Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman

by Patrick Hutchison

A memoir of the author's journey from an office job to restoring a cabin in the Pacific Northwest, based on his wildly popular Outside Magazine piece.

Wit’s End isn’t just a state of mind. It’s the name of a gravel road, the address of a run-down off-the-grid cabin, 120 shabby square feet of fixer-upper Patrick Hutchison purchased on a whim in the mossy woods of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state.

To say Hutchison didn’t know what he was getting into is no more an exaggeration than to say he’s a man with nearly zero carpentry skills. Well, used to be. You can learn a lot over six years or renovations.

CABIN is the story of those renovations, but it's also a love story; of a place, of possibilities, and of the process of renovation, of seeing what could be instead of what is. It is a book for those who know what it’s like to bite off more than you can chew, or who desperately wish to.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Nature, Audiobook, Humor, Biography, Biography Memoir

294 pages, Hardcover

First published December 3, 2024

About the author

Patrick Hutchison is a freelance writer. His work has appeared in Outside, Wired, Vice, Seattle magazine, and Seattle Weekly.

Reviews

[Romane · Rating 5 out of 5]

great now I want to quit and live in the woods

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Bryson for millennials and I loved every second of it.

Okay, I could’ve actually done without the weird mushroom chapter and the ode to BB guns 🥴 - but beyond that, I absolutely inhaled this memoir about the author’s rebuilding of a humble little cabin in the mountains of WA. As a not-handy-person, it got me as close as I think I’ll ever get to wanting to abandon my job and go take up the mantle of cabin refurbishment in the middle of nowhere. The author’s narrative voice is so strong that I found myself unable to stop turning the pages! A great, calming read about the benefits of being fully present, connecting in nature, and doing something with your hands. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for chance to read an early copy.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In reality, it was a dark, musty, disgusting hole. There were spiders everywhere, skittering around the floor like extras in a Godzilla movie. It was the sort of place where you wish your shoes had shoes. There was no electricity, no water, no plumbing, no wires, no bathroom, no lights, no Wi-Fi, no cell service. If you counted gravity and rain, the total number of utilities would have been two. It was a wooden box with a roof and a door. It was perfect."

"I saw only potential, and I saw a version of myself that was capable of making it better."

Hutchison had a dream - a cabin in the woods where he could get away from it all, and test out his practically nonexistent carpentry skills. What he got was that, and much, much more.

"At times, it felt like the cabin and I were partners in a sort of joint self-improvement project. When the cabin was fixed up, maybe I would be too."

Sometimes these tales of novices who take to the woods can drive you crazy as the "adventurers" make one unbearably insipid move after another, relying on others to rescue them from their own stupidity. This author is honestly not that clueless when it comes to home cabin improvement, seeming to realize when it's time to call in the "experts" . . . or at least the friends who have a little more experience, and will work for beer.

"Whoever had come before me had approached carpentry more like a bird building a nest than a carpenter set upon a job.".

There's an awful lot of tool talk, which may or may not interest you, and some passages tend to drag on, but on the whole, this was a fun and breezy read.



Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the read.

[Brent Burch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charmer of a book about a man who decides to purchase what is essentially a shack in the woods and transform it into a hideaway for him and his friends. I was totally engrossed in this tale of fixing up something when you have almost no knowledge of how to do it. In the process, Patrick, finds that maybe he's cut out for something else that brings with it happiness and fulfillment. If you're a fan of Bill Bryson's writing and looking for lighthearted escapism, pick this one up, you won't be disappointed. Recommended.

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I loved the woodsy Washington mountain setting and the dream of fixing up a cabin like that. Ultimate goals! I also thought the background ambiance noise was a brilliant touch: rain sounds when talking about it, forest sounds and bird chirping, etc. It made me wonder why more audiobooks haven’t thought of this! My biggest dislike was that the MC was pretty weak and docile when at times, he should have asserted himself like a man.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolute charmer of a book about one man's experience fixing up an old cabin in the woods of the Pacific Northwest.

Unhappy with his office job, one day Patrick starts searching for cabins for sale, and impulsively buys one that needs extensive repair. He and his friends pitch in to fix and rebuild the cabin, and along the way Patrick discovers he's actually good at this carpentry thing, and ends up changing careers.

Patrick has a nice sense of humor and this audiobook had me laughing out loud several times. I love a good do-it-yourself adventure, and combined with the pleasurable descriptions of being out in nature, I just enjoyed the heck out of this book. Highly recommend if you enjoy fix-it narratives or stories of living off the grid.*

*Note: Another favorite of mine that is similar to this book is "Woodswoman" by Anne LaBastille.

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patrick Hutchison’s dry humor shines as he jumps into the world of cabin restoration, and the antics of trying to renovate a crumbling shack in the Pacific Northwest are relatable (and downright funny). I mean, who doesn’t dream of abandoning their crummy job to restore a cabin with zero carpentry skills? 

I was totally on board as he described his crummy office job and his longing for life in a cabin. But after a while, the repetition kicked in. And trust me, he lets us know every other page how thrilled he is to leave his "soul-crushing" 9-to-5 behind. At first, it's funny and relatable, but then it starts to feel like, “Yes, we get it, Patrick! You wish you were at your cabin instead of your desk.”

But then the book settles into this repetitive groove. It’s like Hutchison has a playlist of “I wish I was at my cabin” tracks that he just keeps playing. We get it, buddy. Your office job sucks and your cabin is calling. Could we maybe get a little less lamenting about your job and a bit more cabin-building shenanigans? The minutiae of repairs felt endless—there’s only so much detail I can handle about caulking and plywood before my eyes start to glaze over.

I mean, a little nitty-gritty is great, but I was left wishing for some actual photos of the before and after. Like, can I see this tiny, run-down cabin transform into a cozy retreat, please? A visual representation would have taken it up a notch! If you're going to make me mentally catalog every nail, at least give me some visuals! And then, just when it feels like the place is coming together, the book speeds up and suddenly... done. I mean, years of work, and I get a fade-to-black ending?

Not 100% sure this is the actual cabin, but it fits the descriptions: Cabin

[Breck Baumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatable and entertaining memoir of one man's quest to rediscover his true self and calling via the process of homeownership and renovation. Unfulfilled and restless with his desk job, Hutchison chances by an ad for a derelict cabin in the outskirts of Washington—and it's here that his sudden dream-turned-reality circumstances set off complete with comical negotiations, obscure tool and construction purchases, and the occasional catastrophes and setbacks that both mother nature and bad luck provide. Each chapter is unique, fun, and consistent with the art that comes with all things cabin-living, and Hutchison has a wonderful way of capturing his inexperience with upkeep and maintenance through a naive yet honest approach. Indeed, those same rookie mistakes and early frustrations are slowly met with the eventual accomplishments and architectural achievements that inevitably come with the myriads of trial and error. Easy to get lost into with either a coffee, beer, or sense of wanderlust, Cabin is perfect for those who love the great outdoors, mountain homes, rather unorthodox DIY, or quite simply an amusing take on one's newfound craft and passion.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know when you talk to a colleague/friend/whatever and they talk about their vacation/pet/family and they go on and on to the point where they sometimes repeat themselves? That was this book.

Interesting at first but way too long-winded.

[Lynda Stritof · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw a review of this book on a morning show. The guy said that it could be compared to HDT’s Walden. I guess by that assessment, I expected contemplative walks and deep thoughts about nature. No! If you’re looking for loads of Tool Talk, in the vein of Tim “the tool man” Taylor, trying to pull humor out of mundane tasks like buying a 55 gal drum (but failing miserably) then this might be for you. Lots of references to drinking, shrooms, and what sounded like some really bad duct tape patchwork of a roof. It just wasn’t for me. I did finish it, to find out that through the process, he found his purpose, but I felt like I was reading a frat boy experience of jury-rigging a ramshackle cabin just to party in. The most heartfelt stuff was expressed in his note to the people who bought the cabin. I wish the book had been about more of that.

[Elizabeth]

I don’t think I’m the right reader for this. I’m bored out of my mind. There’s only so much I want to read about fixing leaks, trimming kerosene wicks, mudslides and chopping wood small enough for a miniature wood stove. Also, my dad worked as a home builder, kitchen/bathroom installer, furniture maker and now teaches cabinet making at a vocational school so the absolute cluelessness about building or fixing anything just drove me bonkers.

[Lisa (NY) · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3+] I enjoyed this account of a young man's adventure renovating a cabin. It was an easy, comforting read with a lulling rhythm as he worked on the door, stairs, kitchen, roof and more, learning along the way from his mistakes.

There was much potential here, if only he included more of himself. When Hutchinson wasn't working on the cabin, he was mostly drinking beers with the guys, shooting BB guns and feeling bored with his day job. The platitudes about how the cabin improved his life would have been more meaningful if he had shared his own life more. Or maybe... that's all there is?

[Cathrine ☯️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🏡 🏡 🏡
Charming memoir about changing direction in life; well read by the author. I enjoyed it.

[Abby | Beloved Books & Things · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost sleep over this book. Not because it was bad, but because I couldn’t put it down! I stayed up too late, skirted household chores, and took extra time in my day to read Cabin.

First of all, it’s hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud as I read the tales of the misadventures of the cabin. Primarily because it was genuinely funny, but also because I could picture myself and my husband in these exact same scenarios.

It was well-written and I loved the narrative! My family has a cabin (and not the kind that doesn’t count as a cabin) and I can’t wait for this book to get printed so I can buy a copy to keep there!

One question for the author: Did you write this all on your typewriter? 😉🤣

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman is truly an adventure . . . a DIY adventure.

Patrick takes a reader into the deep green forests of the Pacific Northwest, as he hunts down the cabin he bought for $7,500 on Craigslist to take stock of the scale and scope of his fixer-upper project. A former crime scene, with neighbors who also have an undefined interest in the property, it is mudslide prone, with no amenities. . .if he wants those, he has to make them happen. So it begins. He brings his circle of friends, and takes the reader to all the parties, problems and campfires.

For this reader who is by no means a camper, nor a handy type, this was an inspiring read, full of get-up-and-go!

*A sincere thank you to Patrick Hutchison, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* 25|52:38a

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hutchison's cabin restoration tale begins strong, with his dry humor making the struggles of renovating a Pacific Northwest shack both relatable and hilarious. He quickly draws you in with his longing for cabin life, a stark contrast to his unsatisfying office job.

However, the charm wanes as repetition sets in. The constant lamenting about his desk job and endless minutiae of repairs—like caulking and rigged projects—become tiresome. While the premise is engaging, the book ultimately needs less complaining and more cabin-building.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hit a little too close to home...
Truth be told, I actually started looking at cabins in western Montana a good two months before I knew this book existed. So, when I saw the cover I thought, "Oh this would be right up my alley." Come to find out it was like staring at a reflection with his pain staking desire to produce tangible work you feel good about and not something that gets summarized in an email and ends up in someone's junk folder 60 seconds later. What originally could have been seen as just a "quarter-life crisis" turned into a desire to want more for your life and stray away from societal norms.
This book was full of witty stories, many examples of learning through failure, the ability to put into words the feelings of being lost and confused in a Home Depot, and an acknowledgements section that made me cry.

[Deepika]

I got halfway through this book before abandoning it. I thought the premise was perfect for some musings on the relationship between man and nature or the dearth of wilderness in our daily lives. Instead I was subjected to a blow-by-blow reenactment of the author setting up his cabin in extreme detail.

I wouldn’t say it’s a bad book but I’m definitely not the target audience…save this book for the Home Depot enthusiasts among us.

[Caleb Fogler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cabin is a fun and fascinating memoir of one writer’s journey from a desk bound typing job to finding his love of home improvement while being outside in the wilderness and restoring a run down cabin in the Pacific Northwest.

A few years after college, Patrick Hutchison felt lost and unfulfilled with his career trajectory and like the rest of us, he took a gamble and purchased a cabin that he found listed on Craigslist for $7500. With YouTube, experienced neighbors, and less experienced but enthusiastic friends; Patrick went forward to renovate this Cabin into a weekend retreat without the amenities of modern society.

I enjoyed this much more than I anticipated, as a young professional adult I too have wild dreams of leaving my predictable job career to venture out and rebuilt a disheveled leaking shack in one of the nation’s rainiest regions. So I fully appreciated that this author knew as much as I did about renovating anything before taking on this dream. Which is to say that he knew nothing. Nonetheless, Patrick and his friends encounter and overcome obstacles along the way to make the cabin a home.

I can’t say that I was inspired enough to buy my own cabin off Craigslist but it did interest me enough to look at Craigslist again, which is an accomplishment. Cabin is really heartwarming and very very funny, this is a perfect summer book for anyone wanting to do a little outdoor experiencing or career daydreaming from the safety of a couch or nice rocking chair on a porch in the mountains. Highly recommend.

[Kalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cabin is a memoir highlighting the author’s restoration of an off-the-grid cabin in the Pacific Northwest. This immediately drew my interest as I admit to dreams of having a tiny home in a remote location. The book speaks to much more than learning to fix up a dilapidated cabin. It is about having an idea and making it a reality and appreciating the journey. He clearly has very solid, but equally inept friends, who jumped in to help which also made this a story about connection—to others and to a place. The chapters on the impacts of abandonement, drugs, weather and mud were both interesting and filled with a tension that only exists with something that is cared for. There was a chapter or two that I did not find helpful for my enjoyment of the book, but perhaps others will (I am looking at you, mushrooms). Overall, this felt honest and hopeful which is sorely needed today. The humility and gratitude the author spoke with is so powerful. The very end of the acknowledgments made me laugh. Definitely worth checking out. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets you inspired to wanna build something. 🔨

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and quick read about the cathartic benefits of getting away from hectic life and stumbling through rebuilding a broken down cabin in the woods of Washington. It reminded me a lot of "How Starbucks Saved My Life."

[Haley Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It felt like a great secret that I was completely lost. The lack of direction and purpose were embarrassing, like a part of me was missing…At first I really wanted to fix the problem. I wanted to find a new purpose and dive in with everything. But it wasn’t happening, or I wasn’t looking in the right place, or I was being too lazy about the whole thing. I had no idea. What I did know was that every passing week, month, and year that the aimlessness went on, I was more and more desperate.”

The first few chapters of Hutchison’s memoir might as well have been snippets of journal entries I’d written over the last few years. Never have I ever felt so seen and understood at the very time I most need to. The author’s story of breaking out of the mundanity of modern life and finding a true sense of purpose, calling, and gratitude have brought me so much hope that I might find that too.

[Melissa Thyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun. I was carried away to Witts End myself everything the cabin was visited. Not only was the cabin a place to get away, but a place for memories, learning, and understanding what life really is. This book recounts all the trouble, fun, learning, and friendship anyone could hope for. I truly enjoyed this read.

[Barb Rasmussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just guys being dudes. Which is not unenjoyable, but it got a little tired reading a whole book of it. It would have been much better kept as a blog.
Also at one point he says doing shrooms in the cabin is better than doing to therapy.

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick Hutchison has good friends. He thanks them at the end of his book, Cabin. They helped him rebuild a tiny, crumbling cabin in Washington state into a saleable, cozy get-away. (See Cindy Huskey's review on Goodreads for a link to photos.) Having learned my way through various DIY projects, I can relate to a lot of Hutchison's descriptions of working on his cabin. He repeatedly expresses frustration with his 9-5 job in the city, dreaming of a way to leave it for cabin life. I admire his grit and determination, and maybe I'm a wee bit envious, too. Cabin is an easy, quick, and fun read. It would probably make a good holiday gift for a nature lover or DIY type.

[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hutchison comes across a cabin for sale in the mountains outside Seattle for $7500 on Craigslist. One visit later, he decides to buy it despite the substantial amount of work needed in this 10x12 foot structure and his complete lack of any home repair skills. Cabin in his memoir of 6 years of experience fixing up this little structure and turning it into a place that provides an anchor and escape for him and his friends. We listened to this and it was a lot of fun - plenty of humor and construction misadventures - and some great moments about friendship.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3) while this book was well written and engaging enough, hutchinson spends large chunks of the book dedicated to the same repeated realization that being at the cabin is therapeutic, and working a desk job you don’t care about sucks. i appreciate and understand the sentiment, but i kept hoping for something beyond this—instead, pages were dedicated to recycling the same idea into different packaging. on a personal note, im happy for him, but narratively it’s less engaging when you can likely predict where the journey is going to end. i enjoyed the parts whenever they built things tho. wish there were more details on that honestly. i also loved how it was a shared joy for friends, that improved it for sure!

still glad i read it, gave me lots of thoughts on building and creating something like this.

[Kaelen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna go build a cabin in the woods don't try to talk me out of it

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Pacific Northwest native who also loves the outdoors this book was more than relatable! Funny, inspiring and well written.