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Krakauer's original 1993 article in Outside Magazine was the first full length piece on the life and death of Chris McCandless. The book expands on the article and our knowledge of Chris's life and how it impacted his choices. He interweaves events with the unique attributes of the the mind/soul/body of this tragically driven young man and how this collided with society and, ultimately, the hard facts of surviving in the Alaskan woods. He does not play psychologist or judge. He lets you decide. Therefore if you invest your time and thoughts into this book you will find it compelling. Krakauer is a wilderness writer who is also very well read in the classics. His lead quotes from other authors (including those who inspired Chris McCandless and whose works were found with his remains) tie in thoughtfully & beautifully with each chapter. His own writing is at times strongly poetic without tipping over into mawkishness. He takes us back in time to similiar young Americans who met their deaths answering the call of the wild and tell their strangely riveting stories. By all means read this book, preferably before you see the movie. The movie, as movies do, tends to hype certain things, invent others, and overall lacks the depth and resonant beauty of the book.Read full review
This book was chosen by my book club. It's not a book I would have chosen myself, but I did enjoy it. I'd seen a story on McCandless on CBS' Sunday Morning some time ago so I was familiar with the story - or so I thought. It was interesting to get more information about him. So much has been speculated about his motivation for what he did. And although the book does not have definitive answers, it did prompt me to reflect on my own motives for choices I have made. The book club members' opinions on the book (and on McCandless)were clearly divided. Some didn't like the book or the young man. They were highly critical of his choices. Others, like myself, saw a bit of themselves at that age, or maybe someone they knew. Either way a provocative story that will, at the least, provide many opportunities for discussion.Read full review
This is a story I keep thinking about. I can't seem to shake it and small things during my daily routines take me back to Chris. I have a young son (13 yrs.old) and we are very close. I have always looked forward to the day he will go out on his own to find his version of the meaning of life. However, this story has such a sad under tone about the relationship of child/parent that I now worry instead of look forward to this day. I have truly changed the way I think about my son's future and our relationship as a result of reading this book. His independence, choices and dreams of the future are what is important.
Compelling subject; excellent author. Even though this happened years ago, I only remembered the highlights. Wanted to know the "real story". And Jon Krakauer is the best.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It is as if SOME PEOPLE were Born, with ADVENTURE in their SOUL. This Book Correlated, and brought together all, the Loose Ends, that the MOVIE, could not. I was Thouroughly Pulled in, Learning from Wayne Westerburgh, that Chris's stories of his Travels, RIVETED people there, in South Dakota, when he sat at the Bar. His Stories Interested So MANY people... His Life seemed so Rich with Courage, & Mystery!!! And This Book goes on to tell about John Waterman, and Rossellini, and Carl Mcunn, who felt th Call of The Wild, and had similar FATES. It is as if these Wonderfull Souls, were just BORN to do these things, were Bound and made SECRET PROMISES to themselves from an age that even THEY don't remember. I find it Romantic, Fullfilling, and Heartbreaking, but much THE BETTER, for Having READ it.Read full review
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