Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
I have strong, mixed emotions about this book. As I was reading, for most of the book, I felt very strongly that I did not like this book. At all. (Of course I kept reading, there was a certain pull to it.) But, I now realize that even though I was so adament in my distaste for this story, it was really making me think. More so perhaps than any other book I’ve read recently. Then, the last few chapters and the epilogue brought to light some ideas and revelations that made me look at the story in a new light. I was more forgiving, more respectful. I felt satisfied and I felt the author had given proper closure, and for that I was thankful.
I have read the other two books this author has written, and his writing style is unique, unedited and circular. It’s distracting and tedious, but intelligent and extremely well-researched. With no ill respect to the family of this young man, I don’t think his life story should have been glorified in a book and movie. I think the author idolized him in a sense, and parts of the book were autobiographical in nature, and not always objective.
I did very much enjoy the exerpts and passages the author posted at the beginning of every chapter – they were very appropriate and thought-provoking. I don’t know if I would recommend this book to anyone, but if you do begin this book, please finish it, you will be so glad you did.
(C – please don’t stop recommending books to me, I appreciate you so much. I would love to hear your thoughts on this book sometime. M – finish it!)
