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Jo (The Book Geek)'s Reviews > Into the Wild
Into the Wild
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Into the Wild was an interesting read, but I have been having trouble in putting a rating on it. I had heard vague aspects about Christopher McCandless in the past, and until now, I'd never actually read anything about his life, and his tragic end.
This book was extremely well written. It is thorough in regards to investigating as to why and how McCandless died, and even the events leading up to his death. I enjoyed the author's writing style, and if I'm honest, I was totally pulled in to this story.
We meet a handful of witnesses who knew McCandless on a personal level, and they make a valued contribution to his story. I really enjoyed this read, but I disagree that McCandless is indeed being hailed a hero for the time he spent in the wild. Yes, it is definitely horrendous the way in which he died, but, in my personal opinion, he came across as a selfish and conceited character, who held no care for the people that loved him, therefore, breaking his families hearts. His death could have been entirely avoided had he not been so hubristic and pompous. Also, I think that creating a film out of this was completely the wrong thing to do. What kind of message are we sending out to kids that are easily influenced? This story should be used as a stark warning, not a celebration. I'm glad I read this, and I liked Krakauer's style, despite not agreeing with the way this story was publicised.
This book was extremely well written. It is thorough in regards to investigating as to why and how McCandless died, and even the events leading up to his death. I enjoyed the author's writing style, and if I'm honest, I was totally pulled in to this story.
We meet a handful of witnesses who knew McCandless on a personal level, and they make a valued contribution to his story. I really enjoyed this read, but I disagree that McCandless is indeed being hailed a hero for the time he spent in the wild. Yes, it is definitely horrendous the way in which he died, but, in my personal opinion, he came across as a selfish and conceited character, who held no care for the people that loved him, therefore, breaking his families hearts. His death could have been entirely avoided had he not been so hubristic and pompous. Also, I think that creating a film out of this was completely the wrong thing to do. What kind of message are we sending out to kids that are easily influenced? This story should be used as a stark warning, not a celebration. I'm glad I read this, and I liked Krakauer's style, despite not agreeing with the way this story was publicised.
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Reading Progress
December 3, 2019
– Shelved
December 3, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
February 27, 2020
–
Started Reading
February 28, 2020
–
7.0%
February 28, 2020
–
18.0%
February 28, 2020
–
22.0%
February 29, 2020
–
30.0%
March 1, 2020
–
37.0%
March 1, 2020
–
47.0%
March 1, 2020
–
56.0%
March 1, 2020
–
69.0%
March 2, 2020
–
75.0%
March 2, 2020
–
82.0%
March 3, 2020
– Shelved as:
non-fiction
March 3, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-3 of 3 (3 new)
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Great review! I read this and liked it quite a bit but thought Into Thin Air was much better. There have been several movies made of that Krakauer book but none did it justice. I suppose it makes sense that it was a better book since John himself was there for the events.
I was in college when I first read the book (when it first came out) -- and an outdoorsy one at that -- and was inspired by the book to seek adventure intelligently, and with caution. I and many of my outdoorsy friends of the same age all saw the book as a warning. We were inspired to think bigger, but to be aware of the risks. Though McCandless's story no doubt inspired countless of idealistic youths to tramp into the unknown with little prep, the book gave a very clear example of the dangers of underestimating the power of nature.
Yes, many go seeking the bus every year without taking the necessary precautions and some die and put the lives of first-responders at risk. But this happens everywhere. In ever national park.
I think the movie is exceptionally well done, and far more tragic than celebratory. It has layers to it that I don't recall seeing in the book, particularly since Chris's sister serves as narrator. My takeaway from the movie (and, to a lesser extent, the book), was that it was a warning AGAINST the exact sort of mission that McCandless had embarked on. That it was unnecessary. The movie takes more liberties with his supposed regrets at the end, whereas Krakauer tries to not make too many assumptions.
Krakauer is an absolutely terrific author of narrative nonfiction. "Into Thin Air" is his most famous book, but you many have found "Under the Banner of Heaven" to be his most important book. "Missoula" is also terrific, as is "Where Men Win Glory."
Yes, I'm a Krakauer fan. But, as for the movie, I really recommend it. And the soundtrack, all by Eddie Vedder, is phenomenal. :)