Into the Wild

I finished reading this book today. From the first moment I picked it up at Barnes and Nobles (although I recommend buying it here on Amazon, it's cheaper...), when I just read the first few lines on the cover, I was hooked. Up until this trip to the book store, I have never heard of Chris McCandless, nor did I hear about the famous magic bus in the Alaskan bush. Honestly, my opinion of the book is that it is certainly a very good read. To me, it was fascinating to learn about Chris/Alex's personality, adventures, and sojourns into the west. I thought this book was riveting, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in unconventional traveling, outdoor skills and sports.

That being said I want to say something about Chris himself. First of all, Chris reminds me of Thomas Hardy's Jude. I don't know why. Throughout this entire book I felt more and more saddened. I'm sorry to disagree with the majority of Amazon reviewers here, but Chris was no doubt mentally disturbed. If you think it is in any way normal to go out into the wilderness alone and unprepared and further more, to curtail any personal relationships, think again. I am positive that many psychiatrists would have loved to have Chris on their couch, because he had a rare psyche. Open any psychology 101 book. Human beings are social animals. I have no doubt Chris was mental and I truly feel sorry for him because his demise was unnecessary, had he was brought up normally and was given attention. His parents were always busy (sounds like his dad was especially busy making children) and I blame his parents for not taking the time to seriously check up on him when he showed severe signs of being a recluse.

I know he had problems with his parents, so ok, but he did show love for his sister. I don't understand what kind of a person who says he has in a great relationship with his sister, ends up sending postcards, wishing all the best, not to her, but to a couple of strangers he met on some hellhole corners of the earth?!?!?!? To me, that seems exceptionally crazy, not to mention cruel. This does not add up. Chris's life does not logically add up. I'm sorry Chris, you really were either incompetent or suicidal, neither of which is a good thing.

BTW - Am I the only one who finds it ironic the Chris donated all his money for an organization to end hunger, when at the end, it was hunger that that killed him?

This book was okay it wasn't all that great, but if you like an autobiography then this is the book for you.

Unfortunately, I find this to be one of the most idiotic stories I have ever read. It is the story of a young man with no respect for the enormity of nature. His story is akin to waiting on a beach to watch a category 5 hurricane make landfall. I feel sorry for Chris' family
I love Krakauer's other books.

this is the story of chris mccandles. candles inherits money, then lights it on fire out of principle. he then travels the country excoriating people for not doing the same. in between stints working at mcdonalds, he ventures off into the wild with nothing but a gun and fishing pole. after almost dying repeatedly, he decides alaska is the only wilderness tough enough for him. he walks down a trail off the highway, wades across a stream, then starts writing a journal. he gets hungry and decides to go back, but is blocked by the ice-melt swollen stream. not realizing that getting upriver to a crossing point is now a matter of life or death, he goes back to his campground. something very bad then happens to him and he can't get out. the best parts of the book are the several chilling accounts of how seemingly innocuous mistakes cost some very tough people their lives all alone in the wilderness. the author will make you feel like you're about to die, that's how well written it is.

and for me - Jon Krakauer's writing is the kind of stuff that makes for late nights and tired workdays. I can't pay him a higher compliment. This one was a bit different than his other efforts in that Krakuer plays more the role of detective/sociologist rather than an an insightful expedition biographer. However, the story was as rivetting and perhaps even more powerful. I'm anxiously awaiting his next one! I'd also recommend reading Georgiou's masterpiece-- THE FATES, Fates (classic) if you haven't yet. I stumbled upon it at a book store and can't stop talking about it. His writing style is very similar to Jon Krakauer