Maybe not a surprise, but I don’t usually gravitate toward books about carpentry or cabin-building, but I’m so glad I gave Cabin a try. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly moving memoir about one man’s experience buying and slowly fixing up a remote cabin in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.

Patrick Hutchison isn’t a pro—he’s learning as he goes, and that humility and humor make the story feel accessible. I appreciated the honesty: the moments of frustration, the awkward learning curves, and the personal reflections woven in throughout. There’s a light undercurrent of soul-searching, but nothing overly self-indulgent.

Even when he was talking about power tools or floor joists (which I fully admit to skimming), I was still rooting for him. And I loved that this kind of introspective outdoor memoir came from a male perspective—we don’t see enough of that.

It’s a well-written, satisfying read that I’ve already recommended to several people.

Book: Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman
Author: Patrick Hutchison
Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir
Places Featured: Cascade Mountains, Washington, United States
Review Score: ★★★★

This memoir from a man fixing up a bare-bones cabin in the Pacific Northwest started out great. I found it humorous and light-hearted, I enjoyed his journey in learning about tools and his many hilarious mistakes and funny moments throughout the first half. The stories of the neighbors and the people he met along the way were also fun. However, there were a couple chapters near the end that I didn’t love and at the end, when he was suddenly a professional carpenter, I was less invested.
Overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience.

The Cabin by Patrick Hutchinson is a gripping and emotionally charged survival thriller with a powerful moral core. Trapped in a snowbound cabin, a group of strangers must confront not just the elements, but their own biases and secrets. Hutchinson blends suspense with social commentary, creating a tense, thought-provoking story that stays with you. Perfect for fans of character-driven thrillers that go deeper than the average page-turner.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for audio and ebook copies of Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman in exchange for my honest opinion. I don’t read a ton of nonfiction, but this was a really engaging story about how the author bought a $7500 cabin in the Pacific Northwest Mountains and renovated it to be liveable.
The author was bored in his tedious job in Seattle and felt like he’d never “own” anything in town, so he jumped on the Craigslist post about this cabin after seeing it in person. Located on Wit’s End, the cabin in the Cascade Mountains was very bare bones. Learning by doing and with the help of many friends, the cabin is improved little by little. I could not stop listening to this once I started the audiobook, and I definitely recommend it for how engaging the author makes the whole process. As I just spent a week backpacking in the PNW and drove past many such cabins on the way to the trailhead, I feel a particular connection with this book. While not my usual read at all, I really enjoyed it!

Cabin is the kind of book that feels like it found you at the exact right time—quiet, aching, and oddly comforting in its stillness. Patrick Hutchinson writes with a restraint that sneaks up on you. You think you’re just reading about a man retreating to a remote cabin in the woods, trying to out-silence his grief—but then a sentence hits you sideways, and suddenly you’re crying into your tea.

This isn’t a book about big twists or high drama. It’s about presence. About what happens when the noise stops and all you have left are trees, memories, and the strange shape of your own loneliness. The cabin itself becomes a character—alive with creaks, shadows, weather—and the natural world isn’t some blank backdrop. It watches. It holds space.

I read it during a week when everything felt too loud, and Hutchinson’s sparse prose let me breathe. There’s something so tender about the way he writes about men—about vulnerability, about the need to disappear without vanishing completely. The relationships are fractured but still reaching, still real. And there’s no neat resolution, which felt like a kindness more than anything else.

Cabin reminded me that sometimes healing doesn’t look like a breakthrough. Sometimes it’s just chopping wood, making soup, and sitting with the ghosts until they’re quiet enough to let you rest. If you need a book that meets you where you are—especially if that place is somewhere soft and raw—this one’s worth making a little space for.

4.5 stars!!
The Cabin by Patrick Hutchinson is a fun and refreshing read. Whether he's battling wildlife or just trying to figure out how to use basic tools, you can't help but laugh at the chaos he encounters.

What I really loved about the book was how Hutchinson didn’t take himself too seriously. He could’ve just complained about everything going wrong, but instead, he found humor in it. It’s that balance of frustration and funny that makes the whole story feel so real and relatable. You see the tough moments, but you also get a lot of lighthearted laughs along the way.

If you’re into DIY, nature, or just enjoy reading about someone who’s kind of winging it but with a lot of heart, this book is a great pick. It’s not just about building a cabin—it’s about building confidence, learning from mistakes, and embracing the chaos of it all.
Very much enjoyed the audiobook for this one!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's press for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman is a memoir of the author's journey where he goes from an office job to restoring a cabin the Pacific Northwest. This was truly a DIY adventure read that had me turning pages until the very end. The book will also inspire you as well. It was written well and was a quick easy read. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend to any reader who likes non fiction or memoir reads. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this read in exchange of my honest review of Cabin by Patrick Hutchison.

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.*

Ever wondered what it would be like to renovate a cabin in the Pacific Northwest? Now, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Patrick has done it for you. In this escapism memoir, Patrick leads us on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the idea of whether we are living our true purpose. One of the most captivating moments in the book is the author’s quiet reflection on his life, career, and the significance of his place. As Patrick wisely points out, life isn’t about the grand, epic moments; it’s about the small, everyday experiences that make up our journey.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for sending me this ebook for review consideration.

(3.25/5 stars)

Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison is a memoir of journey from an office job to restoring a cabin in the Pacific Northwest.

I followed along in my review copy while listening to the audiobook that I borrowed from my local library. The author narrates the book himself! I love it when memoirists read their own books. It adds more layers to the experience for me.

I think the author and I are similar in ages, because I really found myself identifying with a ton of the cultural references mentioned throughout this memoir. The millennial ennui is real. I'm also a big fan of camping and hiking; I've completed a few state's worth of the Appalachian trail!

His prose is easily consumable and pleasing to read, so he definitely has writing chops! But some of the stories didn't flow too well together, and I felt like the end happened too fast, like the story rolled down a hill and kept picking up speed. We only get a passing mention to the fact that the author is now a carpenter; I have no idea if he actually went to any sort of trade school to learn it or if he's just muddling through.

I'm not sure this is going to be a book that will stick with me. However, I absolutely want to go visit the Pacific Northwest after reading this book!

🌶️ HOT TAKE: A heartfelt, often funny memoir about finding home and redefining success. With self-deprecating humor and plenty of DIYs-gone-wrong, this book feels relatable enough to set it apart from other “quit society and live off-grid” stories.

🧶 THE SUMMARY:
Patrick, a disillusioned millennial, is burning out in corporate America, watching his dreams of homeownership in Washington slip further out of reach. But when he stumbles across an off-the-grid cabin in need of some serious TLC, he takes a leap—trading office burnout for the unpredictable highs and lows of rural DIY living.

💁🏻‍♀️ MY THOUGHTS:
🔸 This book was a little outside my usual reads, but I love a good memoir, and I was pleasantly surprised by how charming and genuinely funny this was. While there’s no shortage of “young person escapes capitalism to live in the woods” narratives, this one didn’t feel like a manifesto or a guilt trip. Instead, the author leans into the absurdity of his situation with humor and self-awareness, making it feel relatable even if you, like me, value the comforts of electricity and plumbing too much to consider life off-grid.

🔸 The pacing is on the slower side, but the storytelling is full of small, satisfying moments—especially when it comes to the inevitable DIY disasters. And while the book definitely romanticizes “escape,” I appreciated the author’s willingness to laugh at himself and acknowledge the privilege of even being able to make that choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review.

DIY is not my forte in any way. The talents involved are just not in my skill set. I'm an office job sort of person. So, the basic plot of this book spoke to me.

I can't imagine buying a dilapidated cabin in the woods as a project, and learning by trial and error how to fix it up. Patrick Hutchison shares his saga of buying a cabin in the Pacific Northwest that is in pretty bad condition and how that project changes his life. He has to work to afford the cabin project and often finds himself wishing he was there when he needs to be at the office.

I had a great time reading about his six year renovation project. I can't imagine jumping into a huge project like that with very little knowledge about renovation and carpentry. Kudos to Patrick for pulling it off and for persevering even when he realized he had bitten off way way more than he could chew.

This book became a national bestseller. I hope for readers' sanity that it did not motivate a bunch of people to buy old cabins with dreams of renovating them.

Very entertaining and interesting read.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison—available now.

Cabin TL;DR:
🛠️ DIY Cabin Building Chaos
🌲 Hilarious Misadventures in Nature
✍ Witty, Relatable Writing

Patrick Hutchison's Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman is a hilarious and relatable memoir about attempting to build a cabin in the woods with no prior construction experience. Hutchison’s journey is filled with missteps, laughs, and the raw reality of trying to live off the grid.

What makes Cabin stand out is Hutchison’s ability to mix humor with the grit of DIY projects. His journey is a series of comical disasters, from botched construction to struggling with the elements, but his persistence and good-natured humor make the narrative both entertaining and inspiring.

Hutchison’s writing is witty and engaging, offering readers a refreshing look at the challenges and rewards of building a cabin in the wild. His lighthearted approach to adversity makes this a perfect read for those who enjoy real-life adventures with a healthy dose of humor and heart.

I loved this story and found I could really relate to Patrick’s longing to get away. Its something I've often dreamed about doing myself. I appreciate his raw telling of his experiences and perspective throughout his journey! Even though there were hardships, I would still consider embarking on a similar adventure! Thanks for the story!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this one! I am not the best at writing reviews sometimes, but sometimes books take you by surprise and this one did just that. I got invested a few chapters in and couldn't put it done. It was so good! I highly recommend this one.

This was a fun memoir! I fully admit I have thought about running away to the woods before. Leaving the modern day behind and escaping into nature sounds like a dream! This was an interesting memoir, full of fun tales and educational bits.

If you've ever dreamed of having your own little escape from the world, out in nature and in the forest, then this book is for you!

Cabin is the author's story about the impulsive purchase of a decrepit cabin in the Pacific Northwest. Obviously in need of some serious TLC, the cabin is in need of several repairs and restoration work. The author, who has no construction or renovation experience, sets off on his first big DIY project.

This book is filled with humor and funny anecdotes and was truly enjoyable. This story will make you feel as if any DIY project is surmountable. However, there is not much of a plot per se, as it is mostly about the author's DIY journey and it does go in-depth about the descriptions of the repairs the cabin needed.

However, I loved how meaningful the cabin was to the author. It was a place where much loved was poured in, a place to escape with family and loved ones, a true home away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Read if you like...
🔧 DIY projects
🏕 Cabin escapes
😆 A good laugh
❤️ Light-hearted non-fiction

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.