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

Good, but more scientific than spiritual ...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, good and more detailed narrative on Chris' story. I think to really get into the book you need to have an appreciation for nature and it's importance in our lives. If you have personal experience in the wild then you will get significantly more out of this!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Into the Wild?

Krakauer did a good job and I enjoyed his writing, but the simple words that Chris wrote on his final postcard were haunting (in a good way): " ...I want you to know you’re a great man. I now walk into the wild." It was praise to a man that only spent a brief time with Chris but left a huge impact, and it was the culmination of Chris' dream ... test himself against himself, experience solitude, and return a new man ... unfortunately the return trip never came ... it would have incredible to really know what he learned, experienced, and gained from his expedition.

Which scene was your favorite?

The many examples of deep connection and huge impact that Chris had on others simply through being authentic ... Westerberg, Franz, Buress ... wild, edge of society folks, the type that might not otherwise open up and be vulnerable ... they lost a friend, but they gained much more.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, but its personal.

Any additional comments?

Honestly I was hoping for more of the spiritual side of the story, more of Chris' perspective and less of a scientific/documentarial debrief of Chris' death.

awesome

it was great and a very motivational story. id love to this myself some day

Living On The Edge Of Life.

Great Read.
Tough Story.
True Facts To Life.
Take the time to read and evaluate this true story, it might open your eyes to a mindset most people do not have.

A very grim, yet thought provoking tragic tale

The book was as the title describes. It brings out the yearn for adventure that we all possess.
The unbridled wandering and travels that the main character accomplished was a real eye opener to the sadness of modern day life in the United States. The book was also a reality check for people of whom seek adventure.

I am happy that I listened to this audio book. I would recommend it with a select few caveats. The narrator is a bit dull, and some parts of the book are hard to follow, making it necessary to rewind fairly often.

not bad but drawn out

struggled to finish repetative, story was drawn out could have been shorter and easier to read

Better than the movie (but I really mean that!)

This was better than the movie, which to me is really a 50/50 shot with most books (I lack imagination). Absolutely loved it and will listen to it many more times.

A fan of Chris and his lifestyle. Jon nails it!

If you've seen the movie and liked it then this is a must read/listen. If you're not familiar and appreciate the edge of adventure, then getting to know Christopher McCandless is an excellent story to delve into. There are many questions still to this day about his untimely passing, and his adventures the years before... just read it...

An idiot abroad

The author spends the entire book trying to justify an arrogant man-child’s foolishness. The outcome of the kid’s adventures was apparent from the beginning. Save yourself some time and read something else.

Great book but glitchy recording

Well written, compelling story. I was disappointed in the recording for the glitches. Several times it repeated itself and a couple of times it skipped words.

Amazingly moving

Great reader, and great story. I can only imagine the extensive research that the author did to write the book. Amazingly moving