5/5 A guy who knows what he wants...
  by Miz Piz (Michigan)
This book was very well written. A rich kid growing up everything given to him doesn't have to worry about the future because of mommy and daddy's money never have to do anything. Well, that's where the story comes into play, this guy is young, fresh outta high school, he decides to take the money and run quite literally, he has an old piece of crap car and empties his bank account and heads out on a road trip to Alaska. Living on little to no money he befriends people and makes his way across the country! Sad ending but in a way not really maybe that's what he wanted. Also made into a movie which by the way was EXCELLENT!!! The landscape of Alaska and all throughout his travels are remarkable!!! This is a must read and the movie is a must see. But, I recommend reading before seeing! Just my opinion! Enjoy!!!

5/5 An essential read for those of overly rebelious youth
  by RocketMonkey (New York, NY)
I'm sure most of us have rebelled against various forms of order during our youth (government, teachers, parents), but for some this portends a hurt that lies much deeper. Into the Wild details the captivating story surrounding the life, and death, of Christopher McCandless.

Having reformed my prior rebellious nature, this book churned some of the old hurt that I thought I had laid to rest. Though this book gives incredible detail of Chris' life and his incredible exploits, its a serious commentary on how we always hurt the ones we love. I was so moved, that I attempted to call my parents to apologize for my faults as a son.., at 4am in the morning.

Krakauer does an incredible job carefully exposing the layers of Chris' story. Carefully researched and beautifully written, I would recommend this to anyone, regardless of their predilections about wilderness exploration. Unable to put it down, I finished it in a single day during a marathon 6 hour session. It's a great read.

You won't regret it.



3/5 Pompous Writing Style
  by
When I came accross tnis book, I purchased it right away because it was written by the same author of Into Thin Air, one of my all time favorite books. However, I find his writing style pompous in this book.

I sometimes use the dictionary anywhere from 0-6 times with each book. After using the dictionary countless times, I started highlighting examples to share with you.

This story was interupted way too many times to look up 5 star words it disrupted the flow of the story for me. Here's a few example for you:

disquietude anxiety
sobriquet nickname
potting to shoot
rictus grin
inveigled persuade
anorectic anorexic
opprobrium harsh criticism
convivial friendly

I do not recommend this book at all. I highly recommend Into Thin Air.

5/5 Very interesting; especially if you've seen the movie
  by JGravely (Bedford, NH)
Some interesting details that didn't make it into the movie. Good book, well written.

5/5 I would just like the chance to say something back for Chris...
  by Tim Croal (Boston Ma)
I have allot of respect for Chris and for what he tried to do, infact i hike on an almost weekly basis for three days at a time or more with nothing more than my knife and canteen. For everyone who has claimed his adventure to be a foolish ill conceived plan, and that blames his death on the fact he had no real knowledge on how to survive in the Alaskan wilderness why don't you think about the fact that most well prepared people can't last more than a few days on their own, Chris was in the Alaskan bush for over two months before passing away and with minimal gear thrived up until the end. I thought the movie was incredible and i look forward to reading the book.