There's a whole genre of literature, of which I have become very fond, that involves people going off to live in a cabin in the wilderness, and writing about it.

Here are some of my favorites; please feel free to suggest others.

Woodswoman by Anne LaBastille - there's a whole series, recounting her experiences building a cabin and a whole new lifestyle in the Adirondacks.

Coming into the Country by John McPhee - It's mostly about Alaska, but a great read and includes some good stuff on homesteaders.

Indian Creek Chronicles: A Winter Alone in the Wilderness by Pete Fromm  - young man goes out and lives in a tent for the winter to count fish eggs. Awesome read. 

There's a Porcupine in My Outhouse: Misadventures of a Vermont Mountain Man Wannabe by Michael Tougias - Writer looks back from afar on his decision, in his early 20s, to buy an old A frame on five acres in Vt. It proves to have been a good call.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakaeur - The fact that this is not an autobiography should give you a hint that this adventure didn't work out so well.   

A Year in the Maine Woods by Bernd Heinrich - I remain jealous of Heinrich's prowress at running and writing. He rocks. 

The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac: It covers other ground too, but his life in the fire tower makes this one of the best in the genre.