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Summary: What Adventure Writing Is All About.........
Review: Jon Krakauer wrote this book before his even more celebrated book, "Into Thin Air" about the failed Everest expedition. Both books are notable, not only for the thrilling adventures they recount but for how well written they are. Not only does Krakauer make you feel as if you are in the shoes of his subject, he also makes you feel as if you are in their head...he does an excellent job of looking into the motivations of the people he is writing about and why they are drawn to what are dangerous or even eccentric pursuits. I read his original article in Outside magazine about McCandleless and like so many others, was touched, saddened, mystified and probably a little pissed off that a young man, so intelligent would choose such a stupid way to find himself. Krakkauer does an admirable and sensitive job of looking for clues in the lives of other adventurers and in the journals that McCandleless left behind. He takes us to the people that met and were touched by McCandleless during his two year journey that ultimately led him to that deserted bus in the middle of the woods in Alaska. Why McCandless chose to go into the wild so ill-prepared, we will never know. But the author has done as good a job as anyone in providing us with enough interviews and information to at least give us some ideas. On a lighter note......I'll look forward to reading the next book by Jon Krakauer.
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Summary: Lost In The Wild
Review: Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild described in great detail the journey of Chris McCandless throughout America. Chris gave up a successful life only to live on the streets and hitchhike. He wandered through the western states for nearly a year and a half until he left for Alaska. Two months after he walked into the interior of Alaska he was found dead by a moose hunter. The first few chapters are the last months of his life and then begin filling in the details. Into the Wild is a compelling story but I found the structure hard to follow and left me wondering what was going on. Jon Krakauer wove in his own life experiences and, unfortunately, in a manner that left the reader wondering whom he was talking about. This book didn't follow any chronological order, which also left the reader wondering what was happening. I was able to wade my way through the story and enjoyed it, even though it was a difficult read.
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Summary: The hubris of youth...
Review: We know the end from the beginning: that a young man walks into the wilds of Alaska, makes a few fatal mistakes, and dies, a victim of his own ego as much as the unforgiving wilderness. Krakauer follows the journey of Christopher McCandless aka Alexander Supertramp in an attempt to recreate the fatal adventure. The author identifies somewhat with the doomed McCandless, having followed a different drummer himself. But I can't help but think that Krakauer would have been more cautious, although he makes allowances periodically for the flawed judgment of McCandless. In fact, Krakauer includes some of his own story as he picks through the debris of McCandless' fateful journey. There is little attraction in this image of McCandless, albeit his friendly persona as a self-styled King of the Road. Interviews with those who met McCandless along the way reveal only dimension, and that gregarious. The darker side, with enough hubris to challenge nature on her own turf, is barely glimpsed. The folly of youth is evidenced in the blind leap into the unknown, McCandless' only provisions a bag of rice, a Waldenesque assortment of paperbacks and a .22 caliber rifle. He was either hopelessly naive or a blatant fool. One is left with a question after all: so?
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Summary: Into the Self
Review: Jon Krakauer does a great job of recreating a human -- a soul in flight in this wonderful book. He captures the essence of a powerful mountaineer and individualist that Krakauer himself seems to admire. He retains the mystery of the story despite the tremendous research he does.
This book connected so directly to my heart. For anyone who loves adventure when spiced with introspection, philosophy and reflection, this book is a must read.
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Summary: Excellent read!!
Review: I couldnt put this book down...it reminded me of my own feelings and views at times in my life. Following Chris McCandless on his journey was very entertaining and enlightening. I feel like i knew him. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Summary: Krakauer is a Whiner
Review: I read this book a while ago. I really enjoyed Into Thin Air, but this was an overly long boring whiney account by Krakauer. Definitely not worth reading.
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Summary: A different view of people you don't know.
Review: This is a page-turner "mystery" even though you know how it ends from the cover of the book. Except for the occasional wanderings of the author about his own escapades (which are tolerable) I found the story well layed out and very readable. The history lessons are also very welcome.
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Summary: A hitchhiker's guide with a sad end
Review: This tale of "Alex" who started by driving, then hitchhiking and finally walking into the Alaskan wilderness has a tragic end. Jon Krakauer dragged up all kinds of information about the recent graduate's tracks, interviewing those that Alex had befriended on his travels. The story is somewhat disjointed - in part because Alex did not take the straight route to Alaska - and also because there's not that much to tell so the story is interwoven with Krakauer's own and other insights into venturing off on one's own. The story is an easy read and well written, conveying a sense of adventure. Alex may have been criticized for being unprepared - which he was - but at least he took the time to explore his country.
Those contemplating escaping from the real world into the wilderness will find a cautionary tale and useful ideas. It will also appeal to parents of hitchhikers and to armchair travelers who want to learn what its like to be a bum.
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Summary: A Book with No Adventure
Review: i thought this book was boring and even though it was supposed to be adventurous i found the book to be very boring. it is a great story but poorly written.
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Summary: A Great Adventure Story. Carpe Diem
Review: I discovered "Into the Wild" while writing "Discovering Denali", a reference book to Denali National Park in Alaska. I once took six months from life and toured the country by motorcycle and could relate very well to Chris McCandless. But, if you ever wondered what it's really like to live in the wild, read this book. He led an amazing life while wandering from place to place. To hear from those who were touched by Chris' extraordinary qualities was also very moving. The story had a sad ending, but few people have experience life like Chris did.
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