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A Place in the Woods
Helen Hoover and her husband, Adrian, were trailblazers in the American back-to-the-land movement. Well ensconced in their professional lives in Chicago, they made the decision to follow their dream of a simple existence, pulling up their stakes and plunging into the wilds of northern Minnesota.
A Place in the Woods, first published in 1969, describes how the Hoovers gradually adapted to the rigors of wilderness survival, relating events that occurred prior to those Helen Hoover described in her bestselling The Girl of the Deer. This is a tale of starting out, of the pitfalls of beginning a new life -- one punctuated by near disasters but also by moments of rare beauty.
A Place in the Woods is enlivened by warm, humorous anecdotes showing both the struggle and reward involved in joining this small community of rabbits, deer, and distant neighbors. This volume, now available in paperback for the first time, conveys the special joy of each small victory in the wilderness.
A Place in the Woods, first published in 1969, describes how the Hoovers gradually adapted to the rigors of wilderness survival, relating events that occurred prior to those Helen Hoover described in her bestselling The Girl of the Deer. This is a tale of starting out, of the pitfalls of beginning a new life -- one punctuated by near disasters but also by moments of rare beauty.
A Place in the Woods is enlivened by warm, humorous anecdotes showing both the struggle and reward involved in joining this small community of rabbits, deer, and distant neighbors. This volume, now available in paperback for the first time, conveys the special joy of each small victory in the wilderness.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 1969
49 people are currently reading
1421 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hoover
19 books25 followersHelen Hoover (January 20, 1910-July 1984) studied chemistry, and though she never earned her degree, she worked as a metallurgist for Ahlberg Bearing Company during and after World War II. Hoover grew up in Ohio but later moved to Chicago with her family, which is where she met her husband, Adrian Hoover. Both Helen and Adrian held steady jobs when they decided to quit and move to their vacation cabin on the south shore of Minnesota’s Gunflint Lake.
With no steady income, the Hoovers struggled through their first Minnesota winter, and Helen began writing magazine articles. Her first book, The Long-Shadowed Forest, which recounted life in northern Minnesota, was published in 1963. She followed it with three more books inspired by the Gunflint Trail: The Gift of the Deer, A Place in the Woods, and The Years of the Forest, as well as a children’s book The Great Wolf and Good Woodsmen.
With no steady income, the Hoovers struggled through their first Minnesota winter, and Helen began writing magazine articles. Her first book, The Long-Shadowed Forest, which recounted life in northern Minnesota, was published in 1963. She followed it with three more books inspired by the Gunflint Trail: The Gift of the Deer, A Place in the Woods, and The Years of the Forest, as well as a children’s book The Great Wolf and Good Woodsmen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 25, 2017
Weird rating for this one: To non-nature readers, this would be a 2. For fans of nature writing, this would be a 4. For you die-hard nature freaks, it'd be a 5. ;-)
This book is not destined to be a widespread classic, but it is a good upper-midwest nature literature fan's must-read. Ms. Hoover and her husband wanted a place in the woods, and bought a cabin that they spent the coming years upgrading and falling more and more in love with. Well, more the location than the cabin itself. They found themselves simplifying their lives, and at the same time becoming more aware of what is important to them. They were nature lovers from the start, and Hoover's descriptions and insight into the world she found herself living is both engaging and enlightening. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anybody who enjoys this kind of book.
This book is not destined to be a widespread classic, but it is a good upper-midwest nature literature fan's must-read. Ms. Hoover and her husband wanted a place in the woods, and bought a cabin that they spent the coming years upgrading and falling more and more in love with. Well, more the location than the cabin itself. They found themselves simplifying their lives, and at the same time becoming more aware of what is important to them. They were nature lovers from the start, and Hoover's descriptions and insight into the world she found herself living is both engaging and enlightening. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anybody who enjoys this kind of book.
September 4, 2007
I picked this up at least a year ago at a book sale at the church I used to work at. I finally got around to reading it on vacation in Ely.
Written in the late 1960s, A Place in the Woods is Ms. Hoover's account of the first year she and her husband spent in their new home in the north woods of Minnesota, in 1954.
I have to admit I didn't know how lovely the book was going to be. I expected it to be full of dated opinions on nature and women's roles. I was happily surprised to learn that Helen Hoover had been an accomplished metallurgist, and that her views on nature and animals were similar to mine.
During our vacation I poked into a used bookstore in town, and found two more of her books, which I can't wait to read. I'm finding Helen Hoover to be a fascinating person.
Written in the late 1960s, A Place in the Woods is Ms. Hoover's account of the first year she and her husband spent in their new home in the north woods of Minnesota, in 1954.
I have to admit I didn't know how lovely the book was going to be. I expected it to be full of dated opinions on nature and women's roles. I was happily surprised to learn that Helen Hoover had been an accomplished metallurgist, and that her views on nature and animals were similar to mine.
During our vacation I poked into a used bookstore in town, and found two more of her books, which I can't wait to read. I'm finding Helen Hoover to be a fascinating person.
November 22, 2015
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Having also owned 2 mountain homes it was as if I had written it myself! I have read it over and over through the years. I highly recommend it to anyone who has wanted to experience owning a 'cabin in the woods'. From the sound of the wind sweeping through the fir trees around your mountain home, to the treasured forest friends who come to your deck to be fed, to the plop of snow as it falls on your roof on winter's night-- Helen Hoover reveals all I experienced, and you can too, even if it is just sitting in a cozy chair in the city! Wonderful! When we sold our last mountain home, I left this for the new owner to read, as I knew she would be as inspired by this book as I was. By the way, this book was featured in the readers digest condensed books!
January 28, 2019
I don't think I can review A Place in the Woods in a way that will make you realize just how good this book is, so do yourself a favor and please read it. Written in 1969, Helen Hoover details the trials, tribulations, and happiness she and her husband experienced with their own cabin in the woods. This book stands apart from many others of the same genre because she recounts all of this honestly and beautifully, including the positives and negatives, along with the hard work of it all. There are times that I know I would have given up and gone in search of electricity and modern conveniences, but she and her husband approach things with a real spirit of "we can do this and it will work out somehow". Finding your own place in the woods may not be for everyone, but reading about it definitely is. I'm starting The Gift of the Deer as soon as I'm done writing this, and will look forward to reading all of her other books.
October 6, 2015
This is the story of how a suburban couple leaves all the comforts of modern civilization, in order to experience the beauty of the Minnesota wilderness. The book takes on a "Little House on the Prairie" quality, as Helen Hoover details the struggles she and her husband go through as they learn to cope without electricity, close neighbors, and access to the amenities of modern life. She describes the breathtaking scenery beautifully, but her true gift is in bringing the animals to... (show more)
This is the story of how a suburban couple leaves all the comforts of modern civilization, in order to experience the beauty of the Minnesota wilderness. The book takes on a "Little House on the Prairie" quality, as Helen Hoover details the struggles she and her husband go through as they learn to cope without electricity, close neighbors, and access to the amenities of modern life. She describes the breathtaking scenery beautifully, but her true gift is in bringing the animals to life on paper. Without childlike condescension or personification, she showcases the intelligence and personality of such woodland neighbors as squirrels, mice, and weasels. I was sad to see the book come to an end. I've only just discovered this author, but I hope to read more from her. "A Place in the woods" is on my list of alltime favorites. It makes for delightful reading, and it would be a wonderful novel to read as a family.
This is the story of how a suburban couple leaves all the comforts of modern civilization, in order to experience the beauty of the Minnesota wilderness. The book takes on a "Little House on the Prairie" quality, as Helen Hoover details the struggles she and her husband go through as they learn to cope without electricity, close neighbors, and access to the amenities of modern life. She describes the breathtaking scenery beautifully, but her true gift is in bringing the animals to life on paper. Without childlike condescension or personification, she showcases the intelligence and personality of such woodland neighbors as squirrels, mice, and weasels. I was sad to see the book come to an end. I've only just discovered this author, but I hope to read more from her. "A Place in the woods" is on my list of alltime favorites. It makes for delightful reading, and it would be a wonderful novel to read as a family.
May 18, 2019
I live in Minnesota and have a cabin in the woods in which to escape during the warm months, even then only for a few days or a week, so I found myself picturing our place as she described their adventures. I know that my husband and I would never choose such a path or be able to stick it out if we tried. Helen and Ade had to be equally dedicated to the idea of doing without such things as warmth, electricity and reliable access to food. And they sure did seem to get along just fine. All the time. Really? I think she must have left out some parts or they are a rare couple indeed.
Helen's telling of the story balances the many seemingly continuous dramas of their lifestyle choice with the joy they both receive from nature in all its forms. It's amazing. How can one not admire them?
I was puzzled by lack of reference to extended family on either side. They were in their 40's at the start. Obviously, they had no children but eaech of their parents? Siblings? I found the absence of even a mention of such-- puzzling.
Helen's telling of the story balances the many seemingly continuous dramas of their lifestyle choice with the joy they both receive from nature in all its forms. It's amazing. How can one not admire them?
I was puzzled by lack of reference to extended family on either side. They were in their 40's at the start. Obviously, they had no children but eaech of their parents? Siblings? I found the absence of even a mention of such-- puzzling.
February 17, 2012
I got this book many years ago as one of those Readers Digest condensed books. I loved it back then & years later I struggled trying to recall the authors name & the name of the book but it wasn't until the internet came along that I was able to find it.
With nothing more to go on except I was sure The Woods was a part of the title - I finally found it & was able to read it again. And again I found I loved this book.
Helen & her husband Adrian leave their jobs & the city to live in the woods of Minnesota. In a broken down cabin with few amenities they make a home & a life together.
Helen tells her tale with a caustic wit that adds much to the story & my 2nd reading of this book only intensified my desire for my own little Place In The Woods.
With nothing more to go on except I was sure The Woods was a part of the title - I finally found it & was able to read it again. And again I found I loved this book.
Helen & her husband Adrian leave their jobs & the city to live in the woods of Minnesota. In a broken down cabin with few amenities they make a home & a life together.
Helen tells her tale with a caustic wit that adds much to the story & my 2nd reading of this book only intensified my desire for my own little Place In The Woods.
February 19, 2014
There are many books written by people who decide to pursue a lifestyle closer to nature, but rarely has there ever been a couple so inept as author Helen Hoover and her husband Adrian. They gave up their jobs in the city of Chicago, and purchased a cabin in northern Minnesota in 1954, without being aware that they needed a source of heat during the winter. I kid you not. Nevertheless, she is honest about their failings, and writes very entertainingly. The couple resided in the back woods for 16 years, and she went on to write several books about nature and wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
June 27, 2011
I picked this book because it fit the bill of my people-who-get-away-to-the-country books (a book to help me dream of joining them) but this book was actually about getting away from it ALL. Wow! Two people who worked in Chicago chucking all the mod cons to live in a summer cabin in Minnesota year 'round. A SUMMER CABIN, people. Great writing and a glimpse into an experience I would love to have....in theory. Thank god we can read books and feel like we've done it without having to actually do it!
May 3, 2019
Helen Hoover's writing about nature is exquisite and unlike anything I have read before. I could smell the pine and the balsam, I could feel the lake breezes on my face and sense the quiet of snow falling in the forest, I could vividly picture the wildlife.
In addition to writing about the beauty and serenity of living off the grid in the forest, she wrote about the hardships she and her husband endured. I know I couldn't do what they did and am more appreciative of things like electricity, central heating, and plumbing!
In addition to writing about the beauty and serenity of living off the grid in the forest, she wrote about the hardships she and her husband endured. I know I couldn't do what they did and am more appreciative of things like electricity, central heating, and plumbing!
January 19, 2011
I love to read accounts of people who set out to live somewhere new, particularly when it is in a remote and rustic location. This account of the Hoover's moving to northern Minnesota is one of my favorites. It describes the many struggles and triumphs the author and her husband faced after leaving successful careers as engineers to live a rustic lifestyle in the north woods. I love this book and have read it several times.
February 25, 2011
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it was wonderfully refreshing. It doesn't pretend to be philosophical but there are some profound insights into Man's relationship with the natural world. It almost made me want to move to the Big Woods somewhere.
September 4, 2010
This book will have you wishing to live with someone you love in the woods far away from all the stress and hassle of our regular lives.
March 14, 2018
author's descriptions of nature are amazing, and her husband did the artwork to boot. I really enjoyed this book! perfect for nature lovers or back-to-the-basics living enthusiasts.
March 19, 2020
I read this years ago and now, in the enforced quiet of Covid 19 quarantine, it was the perfect time to re-read this story about a couple who put the noise and busy pace of City life behind them for a life in the wild.
October 25, 2009
In the mid-1950's Helen and Adrian Hoover left their professional life in Chicago behind and bought some land and a log cabin in the Minnesota wilderness on the banks of Lake Superior.
"A Place in the Woods" was Helen's description of their struggles, disasters, challenges and triumphs as the couple created a new way of life among the numerous animals and much less numerous people living miles away.
Helen's writing style was easy, natural and sometimes lyrical. You can tell she loved the outdoors, the animals she came into contact with, and her new lifestyle. Her observations on her animal friends was my favorite part of the book, and her stories about the mama mouse, little bear and the squirrels and "chippies" were funny and cute without being cloying.
This was a nice, quick read, and definitely satisfied my inner hermit. I'm glad to see that Hoover wrote 3 additional books. I will be crecking them out as well.
"A Place in the Woods" was Helen's description of their struggles, disasters, challenges and triumphs as the couple created a new way of life among the numerous animals and much less numerous people living miles away.
Helen's writing style was easy, natural and sometimes lyrical. You can tell she loved the outdoors, the animals she came into contact with, and her new lifestyle. Her observations on her animal friends was my favorite part of the book, and her stories about the mama mouse, little bear and the squirrels and "chippies" were funny and cute without being cloying.
This was a nice, quick read, and definitely satisfied my inner hermit. I'm glad to see that Hoover wrote 3 additional books. I will be crecking them out as well.
March 15, 2018
This was my late Mother's book. She loved this book! I can see why and I believe that my Mom & Dad did exactly what Helen Hoover and her husband did! The Hoover's had lives in Chicago back in the '60's and wanted to move to a cabin in the woods. (my parents did the same thing in the '70's from FL to CO and indeed ended up living in a cabin in the woods! Incidentally, my mom wrote her name inside the book with '1974' by it) A nice memoir of Helen Hoover's day to day life and trials. Isolation, weather issues, having a car accident (therefore no transportation) animal issues, staying warm, having enough food. It's a quaint easy read book. Somehow I thought it was going to be different (reason for never assuming anything) ...maybe more 'scientific', but I'm glad I read it in tribute to my Mom.
December 14, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable memoir of the early days of a couple's escape from city life and their first few years living in a remote northern woods area.
Replete with vignettes of interactions with the flora and fauna surrounding them, and of their endeavors to either conquer or acquiesce with the travails of their abode and surroundings.
Written in the 1960's regarding their experiences making the lifestyle transition in the 1950's, from the reader's perspective this presents some passages to which I had to read two or three times to achieve the cadence and phrasing that made sense but that sense of the construction of those passages then became more endearing. From a perspective of someone who has spent time in rural or remote areas such as described by the author this is an attractive foray into a way of living that was and is increasing distant from many people.
Replete with vignettes of interactions with the flora and fauna surrounding them, and of their endeavors to either conquer or acquiesce with the travails of their abode and surroundings.
Written in the 1960's regarding their experiences making the lifestyle transition in the 1950's, from the reader's perspective this presents some passages to which I had to read two or three times to achieve the cadence and phrasing that made sense but that sense of the construction of those passages then became more endearing. From a perspective of someone who has spent time in rural or remote areas such as described by the author this is an attractive foray into a way of living that was and is increasing distant from many people.
February 28, 2010
I'm doing that thing I do where I read two or three books at a time. Never ends well. I need discipline...
* I finished this book a week or so ago. I loved it. The author tells the the true story of her first year living off the grid with her husband in northern Minnesota, after a somewhat rash decision to quit their jobs and just do it. It was awesome. What an experience. And, that fact that this all happened in the fifties was even more amazing. I hope to live that dream someday...
* I finished this book a week or so ago. I loved it. The author tells the the true story of her first year living off the grid with her husband in northern Minnesota, after a somewhat rash decision to quit their jobs and just do it. It was awesome. What an experience. And, that fact that this all happened in the fifties was even more amazing. I hope to live that dream someday...
December 8, 2014
This is the kind of book I love--a real couple, Helen and Ade, who are looking for something--a cabin in the woods. They found just the place: a rustic cabin with lots of problems: a bear tried to get in the trap door, they had to carry up water from Lake Superior, there was no full size bed. Oh well, it was perfect for them and they bought it. I just loved all the details and how they found ways to survive in the wilderness.
August 24, 2016
My grandmother gave me this book to read saying it was one of the things that inspired her to live in the mountains. It's a beautifully written memoir about a woman and her husband who decide to leave the city life in Chicago and live in the woods. Personally, all the things that happened to them stressed me out beyond belief. I would have ran back to the city after the first chapter and never looked back. But different strokes for different folks.
April 22, 2019
The perfect book to finish on Earth Day. But, oh boy - while I deeply loved this story I am not about to head off to the wilds of Northern Minnesota. The honesty with which this book is written makes you realize just how hard life without amenities is. The writing is beautiful. I highly recommend.
June 15, 2019
Hoover writes honestly about creating a home in the North Woods in the late 1950's. She certainly doesn't romanticize living off the grid. Hoover's thoughts in the forward about writing about animals, including anthropomorphism, are thought provoking. Adrian Hoover's beautiful pen and ink illustrations are a treat. I found this book (nature writing) to be an easy summer read.
December 7, 2009
A wonderful look at living in the northwoods of MN in the mid 1950's on a shoe string budget and when your background is big city Chicago. The description of the seasons, the ups and downs of learning to live in the wilds, the introspection of the author makes it a terrific read.
January 9, 2014
Absolutely delightful; a surprise and wonderful Christmas gift from my wife. If you are interested in Minnesota northwoods living, and in particular, roughing it out there, this is a good read. Of course, I don't think anyone is living like this anymore.
April 4, 2008
I found this book at a sale at the library. Its a fast read and a very nice story about living 'away from it all' and really being forced to intertwine nature/the seasons into your day-to-day life.
May 6, 2009
Learned a lot about nature and animals from this book. I wish I could read more of hers but she's no longer with us. I got lost in this book...very enjoyable
March 3, 2013
What a fun read! The true adventures of a couple who leave Chicago for the quiet woods. No neighbors for miles, they must learn to rely on themselves and each other.
September 11, 2012
This book was a delight! Very enjoyable. I loaned this from a friend and will order it for myself soon.
January 27, 2014
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There IS a natural rhythm to a simplified life and there IS a wondering why regarding hyper civilized living…a pleasant, easy and rewarding read…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews