Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Into the Wild
Book Review: A Gripping Read
Summary: 5 Stars
This book occurs at an interesting intersection. It is first and foremost the tragic story of an idealistic young man. However, intertwined in the main story are various autobiographical notes from Jon Krakauer, which parallel the narrative quite neatly. There are also many anecdotes and vignettes from explorers and writers who have encountered the vast adventures of the wilderness. The wealth of quotes scattered throughout the chapters serves as a fitting ornament to the book. It is fitting that the biography of such a complex young man is filled with such complexities itself.Book Review: A Man with a Passion
Summary: 4 Stars
"In April 1992, a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in saving to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all of the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, his discomposed body was found by a moose hunter."
The story behind this extraordinary young man is illustrated in the nonfiction book, Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer. In writing this narrative Jon Krakauer brings the story of Christopher (Chris) McCandless to life.
As a college graduate of Emory University, Chris's future looked bright, however, he was an idealist, and his ideals were to live on his own and survive without the restrictions of society. As a young boy, he was very stubborn and determined, and he strived to obtain the most out of himself. This attitude stayed with him throughout his life. As he came into adulthood, Chris McCandless began to find faults with society and his parents.
After graduating, he lost all contact with his family and began wandering the countryside. Throughout his life, the wilderness enthralled him, and he was inspired to survive alone. As an adult, he travelled through America, Mexico, and Canada; he traveled mostly by hitchhiking, after he abandoned his car. Although he was hired for several jobs, he tried to stay away from society as much as possible. After years of surviving hardships and travelling the country, Chris McCandless hitchhiked to the Alaskan interior where he decided to live off the land.
With a .22 caliber rifle, a camera, several boxes of rifle rounds, and a small selection of reading material, including a field guide to the region's edible plants, he enters the desolate landscape, a place he does not leave.
Although the conclusion to the story is known, I do not believe that it affects the story in any negative way. In truth, it enhances the story; this style gives the reader a desire to find out what happened to this man. Jon Krakauer writes smoothly, and decisively, by not having the book move chronologically. This kept me in suspense of not knowing what direction the story is going to turn next. Although some people find this strategy of writing confusing and redundant, I believe that is serves the story well.
In the end, this bestselling book is a must read. It includes information on the Alaskan interior and stories of other unfortunate people who were claimed by the harsh climate. In addition, it allowed me to get to know Chris McCandless by bringing his unique ideals and ways to life. I was also able to relate a little with the man who wanted to be free of society and wander the country alone. The Jon Krakauer writing allowed me to feel for the character, and I also felt remorse as I found out how he met his grizzly end.
As he hitchhiked to the Alaskan countryside to begin his journey, Chris met one last person, a truck driver, Gallien. Gallien was the last person to see Christopher Johnson McCandless alive and well.
"Gallien briefly considered stopping and telling the authorities about Alex (Chris), then he thought better of it. "I figured he'd be OK, he explains. "I thought he'd get hungry pretty quick and just walk out to the highway. That is what any normal person would do."
Book Review: A Masterpiece for Adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an fascinating tale of a lonely traveller through the great wildernesses of America and even Mexico. Chris McCandless was from a wealthy suburban home that rejected the modern style of life to live among the trees in Alaska. He traveled with little in his pocket, but he had a lot in his mind. Well educated, and quietly personable, he made his way in and out of people's lives. In the end, he made a mistake which lead to the end of his life. This is a wonderful story about getting in touch with nature and a simpler world. Some people would think this man crazy, a nutcase, but I see his desire for adventure. I believe most men enjoy testing themselves against the elements of nature. In this increasingly civilized world, having the ability to live in the wild is an empowering virtue. Shockingly, what is making me feel alive is going into the mountains and spending the night, waking up at 4:30am and packing up my gear and hiking up a hill. No Chris McCandless was not crazy, he was a man.Book Review: A Modern American Explorer
Summary: 3 Stars
I believe I read the second version of this book. The photo of the bus and cover copy immediately caught my attention. It's rare to see a book with the lure on the front cover like that. I found it at the Iron Mt. Goodwill and when I checked out the old guy that waited on me said he knew the family of Chris McCandless. They lived in Florence, WI now, he thought. Sure enough as I read, I found that Chris's mother, Billie was originally from the U.P. Her father was a trucker from Iron Mountain.
The last chapter held the answer to Chris's death. The author was bothered by it enough to do more research on the potato plants, roots, vine, pods and seeds. He came to the conclusion that Chris didn't eat the wrong plant, but rather died from a type of mold from storing the potato pods or seeds. Really unfortunate since he seemed undernourished, but he was still getting by on his own.
The movie was all about Chris. The book told of several other authors, explorers and adventurers who lived or died because of their adventurous lifestyle. Included was a very detailed account of the authors own mountain climb. The author tied it in, but I found it distracting from what should have been a tribute to Chris. Four stars for the movie, three for the book.
Book Review: A Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
Amazing book. I couldn't put it down. So much more than just a story about a man going "into the wild".