Into the Wild

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It's a hit!

I began this book entirely prepared to think of Chris McCandless as a fool. I mean, what kind of idiot wanders off into the Alaskan wilderness wit... (show more)

I began this book entirely prepared to think of Chris McCandless as a fool. I mean, what kind of idiot wanders off into the Alaskan wilderness with little more than 10 pounds of rice, and no map?! But this book changed my perspective and I now find myself almost entirely in sympathy with Chris. He had 'issues' with his family, yes, he was doubtless tragically naive too, but he also had a deep desire - shared by many - to escape from the shallow materialism of modern life and to find himself in one of the last untouched places on Earth. Krakauer sums up his story well:

'McCandless wasn't some feckless slacker, adrift and confused, racked by existential despair. To the contrary: His life hummed with meaning and purpose. But the meaning he wrested from existence lay beyond the comfortable path: McCandless distrusted the value of things that came easily. He demanded much of himself - more, in the end, than he could deliver.'

This book is full of great frustrations - Chris was on his way out of the wilderness (actually only 30 miles from the nearest town) when he was stopped by a river in full meltwater flow, so turned back to the abandoned bus which had been his home for months. Had he only had a map with him he would have seen that there was a crossing point a mere half-mile from him. Had McCandless made it out of Alaska I can't help feeling that he would have reunited with his family and his expedition would have turned into a fond reminiscence in years to come. Instead his story has touched thousands with its tragedy and the complex reactions which it provokes in us. The nearly 5000 reviews here, many at some length, is testimony to the power of this book.

RIP Chris. (show less)

 

 

by Kate Pendlenton

No, it's a flop!

It took me forever to finish this book. I started it before the movie came out, watched the movie, forgot about the book for a long time. It's a bi... (show more)

It took me forever to finish this book. I started it before the movie came out, watched the movie, forgot about the book for a long time. It's a bit molassasy. There were many parts where I had to will myself to keep going. It's an great story, traumatizing, but it makes you think of yourself as really, not that different than Christopher. It answers to the souls request to be in complete solitude at times, so you can better understand yourself and why you love, hate or feel you need or deserve certain things. After putting this book down the last time I felt an enormous sadness, but it wasn't the writing that made me feel this way, it was Chris' story in itself. I'm not a big fan of Krakauer's writing. Krakauer wrote the story strictly from the facts, which is great, but the way he presented them gave more to be desired in my opinion. (show less)

 

 

by Casey Wood

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  I watched the movie about a year ago, and found it to be an incredible but haunting story. When I found the book on the library shelf, I immediately picked it up. I thought the book was well written and very engrossing. It's one of those stories I don't think I will ever forget.
  I had a lot of different feelings as I read through the book. I was often angry at Chris "Alexander Supertramp" McCandless. I was angry at him for what he did to his family (and ultimately, I feel very bad ... (show more)

  I watched the movie about a year ago, and found it to be an incredible but haunting story. When I found the book on the library shelf, I immediately picked it up. I thought the book was well written and very engrossing. It's one of those stories I don't think I will ever forget.
  I had a lot of different feelings as I read through the book. I was often angry at Chris "Alexander Supertramp" McCandless. I was angry at him for what he did to his family (and ultimately, I feel very bad for them). I was angry that he was too stubborn and independent to take much of the different equipment with him to Alaska, or that he didn't bring more food with for the trip.
  And yet, I also felt a certain admiration for Chris. Very few of us have not felt that need to go out and have some kind of life changing adventure. Very few of us truly do all we can to follow our dreams. Whether you agree with his lifestyle or not, he did it. He didn't hold back like most of us eventually do. And in the end, it seems, he found what he was ultimately looking for and died in peace.
  I also have to agree with the author and his two friends that went with him back to the bus. I think that many of his harshest critics are so angry with this kid, because they can see themselves in Chris-quite a bit more than they will let on.
  The story of Chris McCandless haunts me, but I'm not sure what it was about his life that does. I remember watching the film (not knowing anything about the story)hoping that he would make it through, instead watching his tragic end and feeling defeated. Maybe, that although I would have done many things differently, I have something in common with him. I can relate to Chris McCandless on some level. I have that yearning to be independent and travel and just go at times. I understand his desire for that adventure that he was seeking. I think a lot of us understand. I think that is the part of his story that has touched so many lives. He didn't just dream of going on an adventure. He did it.
  RIP Christopher "Alexander Supertramp" McCandless (show less)

   

   

  by Sara Gerke on Jul 30, 2009 at 04:02AM

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  A deeply disturbing book. Although it would be easy to judge this idealistic young man as foolhardy, I know that I cannot venture there. As human beings, we are often driven to explore the sacred, the sublime, the untouched. This was his journey, may he rest in peace.

   

   

  by Facebook-gebruiker on Apr 02, 2008 at 11:31PM

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