails and plywood—it’s about the bonds formed along the way.

The author’s longing to escape a soul-crushing 9-to-5 job for the simplicity and satisfaction of cabin life resonates deeply, even if the repetition of his grievances occasionally wears thin. Once the story shifts its focus to the actual restoration process, readers are immersed in a world of muddy trails, unpredictable weather, and the quiet tension that comes with caring deeply for a place. Hutchison’s ability to blend the struggles of cabin building with moments of humor and reflection makes this a compelling read, even when the level of detail about repairs veers toward the tedious. Some readers may yearn for visuals to accompany the meticulous descriptions of transformation, but the author’s vivid storytelling compensates for the lack of photos.

Beyond the technicalities, the cabin becomes a symbol of retreat—a space to unplug, reconnect with nature, and embrace simplicity. It’s a place of healing, not just for the author but for the friends and family who find solace there. Hutchison’s humility and gratitude infuse the book with hope and inspiration, reminding readers of the joy in creating something meaningful from scratch.

While not every chapter will appeal to all readers—mushrooms, anyone?—the overarching themes of growth and contentment make this a rewarding journey. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or someone who leaves all home improvement projects to a partner, *Cabin* will spark a desire to find your own little corner of peace. Honest, hopeful, and laugh-out-loud funny, this memoir is well worth your time.

Cabin is a warmly funny, well told story by Patrick Hutchison about his acquisition and rebuilding of a tiny off-grid cabin in the Washington state forest. Released 3rd Dec 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is a charmingly written book, full of the sort of dreams and aspirations and honest soul searching most of us went through in our late 20s. He finds and fixates on a broken down cabin in the woods and, like Thoreau 170 years before, sets himself to fixing it and maybe finding his purpose in the process. Unlike his philosophical muse, there's a conspicuous absence of mother and sisters providing home cooked meals in his "solitude" and there are a few hair-raising situations before Hutchison gets to where he's going. Unlike Thoreau, however, he doesn't pretend to try to live full time at the shack in the woods, and much of the content is him doing the necessary drudge work in-office to afford to fix up the place in fits and starts over a 6 year period (during which he also acquires the skills along the way).

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 8 hours and 31 minutes and is read by the author himself. Sound and production quality are excellent throughout the read.

Four stars. It's an honestly told, well written book, and definitely worth a winter-time cozy read. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school library acquisition, gift giving, or for readers who enjoy contemplative nature oriented reads.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.