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

Disjointed

The story was disjointed. It went off on so many tangents - telling stories of people that Chris met along the way, Without them, the story would have been too short, because there really wasn’t much of a story. I knew little much more about Chris at the end of the book as I did at the beginning.

Very compelling

This book made me want to leave everything and go embrace nature as if it's what I was born to do, then it made me realize that maybe my purpose is already being fulfilled.

The family reunion

I loved when they meet at the end and finally got clarity and understanding of where he died. I am sure that brought them much solace.

Such Respect for the Great Alex Supertramp

I really enjoyed this book. During some of it I listened while walking through the woods and it really added a dimension. The author does an excellent job laying out the situation from Chris' adolescent years on. It is very inspiring and really helped me find something inside myself. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just love adventure, this book has something for everyone.

Compelling

Highly recommended. I was mesmerized as much by the author's account of his own extreme wilderness climbs as by Chris McCandless' journey of self-discovery. If you do buy this, listen again (and again) to Chris' letter to the old man who befriended and wanted to adopt him. It is a challenge to us all to forego the comfort and safety of ordinary lives and seek instead the raw experience of life without boundaries. His extremism cost him his life, but his legacy is a reminder to live each day, not merely exist.

this books changes you

This by far is the best Audible purchase I have made. Simple said it is an incredible story and told in splendid manner. I think about this book often and it has changed how I live my life.

Great Read- Great Listen

I've read this book at least 5 times over the past 10 years and I'm riveted every time. The audio book is awesome but I'm disappointed that Mr. Krakauer didn't narrate it himself. He's a great author and even better narrator in my opinion. Don't pass this up.

Compelling

Via the story of Chris McCandless, a young man from a middle class background who decided to turn his back on civilization and retreat into the Alaska wilderness, where he met his death, Krakauer explores the forces that drive people to do such things. Is it arrogance, discontent, a desire to prove oneself against nature? Or are they following some deeper calling? Since the author could only learn so much of Chris McCandless and his last days, this question is ultimately left to the reader, but the story is a haunting and compelling one. In gathering insight into what may have shaped Chris, Krakauer considers other adventurers and nonconformists who have sought similar lone communion with the wilderness, including himself. It reveals a fascinating streak within the American character.

A great read for anyone who's ever thought about what it would be like to truly leave it all behind.

Beautiful

Met my expectations after watching the movie. It gave me closure to hear the whole story and not the Hollywood spin. But accompanied was fantastic. The narrator could have been better but it's ok. It was an appropriate voice.

Great book, boring narration.

Amazing true story! Just wasn't a fan of the reading. He sounds very monotonous the whole time. However, he does enunciate well and is very clear.