Bill Donnelly Donnelly itibaren La Touche, 53400 Livré-la-Touche, Fransa itibaren La Touche, 53400 Livré-la-Touche, Fransa

Why> I read Into the Wild because I really enjoyed Into Thin Air, I love adventure/travel stories, and I wanted to learn more about Chris McCandless after seeing the film (especially more about his personal history and character). What worked: The writing is superb; Krakauer keeps the reader interested throughout by exploring all facets of the story in a non-chronological style. What is really excellent is that Krakauer allows the reader to decide for him/herself whether or not McCandless was a romantic and idealisitc Thoreau-loving John Muir kind of guy, a troubled young man who had issues with his father and authority, or an arrogant conqueror of nature who made one too many rookie mistakes. (I believe he's a combination of all three, but some may decide otherwise). The research for the book was also well done; the use of McCandless' own writing and notations from his book collection keeps the reader fascinated by the psyche of this man. What doesn't: In my opinion, Into the Wild needs revision. It seemed like the book was written too soon after the incident to really provide clear and unbiased analysis. I wished there had been an afterward about the McCandless legacy and his place in culture. Also, I would like to hear how his friends and family remember him almost 20 years later when the tradegy isn't so raw in their minds. Might they remember him less as an idealist and more of an inexperienced kid or would the opposite be true? It would have been interesting to interview young people and adventure junkies who have made the pilgrimage to the Magic Bus about what effect the novel, movie, and McCandless' legacy has had on them. Finally, I think the book also needs some revision with regards to Everett Ruess whose remains have recently been discovered and the true nature of his disappearance solved. Now that we know Ruess' fate, some additional comparisons could be made between the two wanderers. To read, or not to read? Definately give this a try; especially if you like Krakauer's other work, you liked or wanted to see the movie, or are a fan of hitchhiker-type adventure stories. It was a good book, but some of the magic was lost for me because I had already seen the film. The book was better than the movie so read before you rent!

I just love Cate Tiernan anything she writes I can never put down.