![into the wild book chris mccandless into the wild book chris mccandless](https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/w/7/h/f/e/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.1420x800.1w7h0q.png)
Through the descriptions and assumptions made by each of these peers, Krakauer slowly reveals the mind, thoughts and ways of Chris McCandless. In the beginning of the novel Krakauer introduces us to the people McCandless met along his journey. He was truly more concerned with pleasing the ones he loved, learning from their mistakes and succeeding in the eyes of others. However, contrary to Krakauer's surface level message, a more in-depth reading would reveal that Chris' intentions were never to rebel, in fact he had respect for authority as he showed all throughout his early years. Krakauer leads the reader to believe that through his actions and each rule he set for Chris, Walt embedded the recalcitrant behavior into his son that was portrayed through Chris running away and entering "the wild. Through a surface level reading of Into the Wild one can be enticed by Krakauer's idea that Chris became a rebel due to the brash demeanor and inequitable expectations Walt, Chris' father, laid upon him. And your patience.As a nave reader, one may be forced or compelled to side with the wits and the persuasion of Jon Krakauer's analysis of Chris McCandless. These memories surround me when I hold Chris’s beloved books in my hand and run my fingers across the weathered pages to his own introspective thoughts written in the margins. As we grew up, he warned me to be careful of where I turned my attention, advising that the essence of real life and genuine happiness depends on a foundation of honesty and self-awareness. I’ve discovered that the greatest lessons come from that which makes us all human, not from what makes some iconic.Ī young man of solid convictions, Chris spoke often about the importance of truth. I’ve cried with those who thanked me for filling in the blanks of his story that brought them so much inspiration. I’ve seen myself in the young faces of teens reaching out for help, and wondered how Chris’s life could have been different. Since the book’s publication I’ve listened as victims found their voices for the first time and proclaimed themselves survivors. Writing The Wild Truth emboldened me to speak out beyond classrooms and campuses about the devastating effects that domestic violence has on children, families and communities regardless of demographics. It took me twenty years to comprehend what a disservice I had done, remaining silent about the tumultuous childhood that pushed Chris to extremes within the solace of nature. Sharing the rest of the story had an incredible impact on the students and it made me realize, finally, the necessity to be accountable as Chris’s sister. My viewpoint broadened when I began to accept invitations to speak at high schools and colleges where Into the Wild was required reading. I needed to prepare for my children’s future with the lessons of my past. My focus was no longer that of a protective, and admittedly compliant, daughter. When the blessing of motherhood became part of my life, my perspective changed.
![into the wild book chris mccandless into the wild book chris mccandless](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/2014/11/08/NCOD/ghows-OH-f2056038-c648-4925-8e4c-8a1c01ebc637-16338857.jpeg)
For years to come, the weight of that responsibility lingered: through the production of Sean Penn’s internationally acclaimed film adaptation, and silently among the constantly arising questions and countless articles that examined Chris’s reasoning and intentions. But Into the Wild wasn’t Chris’s entire story, and what remained unsaid lived within me. Jon’s beautiful, powerful book represented Chris from a vital perspective that I believe no one could have conveyed better. I am forever indebted to Jon Krakauer for the comfort and trust he brought to our first meeting. When I was twenty-one, muddling through the devastation of my brother’s death, my contributions to the public profile of Chris’s story were few and far between. Like most people, two decades ago I could not have imagined my life as it is now. Well beyond grateful for the success of the initial publication, my thoughts traveled to all that led me to understand why I needed to write it. The paperback release of The Wild Truth brought with it a great deal of introspection. * For autographed / personalized copies of The Wild Truth please visit AFK Books. * For information about the removal of Bus 142 from the Stampede Trail visit * “Perhaps strength doesn’t reside in having never been broken, but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places.”