Stanek Into The Wild Review

Title of the Book: Into The Wild
Author: Jon Krakauer
Number of Pages: 212
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Review:  J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote “Not all who wander are lost” and Chris McCandless, the main focus of this book, would certainly agree. Krakauer begins the book by telling the reader about McCandless’s death. From there the book describes how Chris got to that point as well as how Krakauer learned the information in the book. Chris grew up in a relatively wealthy family. After graduating from college he donates the rest of the fund for graduate school to charity. He hits the road and cuts ties with his whole family. Chris travels around the country, going to Mexico, and eventually became determined to go to Alaska. HIs trip to Alaska proves fatal.

What makes this book unique is the subject matter is rather mundane. McCandless is certainly not the only person who strives for adventure and on the surface a story about a man traveling around many not seem so fascinating. Yet the divisiveness of McCandless’s story and the mystery surrounding the story keeps the reader’s interest peaked throughout the novel. McCandles has a charm that clearly ensnared nearly all who met him. While some readers are charmed as well, others find his actions foolish. The book generates a lot of discussions. 

Another stand out quality of the book is Krakauer’s writing. Despite never being taught to write, Krakauer’s style is quite enjoyable. The concepts discussed and words used are quite advanced but the structure and formatting of Krakauer’s writing make his writing very accessible and interesting to read. His tone is very inquisitive that helps create a mystery on what lead him to abandon society and what caused him to die. Krakauer has the ability to turn the mundane into the fascinating. Krakauer helps to make Chris’s last few days feel like a tragedy, as he is multiple times close to different things that could have helped him survive. As the reader, we know this, but Chris has no idea. This is after we get to see Chris form some sincere connections with people like Westerberg and get to see Chris grow in his final days, learning to understand the importance of connecting with people. 

I personally really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend this book to almost anyone, but especially those who love adventure and travel. Chris’s story serves both as inspiration and a cautionary warning for anyone who seeks those things.