Scan barcode
jenpete8221's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
jraia's review
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.25
I have mixed feelings about this book. While it provides a lot of (very upsetting) history about Chris McCandless's life, and adds context for his decision to leave for Alaska, I do think it is held back by Carine very clearly having Chris on an absolutely unwavering pedestal. It's understandable, given their family life growing up, but it does limit the overall story. I can fully understand why Chris wanted to find happiness alone in the woods, but that doesn't change the fact that he went in wildly unprepared and set himself up for failure. It's okay to acknowledge that, but it seems like Carine isn't able to believe her brother is in any way less than perfect.
All that aside, if you are interested in Chris's story, this is worth reading. Ultimately, it's a memoir of Carine's life, but understanding their parents does a lot to provide context to Chris's life as well.
All that aside, if you are interested in Chris's story, this is worth reading. Ultimately, it's a memoir of Carine's life, but understanding their parents does a lot to provide context to Chris's life as well.
belwood303's review against another edition
4.0
I totally emailed my siblings after finishing this book... I felt a strong connection to how this could have been my family. Carine and Chris felt as close to me as cousins and I thought it was a very well written book.
lincognito's review against another edition
3.0
While I can certainly see why other readers disliked this book, I liked it, overall. I appreciated having a more in-depth look into the lives of the McCandless family and some insight as to why Chris McCandless left them all behind. I can understand why his sister would want to clear the air and defend her brother's actions, as people were calling him selfish for leaving his parents behind. I think where this book falls short for me is the actual writing. Carine has an important story to tell, but her voice is what turns people off. She does come across as spoiled and self-centred, but I honestly just think that's a combination of her writing style and her need to justify her own behaviour. The story might have had a better reception coming from a third party.
jmhriver68's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars for effort. Very personal airing of family's laundry and the extent the parents go to normalize their abuse and dysfunction. It does provide more explanation why Chris would start anew and live unbounded. The book focuses much on carrine, and seems to be a therapeutic exercise, which is what it is. Chris took chances and sought adventure, and chose not to play it safe. He only put himself at risk and in the combined telling of krakauer and carrine, he tried to live fully with the time he had. That's good.
dreamofbookspines's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5
I think this does a lot to add layers of humanity to Krakauer's already stellar profile of Chris McCandless. Definitely great companion books.
However.
I still am not won over to the argument that Chris was an unselfish, extremely compassionate genius of a man. The trauma he endured in childhood does not excuse him from being an asshole. He's not the kind of asshole whose death I would cheer for but he's still at least a bit of an asshole.
That said, I hope that writing this book brought Carine peace over the death of her brother. I wish her and her siblings nothing but peace.
However.
I still am not won over to the argument that Chris was an unselfish, extremely compassionate genius of a man. The trauma he endured in childhood does not excuse him from being an asshole. He's not the kind of asshole whose death I would cheer for but he's still at least a bit of an asshole.
That said, I hope that writing this book brought Carine peace over the death of her brother. I wish her and her siblings nothing but peace.