Into the WIld

Into the Wild, written by Jon Krakauer, is an astounding work of nonfiction, wrote with careful thought of both emotion and realism. Anybody with a drive to be free and a dream of being one with the wild can easily relate to this book. This book reveals insight to Chris McCandless's thoughts throughout his adventures. Chris McCandless was a young man, college graduate, who was searching for a deeper connection with the world around him. A connection found seldom in a mainstream life. Chris is described as intelligent, passionate, and independent. He would disappear for, days, weeks, or even months at a time, not communicating with anyone. He did, however, make his whereabouts known to his family members, so when he performed his final disappearing act without any visit or letter, there was some initial surprise.

The summer after his graduation from Emory University, Chris set out to claim victory over the land. He explored western United States and even snuck into Mexico. He attended to his passions for three years, refusing to remain in one area for more than a couple months. He did, however, come close to settling down a couple times, finding people that he was comfortable with, in locations secluded from the outside world. He spent most of his time in Carthage, South Dakota. He made close friends in this little city and was ready to put his "itchy-feet" to rest, but decided to go on one more trip. He called this trip his "Alaskan Odyssey".

Chris McCandless was in search of something more fulfilling than a typical life and he believed that Alaska would fill the gaps within his heart. He went to Alaska unprepared for the harsh conditions, trusting that his wit would keep him alive. It was on this final trip that he meet his death. Nobody knows whether Chris walked into the Alaskan wilderness with the intent of never coming, but we do know Chris was content with life. Even though he was eating berries and rice to survive, he loved life. He would go days without a meal, but he loved life. He was not a lunatic, he was well educated and very passionate about life within the wild. The hardest thing for me to wrap my head around is that he left his parents wondering where he was and what he was doing for three years, before they got the news of his passing. I can't help but wonder, what kind of self absorbed man would do that to another person?

I have not yet reached the end of this book, but I am already sucked in. I have never felt more excited to explore our nations beautiful markings. I now know that I will not let life pass by without me knowing what is in the world. Chris McCandless says that the Grand Canyon is a place everybody should witness at some point in their lives, so I figured I would start there.