Into the Wild

By: Jon Krakauer

Narrated by: Philip Franklin

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. His body - along with a camera with five rolls of film, an SOS note, and a cryptic diary written in the back pages of a book about edible plants - was found six months later by a hunter.

©2007 Jon Krakauer (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A narrative of arresting force. Anyone who ever fancied wandering off to face nature on its own harsh terms should give a look. It's gripping stuff."—Washington Post

"Compelling and tragic ... Hard to put down." —San Francisco Chronicle

"Engrossing ... with a telling eye for detail, Krakauer has captured the sad saga of a stubborn, idealistic young man."—Los Angeles Times Book Review

Fascinating

Appreciated the thoughtful perspective and research of the author, along with all the documented encounters Chris had with others.

I read it a second time

I think you get even more out of it the second time around. the first time I think I thought it world give me final conclusive answers. the second time I think I expected something different. I read it after I watched the miniseries. either way, I was much more satisfied this time.

Interesting story, meanders a lot

The story was great! I liked how the author did his research to pinpoint where Chris went in his travels, going so far as to interview those who met him along the way. It meanders quite a bit, not really staying on track once you pass the first 1/4 of the book, but not bad enough that I wouldn't recommend the book to someone that likes these kinds of stories. It came back to the main topic in the end, so it wasn't too big of a deal, just slightly frustrating at moments.

Haunting

The movie and the book are outstanding. I am always fascinated by this story. I love it and I feel for Chris' family.

Bitterly dissapointed with narration

I love this book. I love the story, I think it's told perfectly, a wonderful balance between the life of Chris, his family, his friends, his rides, the people Chris was likened to, and Krakauer's own experiences. To the previous reviewer who questioned the need to include Krakauer's own experience: The story could easily be told without that section, but it would have suffered for the omission. Among other things, it helped bridge the gap between "what we think we know" and "what a near-death in the frozen wilderness is actually like".

So why three stars? Well, the title says it all. This book is all but ruined by the narrator. In the book there are quotes all over the place - from Chris, from people Krakauer spoke to, from Krakauer himself. And yet the narrator does not change his voice at all for each of the different parts. I found myself getting confused - is he still reading from Chris's journal or is he back to Krakauer's voice? It completely wrenches you out of the story, and stops the heart of the story coming across.

Add to that the audio-sin of dodgy recording... a repeated line or two due to someone not worrying about listening to the final product before releasing it (probably in too much of a rush to cash in on the movie success to worry) makes this an audio book I would not recommend.

As to the actual book - do yourself a favour, buy, beg, borrow - find a copy. Remember your young ideals. Remember the times you've done stupid things that could've ended very differently. Enjoy this book.

A Great Story

I'd have to say this might be my second favorite audiobook. A great story of trying to find yourself and doing what you want.

Disappointed

I got lost somewhere between Ch 4 and Ch 7ish. When the book began explaining others instead of Chris's journey my interest was lost. It is not that others that had lives similar to his are not interesting. I didn't want to hear chapter after chapter about them when my purpose was to learn more about Chris and his journey to Alaska. The narration wasn't enough to keep me invested. It was like sitting through a dry college lecture for weeks and trying not to fall asleep.

One of the Best Audiobooks I have Listened to!

I loved this book, even cried at the end it was so good. I love how the story is constructed, the author weaving his own stories in with the adventures of the main character. Also, the narrator is brilliant! I listened to this in two sittings, didn't want to go to sleep. :-) This one is a must listen!

Loved the Movie - Liked the Book

I rented the movie then I wanted to know more about "Alex" so I listened to the book. The book filled in many details that weren't in movie and I really appreciated that. I was distracted when the author interjected his mountain climbing adventure. If you liked the movie you will like the book and visa versa.

I'll never forget this book

In my 7 decade lifetime I've read / listened to thousands of books.

This is one that has remained with me since I first read it when it was initially published, told my family about it and they all read it and we also have discussed the book at our dinner table...eating while talking about Chris' story and death.

While others have noted disliking the narrator I found nothing particularly bad about it..he simply read the book without putting any particular emphasis into different peoples voices..it'sfine. There are times when the editing lacked a bit..fuzzy sound, repeating particular paragraphs etc but basically it's a perfectly reasonable narration of a spectacularly personal story.

I saw the movie one evening earlier this spring and it stayed with me for weeks..I decided to purchase this because I knew how much better the book would be,though the movie is fine..and the actor looks like Chris.

I agree with other reviewers who commented that you NEED to go to a bookstore and at least leaf thru to see the pictures Chris took on his journey.

Well worth a credit..this book will stay with you, be you young or an elder, like myself.