Into the Wild

Written by Jon Krakauer

Narrated by Philip Franklin

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 savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself...

"Terrifying...Eloquent...A heart-rending drama wandering of human yearning."--The New York Times

"A narrative of arresting force. Anyone who ever fancied wandering off to face nature on its own harsh terms should give a look. It's gripping stuff."--The Washington Post

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Aug 21, 2007
• ISBN: 9780739358054

Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer is a mountaineer and the author of Eiger Dreams, Into the Wild, (which was on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year and was made into a film starring Emile Hirsch and Kristen Stewart) Into Thin Air, Iceland, Under the Banner of Heaven and Where Men Win Glory. He is also the editor of the Modern Library Exploration series. He has received an Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. According to the award citation, "Krakauer combines the tenacity and courage of the finest tradition of investigative journalism with the stylish subtlety and profound insight of the born writer."

Reviews for Into the Wild

[delta351 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pretty straight forward discussion on McCantress' life and circumstances of others who had similar experiences that resulted in their death. Strong helping pf autobiographical info regarding Krekauer also.

"You can't escape from your genes"

[creighley_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 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. Four months later, his decomposed body was found by a moose hunter.
McCandess had given $25,000.00 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Not long afterward, he was dead.
Immediately after graduating from college, McCandless had roamed through the West and Southwest on a vision quest like those of Jack London and John Muir. In the Mojave Desert he abandoned his car, stripped it of its license plates, and burned all of his cash. He would give himself a new name, Alexander Suler-tramp, and, u encumbered by money and belongings, he would be free to wallow in the raw, unfiltered experiences that nature presented. Craving a blank spot on the map, McCandless threw away the maps. Leaving behind his desperate parents and sister, he vanished I tothe wild.

[sean191 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this many years back, but I re-read this year in preparation for introducing it to my high school class. I felt this time around that it's a 3.5 star instead of just a 3. Hoping students feel the same or better!

One issue I had was Krakauer interjected his own stories. Part of me thought it was worthwhile, it helped to try to understand McCandless more. Part of me felt like it was Krakauer getting more of the spotlight. I haven't read other books by him, so I'm not sure if this was a one-time thing or a regular occurrence. I think it did make the book better overall, but I just don't know how I feel about it.

[mattrwalker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have to say that this book definitely ranks among my top favorites. Although Krakauer is an excellent author, and the book is well written, I do blame some of my love for the book on the time in my life when I read it. Fresh out of high school, I was searching for my "calling" and read "Into the Wild" during that time. The book spoke to the inner "adventurer" in me, and actually helped me to start living my live less "by the book."

I recommend this book for anyone that is searching for who they are, or confused about what they want to do.

[aidan767 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Read this book with my ninth-grade literature class. My students were initially intrigued, often times baffled by the character of Chris McCandless and his story. Jon Krakauer goes into painstaking detail, and the book catalogs the effort to find that painstaking detail. But this is largely where to book goes wrong. It doesn't feel cohesive and it often lost us as readers. McCandless' story can be inspiring but bogged down by pages of minuscule detail, loose conjecture, and stories of different adventurers that don't relate to McCandless' own, the power of witnessing McCandless' short but passionate life is all but snuffed out. You can tell that the book is not Krakauer's preferred form. As one of my students said, "this is why no one reads magazines anymore."

[wvlibrarydude · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I saw the movie 4 months ago but the book had been on my to read list for some time. I needed a quick travel book for my book club, and this fit the bill.

Krakauer does a good job with interplay of other adventure stories of individuals like Chris along with a story of his own adventures in Alaska. I think overall this was a good trick to spread the article out with context that made Chris into a more rounded individual. The problem is even with the photographs, journal entries, and stories from those who came in contact with Chris he remains an enigma. The very thing that drove a wedge into his family life with his father (bottling things up inside and not wanting to talk about them) creates a dilemma in trying to find out more about his two years tramping before his death.

I think Krakauer also did a good job of exploring the aspects of Chris' personality that both upset and garnered admiration from others. I have a little of both in my mind. He was headstrong and arrogant (folks he died at 24), but he was learning more about himself and his place in the world. It wasn't until the age of 25 that I really got my act together as an adult, so I have a hard time judging Chris' life.

A good read. I mostly read, but listened to the audiobook at times which was read well.

[Anto45325 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The plot of the book is very good, the part I liked was when he met the old man, it's a very good book. (Translated from Spanish)

[BenjamnOrellana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who leaves his conventional and promising life to embark on a journey into the wilderness of Alaska. During his journey, McCandless adopts the pseudonym Alexander Supertramp and meets several people who influence his worldview and strengthen his desire for a deeper connection with nature. (Translated from Spanish)

[usuarioferz23 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story is about how Chris takes a journey without any tools.

It all begins because Chris wanted to be free from all the toxicity of society, so he embarks on a trip to Alaska. On the way to his destination, he encounters various people who help him.

But he had a very unfortunate fate. I found this book good, recommended for people who appreciate freedom, nature, life, etc. (Translated from Spanish)

[vikimjk16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review
This book is about Christopher or "Alex," who was a young man from a wealthy family, but his relationship with his father was not very good, and because of this, Alex made the decision to embark on his journey to prove to his father that he could be free and independent.
In my opinion, I liked the book because the young man, despite having money, decided to undergo the wild journey of Alaska regardless of the consequences. (Translated from Spanish)

[Geraldinesaez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book is about Christopher McCandless who graduated from university and traveled to Alaska on foot.

I think it was very interesting because as the story progressed, he met more people who helped him reach his destination. My favorite character is Franz because he seemed very sweet for wanting to help Chris and wanting to adopt him.

I recommend this book because it is very interesting as it is like a documentary of Christopher McCandless's life. (Translated from Spanish)

[sofiaAravenaSantos · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It tells the story of a young man who decides to leave everything behind to live a nomadic life as he was opposed to society and consumerism, leaving behind his sister and parents with whom he hadn't had a very good relationship. Despite surviving for 16 weeks, he ultimately passed away, and he was found dead in a trailer in Alaska. It is undoubtedly a heartbreaking story, but I completely recommend this book. (Translated from Spanish)

[Pazmolina06 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book is about Christopher McCandless, a young man who decides to leave his privileged life and embark on a journey to Alaska.

I really enjoyed the book, although I felt saddened by Chris's death, or when Franz asked him if he could adopt him, and he said they could talk about it when he returned from Alaska, but, unfortunately, that never happened.

Without a doubt, this book prompts reflection on life and the decisions we make. (Translated from Spanish)

[moonsluvb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really liked the book and its story; I enjoyed reading about the novel and the details, but I didn't like the ending. It seemed meaningless to me because, to begin having a wild life, he should have prepared himself properly and brought more supplies. However, that doesn't take away from the good parts. (Translated from Spanish)

[catalinasoto · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's about a boy who decides to travel all across the United States until he reaches the wild lands of Alaska, where he chooses to do the impossible to survive alone. His journey and motivations ultimately led him to death. I can say that despite everything, he lived in his own way, authentically, and unfortunately, if he hadn't done it this way, it's likely that his story wouldn't have come to light. (Translated from Spanish)

[claidheamdann-847250 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, a well-written book by Jon Krakauer. While I don't agree with Chris' choices, I can understand them. And I agree with Krakauer's conclusion regarding cause of death. And I think there is in many (if not all of us) a desire to "return to nature." I know that, as a native of the PNW, I feel it strongly!

[anniekmd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kraukauer describes a little background and what happened to McCandless in the years leading up to his early death from starvation and toxicity in the wilds of Alaska. For comparison’s sake, he includes information on others who have met similar disasters. The author does a good job of presenting both the opinions of folks who thought that the young protagonist was ignorant & ill-equipped, as well as arguing how risky lifestyles are typical of young men, who generally see themselves as immortal. He includes a memoir-type chapter about his own attempts to solo climb ‘The Thumb’, that shows his own similarities to McCandless’ driven nature.
Overall, the book is a fast, interesting and easy read, though of a serious and tragic nature.

[andjhostet-527429 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating story of Chris McCandless, who gave up his possessions and hitchhiked across the country until finally making it to Alaska, where he starved to death in the wilderness.

Partly inspiring, partly tragic. Certainly an interesting book that both makes me appreciate nature, and want to explore the world, but at the same time, appreciate the relationships I have, and the creature comforts of this world.

[JajhAdn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Impressed, I had seen the movie and it became my favorite; I had to wait a long time to read the book. But it was worth it, it is a very emotional book and the way Chris's life is narrated is spectacular. You feel like you are walking with him in all his adventures; unfortunately, what could be called his masterpiece led to his tragic death. (Translated from Spanish)

[la2bkk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Extremely well written account of this most unusual and controversial person. I knew the story well before reading the book, but was impressed with the author’s writing style and more or less objective take.

This is one of those rare books that you simply don’t want to put down after opening. While some have criticized the author for being an apologist, in fairness I thought both the pros and cons were presented in an objective way.

An excellent story about a very interesting subject.

[steve02476 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's funny, I didn't really feel like I cared so much about the kid or his family, but I loved the writing and story-telling and the autobiographical stuff that Krakauer put in. So I really liked the book, even though I didn't really get too much involved about the subject.

[sammelsurium-831072 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read a lot of books that I think matter generally, but very few that matter personally. I think the proof of Krakauer's central point--that the forces that drove Chris McCandless to his death are forces that many of us experience, and should seek to understand--lies in the fact that this book speaks to certain aspects of myself and of the people around me; in the fact that its major impact is not the story it tells, but the way one finds oneself relating to it.

[kslade-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting account of a wandering educated guy, almost like Everett Ruess, who drops out from life and who ends up in Alaska and eventually starves to death by accident. He left a record of his story in the abandoned bus where he ended up. Movie is good too.

[ennie_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Why would a kid from a comfortable background subject himself to the isolation and brutality of nature? I'm still not sure, but it was interesting to read about Chris McCandless's experiences and unfortunate demise.

[camilaUwUxd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like it a lot. (Translated from Spanish)

[judithrs · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Into the Wild. John Krakauer. 1997. The author recounts his search for what actually happened to Christopher McCandless, a young man who set out on a hike the wilderness north of Mt. Mckinley. Four months later his body was found by a group of hunters. Krakauer, who also wrote, Into Thin Air, was asked by the editor of Outside Magazine, to write an article about his odd disappearance. Keakauer interviewed family and friends and traced McCandless’ s route. He is a good writer and the book reads like a novel. However, don’t really care for most “nature writing” and he quotes to much Thoreau for me. McCandless was a troubled young man and this is a fascinating account of what could have happened to him

[pepperwings · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a good story and mostly good journalism into what and how things happened with Chris McCandless. I don't think I gained much more insight than was provided in the movie of the same name. I did like that Krakauer delved a little more into his parents and their history and experience.

I was disappointed in the several chapter divergence into Krakauer's personal experience mountain climbing. I understand the relevance, and trying to bring his experience into the story but I felt it was a little too far into conjecture and sidetracked the story more than it helped.

[castlelass · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Life on his own terms

I was fascinated by the author's account of a young man, Chris McCandless, who lived his life on his own terms. As part of his attempt to bypass the trappings of traditional society, he sets off on a journey to truly experience life in its simplest, most basic form. He was influenced by a number of writers, including Tolstoy, London, and Thoreau in this endeavor to find beauty, truth and joy. Unfortunately, his youthful zeal obscured some of the research and analysis required to survive in an unforgiving natural environment. I think the extent to which you would enjoy this book is directly proportional to how well you can relate to Chris McCandless' philosophy. The author clearly does, and spends a good amount of time helping the reader understand, including devoting entire chapters to people with a similar outlook. It is well written and engaging. At the end, he clarifies factors that contributed to Chris' demise by way of extremely detailed research to prove his hypothesis (and revised accordingly when new information came to light).

[judithgonzalez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's a classic. The truth is that every nature lover should know the dark side of what it is to survive. Not everything is as beautiful as it seems. Without a doubt, this book is a must-read if you love nature. (Translated from Spanish)

[Llorlle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Last Sunday, the abandoned body of a young hitchhiker who had suffered an accident was found in a remote camp in the interior of Alaska (...). His identity is currently unknown (...). At the scene, a diary and two notes were found that describe the chilling story of his desperate and futile efforts to survive (...).

I liked the movie more.
Both the book and the movie are thought-provoking. (Translated from Spanish)