It's been at least 2 years since I've read this work of art but I felt the need to review regardless.
This book has to be one of my all-time, well loved favorites. I remember being blown away the first time I read it. I often found myself searching for pen and paper to inscribe particularly powerful passages, and there were a hell of a lot. While the movie is actually one of the better novel-adaptations I've seen, it still cannot compete. There is so much that this book conveys that a movie just CAN'T.
I really felt at times that it was pure poetry; the idyllic scenes, the revelations, just the simple tale of this one man who felt more in-tune with nature than with his fellow man. The fact that this man felt he could abandon all ties to civilized life. It is truly inspiring and often had me wanting to get up and set off on my own adventure.
Perhaps this novel doesn't convey the finality and loose-end tying of fictitious work but that's what you get sometimes when the story you are reading is based on reality. Especially given that almost all elements of this book are derived from his family or those who came across him during his adventure; therefore, secondhand. But still.
I'm not the type to give away key points but there were a few choice parts that floored me. Some of it is tragic, all of it is inspiring.
One of my favorite reads and I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.

Each chapter in this book starts with 2-3 pages of description, usually geographical, and then goes into the human story. It is as if these two parts were written by two totally different writers. The descriptive sections are extremely wordy, convoluted, with lots of unnecessarily complicated vocabulary. The writing feels rather self-consciously clever. But, once the chapter gets into the human story, a description of people and the main character, it becomes clear, concise and honest, without the previously irritating indulgences. The human story is quite interesting, and well thought out.

I first found out about this story after hearing that Eddie Vedder had done the sountrack for the movie. I had the movie but I hadn't watched it or even knew what it was about. But being a big Pearl Jam fan, the chance to hear some of Eddie Vedder's solo work pushed me to watch it. It blew my mind. I couldn't get over Chris McCandless' passionate search for something more in life and the movie quickly became a favourite.

After reading the book I felt even more attached to the story. Jon Krakauer truly takes you with him on the road to understanding what Chris McCandless was trying to do. You begin to understand what Chris was trying to find on his journey across the United States and in Alaska and realize it was more than just getting away from society. The book was written so well and although the story jumps around it still moves and keeps you engaged the entire time. This story is not one you quickly forget.

Read the book, watch the movie and listen to the soundtrack. You will not be dissapointed!

The author jumps all over the place and uses 3-4 different names for the boy