The Young Adventurers' Club
Into The Wild - John Krakauer
In April 1992, Chris McCandless, a young man from a well-to-do family, hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness. He had given all his savings to charity, abandoned his car and possessions, burnt all the money in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, his decomposed body was found by a hunter. This is an entirely true story.
You may have come across the story of Chris McCandless, or 'Alexander Supertramp' (his adopted name) one way or another before, but if you haven't then John Krakuer's book is as good a place to start as any. The story has already been turned into a film (with the same title) and if you're slightly more 'visual' then that is an extremely well crafted depiction of a passionate young guy having what turns out to be an incredibly intense adventure.
After flying through university Chris was expected to go on to law school and forge a successful career for himself, his next steps were the opposite, burning his cash and going off the radar Chris' sole aim became to get to Alaska and attempt to live a back to basics existence for a few months. The book (and film) cleverly show that even before getting to Alaska he had one hell of a journey, meeting many interesting people who were willing to offer him help, and getting himself into a few scrapes in places all over the US (and Mexico briefly).
Chris McCandless has been adored for diving into a nomadic lifestyle as well as criticised for his head-first wrecklessness, either way at the time he was doing what he thought he needed to and more importantly, wanted to. I don't think it's our place to judge him to harshly and I'll let you make up you own mind but I hope that one way or another his enthusiasm and willingness to challenge the norm will inspire a small part of you.
It is clear by my review that this story is bigger than just a book and punching the name Chris McCandless into Google you'll soon realise that, but I can highly recommend that John Krakauer's book is a thoroughly captivating and well-researched depiction of the tale. Krakauer originally reported on the story for Outside magazine before going on to write the book. A fascinating and detailed account of Chris McCandless' encouraging adventure. A wandering idealist who perhaps some of us feel naturally aligned with, or jealous of, or just respectful towards. Whatever your stance on his approach it's a story you'll pass on whether the book, the film or internet chat rooms provide the resource.
Rest in peace Chris McCandless.
You may have come across the story of Chris McCandless, or 'Alexander Supertramp' (his adopted name) one way or another before, but if you haven't then John Krakuer's book is as good a place to start as any. The story has already been turned into a film (with the same title) and if you're slightly more 'visual' then that is an extremely well crafted depiction of a passionate young guy having what turns out to be an incredibly intense adventure.
After flying through university Chris was expected to go on to law school and forge a successful career for himself, his next steps were the opposite, burning his cash and going off the radar Chris' sole aim became to get to Alaska and attempt to live a back to basics existence for a few months. The book (and film) cleverly show that even before getting to Alaska he had one hell of a journey, meeting many interesting people who were willing to offer him help, and getting himself into a few scrapes in places all over the US (and Mexico briefly).
Chris McCandless has been adored for diving into a nomadic lifestyle as well as criticised for his head-first wrecklessness, either way at the time he was doing what he thought he needed to and more importantly, wanted to. I don't think it's our place to judge him to harshly and I'll let you make up you own mind but I hope that one way or another his enthusiasm and willingness to challenge the norm will inspire a small part of you.
It is clear by my review that this story is bigger than just a book and punching the name Chris McCandless into Google you'll soon realise that, but I can highly recommend that John Krakauer's book is a thoroughly captivating and well-researched depiction of the tale. Krakauer originally reported on the story for Outside magazine before going on to write the book. A fascinating and detailed account of Chris McCandless' encouraging adventure. A wandering idealist who perhaps some of us feel naturally aligned with, or jealous of, or just respectful towards. Whatever your stance on his approach it's a story you'll pass on whether the book, the film or internet chat rooms provide the resource.
Rest in peace Chris McCandless.
