The unpredictable weather, the varied wildlife, the towering ice-capped mountains, the utter loneliness; for decades avid outdoorsmen (and women) have been gripped and enthralled by Alaska, the final frontier. To survive in such a desolate place by only knowledge and skill, conquering feats of phenomenal proportions, alone no less, is a captivating notion. Hundreds have trekked into the remote wilderness to prove to themselves that they can dominate one of the most desolate places in the U.S., but many never return. Chris McCandless didn’t.

“Into the Wild” is his true story. Written by Jon Krakauer, it is a biography of a young man with a college education, lofty, romantic ideals and an unshakable will. He had spent years traipsing across the American West and Mexico, but his dream was to experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure. So after two years of hitchhiking, hopping freight trains, backpacking and canoeing all over the Western United States and some of Mexico, the twenty-four year old packed his backpack with a large bag of rice, a shotgun and ammunition, his favorite books and a few other necessities (not including a map, compass or watch) and Chris made his way to the beginning of what would be the final expedition of his life.

“Into the Wild” is a story of an idealistic young man who could not picture any other life edxcept one in which he was completely free to live. It is compelling and tragic as well as wonderfully written. The story is readable and Krakauer has created a non-fictional work that is just as difficult to put down as a thrilling mystery. Indeed, it is a mystery; although the event transpired over fifteen years ago, McCandless’ life and death are far from understood.

The book was a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed the truth of the unfolding drama. As I read, especially as the adventure-seeking, outdoor-junkie that I am, I struggled with my perception of Chris. One minute I would think he was foolish and arrogant for his lack of preparation and supplies and the next I would long for the kind of adventurous and daring life he led. Few can – or will – claim an existence like his, but he couldn’t imagine any other kind.

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