If you like the Cabin Lifestyle we think you’ll enjoy these books that feature different aspects of the Cabin Life. The cabin is one of my favorite places to enjoy a good book. On rainy days at the cabin, I’ll lay around in my special cabin sweatshirt on my big couch and read, but on sunny days I live to read on our deck or even lounging in our boat. The below list contains some of my favorites. Some are well known New York Times bestsellers but others are hidden gems that may not be on your radar (yet).
Your Cabin in the Woods – You can read the full book here
Written by Conrad E. Meinecke, this classic is for those who dream of escaping to a cozy cabin and maybe even aspire to building a cabin. Written in 1943, he details everything you need to do to make your dream come true: from choosing the land, and using the tools, to the hand-drawn plans he includes. While the book is a bit instructional, some of the fun comes from the wisdom he sprinkles throughout the book and his philosophy for discovering the cabin life, including: fireplace recipes, the magic of listening to a birdsong, taking time to nap, and just generally not to rush though things in life but stop the clock and rejuvenate in nature and take pleasure and satisfaction from the hard work of building a cabin. Check out our story on "Building a Minnesota Cabin Tradition circa 1950” – it wouldn’t surprise me if they used this book as a reference.
Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks
Well, this book is technically not about cabins, but we love our National Parks and think it fits with the lifestyle. Dave and Ilyssa Kyu brought together some amazing stories that focus on six iconic national parks: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, The Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and Rocky Mountain. Some of the stories were taken from early pioneer diaries while others are from famous writers like: John Muir, and Bill Bryson. It is a very engaging read and easy to pick-up and just read a story or two. You might even feel like you are at one of these National Parks while reading the beautiful stories. Yosemite even inspired our best-selling patch hat.
Cabin Porn (promise this is g-rated)
A New York Times Best Seller that will inspire you to find your own quiet place somewhere. Originally a scrap book written by a group of friends as inspiration for their building projects it grew to have a huge following. Beautiful photography combined with stories from the back country of America and all over the world that inspires you to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy some of the hidden treasures and idyllic settings. Whether it is a cabin in the woods, a lake cabin, or mountain cabin the pictures will leave you in awe. Relax and let this one inspire you.
Cabin at Singing River by Chris Czajkowski – read more about her and remote living here
An inspirational best-selling book about one woman’s experience to build a cabin in a remote area of British Columbia near Lonesome Lake at Singing River. The story of an adventurous life and how beauty can only be appreciated through hard work. It is a story of her journey to independence, perseverance, and courage as she triumphs despite her lack of experience. One reviewer wrote “This is quite possibly the most beautiful and powerful book I’ve ever read…” A true wilderness dweller.
If your still hungry for more books about the cabin, our friends at Modern Cabin Living posted their own list “Best Modern Cabin Books (to inspire your cabin living)”. Or check out Cabin Life’s summer reading list of “10 Suspenseful Books for the Cabin”.
Looking for another great cabin read? Head to some of our favorite local “Up North” bookstores when you’re in town or check them out online.
Turtle Town in Nisswa, Minnesota
Emily’s Used Books in Brainerd, Minnesota
The Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth, Minnesota
Novel Bay in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin (Door County)
Have a recommendation for us? Leave it for us in the comments below and share your cabin fever for books! Love to read it while sitting on the dock.
UPDATE: Many of you suggested we add The Cabin in the Woods to our reading and movie list. Haven't read it yet but looks scary!
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