Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

         I have to admit that this novel is one of my summer reading requirements, along with a Mark Twain novel.   I read this book once in college; on the second read I see this Christopher McCandless’ story in a totally different perspective.

         As a college sophomore I saw nothing wrong with McCandless’ romantic transcendental views of the world.  McCandless came from an affluent area in Virginia, but he seemed to resent what was handed to him, preferring to make his own way in the world—how very “American dream”.  After graduating from Emory University and giving away his savings to OXFAM, McCandless tramped around the country eventually finding his way to Alaska.  It is in Alaska, living in an area devoid of other humans, that McCandless, aka Alex Supertramp develops his philosophy of life.  Alex lives off the land like his literary heroes.  Unlike his literary heroes, Alex never leaves. His idealistic views appealed to the 19-year-old in me looking to find my way in the world.

As an adult, I do find some of his decisions hasty.  I appreciate his want, perhaps his need, to go out into the world and “find himself,” yet I cannot even begin to empathize with the rashness of his decisions.  As a type A personality, I am by nature a planner.  Tramping into the wild without enough supplies is not idealistic in my opinion but careless.  I understand what he was searching for, but one could argue that it is our world that developed all of the supplies that could have aided him in his journey. 

For the most part, Krakauer’s commentary helped move the story along, as well as the blurbs from Thoreau and London.  The only detraction was Krakauer’s own personal odyssey with Devil’s Thumb in Alaksa.  His fight with nature was one that should be mentioned to enhance McCandless’ story, instead the lengthy side story took away from the central narrative.  Krakauer had already established his credibility prior to this story, and the nonstop technical step by step of his journey steals the spotlight from McCandless.

Overall I appreciate what McCandless was searching for, and his journey reminded me that perhaps I should simplify my life a bit.  Transcendental literature always inspires me to find myself.