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 - An interesting approach of adventurers psychology through this tragic storyKrakauer, with his experience of extreme adventures and good understanding of psychology, has done an excellent work of investigation. Methodically, he allows the reader to better understand this tragic story, clearing alongside McCandless of foolishness and irresponsibility suspicions. He highlights the intelligence and deep determination of an unusual person. This story just keep triggering questions like "would the kid have been able to clear his psychological issues and find way to better accept of life if he didn't have such conjunction of bad luck?". He finally teaches us a lesson of understanding and humility. A must read for every parent willing to understand what goes through the mind of a teenager or just to remember one's own youth... Rating:  - A tough one to read"What a waste." That's how I must sum up my reaction to the death of Chris McCandless from starvation, after he found himself unable to walk out of the Alaskan bush once he'd decided it was time to return to civilization. McCandless - or "Alexander Supertramp," as he preferred being called - walked into the bush in April, determined to experience living off the land in total isolation. By that time he'd been out of contact with his family for two years. Yet he died inside the sleeping bag his mother made for him...author Krakauer does a fine job of helping the reader understand why McCandless behaved as he did, but I still found this book incredibly sad reading. I saw in its subject a boy trying to grow up, and killing himself (however unintentionally) in the process. Difficult and painful to read, but intriguing and worth the time. Rating: - Fascinating story of a life outdoorsJust finished this one. I think there is something in all of us that wants to get in touch with the great big world outside, a hunger, a keening...and it's especially true with US corporate types challenged to find the balance. While Alex McCandless embraced this search early in his life before he had other responsibilities, and he was reckless about it, the picture here is one of a man who - by looking inward - comes to terms with his need for external relationships. The book was recommended to me by my local outfitter - Evergreen Outfitters, in Luray, VA. I found the experience reading this fascinating and moving. Rating: - Good Movie, Great BookI saw the movie before I read the book. Having read "Into Thin Air" before reading "Into the Wild", I was already a big fan of Jon Krakauer. "Into the Wild" did not disappoint. If you have a wandering spirit, this book will inspire you. In our current fallen culture, the fact that there are still those who are willing to venture out on their own personal "vision quests" is reassuring to me. Thank God we still have a few who maintain the warrior spirit in a culture full of couch potatoes and X-Box athletes. Rating: - Haunting and spellbindingI purchased this book after watching the movie and, believe me, the book was just as haunting as the movie. The book is written exceptionally well and I found this book difficult to put down. Naturally, I read the book in three days. However, there were parts of the book which did not belong. Krakauer's narratives of others who went into the desert, and especially Krakuaer's own narratives of his personal exploits did not belong in the book. His narratives quickly disrupted the natural flow of the book. I was not intersted in reading about his dad's problems with polio and alcohol. It had no place in the book. Naturally, I skipped that chapter when the story was about Krakauer and not McCandless. This is one of those books that leaves you resting in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering what you would have done in Chris's place. How would you have done things differently? It gave me the inspiration to leave society and try it myself. The book is that good! Just ignore Krakauer's Chapters 14 and 15. Doesn't add to the story at all!
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