Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"Into the Wild" review

Guess what? I don't only read fantasy! Isn't it amazing? So here we go. Expect there to be a couple more non-fantasy books reviewed before the summer ends.

In April 1992, a young man named Chris McCandless went without an identity, without proper maps, and without money, into the Alaskan Interior. He went there alone, and he went there after having traveled all across the country. He had been everywhere from Detrital Wash to Bullhead City to Carthage, and everyone he met would never forget him. He had assumed the identity of Alexander Supertramp and kept away from his parents for two years. But his true goal, his last great adventure, was saved for Alaska. And on the Stampede Trail, he lived it out.

Four months later, his body was found by a group of moose hunters.

Jon Krakauer tells a gripping narrative of Chris' exploits, giving perspectives from everyone he meets. Through Into the Wild Krakauer puts together the mystery of how Chris McCandless died, all the while injecting Chris' story with personal stories and insights. Into the Wild is a quick read, but not an insubstantial one, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a stubborn, yet fiercely determined, young man who lived of the land for 112 days and almost lived to tell the tale.

All in all, a must-read.

My rating: 10/10

Coming Soon: Timescape (hopefully)

2 comments:

logankstewart said...

I read Into The Wild last year and loved every bit of it. It was tainted with tragedy, the looming knowledge of Chris's ultimate demise, but still it was filled with hope and courage. I laughed at times and I was equally mortified at times. The harrowing adventure was gripping, and the author did a wonderful job expressing points of views from those Chris met. I really enjoyed this book, and I want to watch the movie some point soon.

The Writer said...

I haven't seen the movie either, but it looks pretty good.

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