The book I would read post zombie apocalypse:
Into The Wild by John Krakauer


To kick off this blog I will be reviewing one of the first items I would grab in the event of a zombie invasion. Into the Wild is a book that documents the enthralling story of Christopher McCandless (aka Alexande Supertramp), written by the journalist who became obsessed with him - John Krakauer.

After writing his 900 word article on McCandless entitled “Death Of An Innocent” for Outside magazine, Krakauer felt compelled to continue his investigation into the life and death of the young man from California.

Photo by Stephen Cummings
'Into The Wild'

Born into a relatively wealthy family, McCandless graduated from High School with money, success and opportunities. However it was at this point that he chose to donate his entire savings to Oxfam and begin travelling throughout America alone with no money, family or long term plan other than to end his journey in Alaska.

Krakauer was so fascinated by this story because it is so similar to his own. He was a climber who also has a yearning for adventure. Through out the book he talks about his life, as well as others who had a similar story. He also talks about the writers such as Thoreau, Tolstoy and Kerouac that inspired McCandless and whose words offered solace in moments of loneliness and defeat.

Photo by Laurent-34
'A self portrait of McCandless discovered in his camera after his death'

 Prior to reading this book I did idolise McCandless. However, after reading (and re reading) it I do not  feel the same. Krakauer does an excellent job at addressing Christopher as a complete character. In researching the book he visited the McCandless family and many of the people he interacted with on his journey. The young man is portrayed to be insightful, brave and incredibly committed to his moral values, as well as selfish, inconsiderate and naive. The story is evidently written with passion and as a result it reads with true emotion and honestly that reverberates far beyond its pages.

The book has been received with a mixed reception. Some (like myself) have found it incredibly powerful. One specific landmark mentioned has now become the end marker of a pilgrimage made my many who seek the same freedom that Christopher sought. However, some believe the book is simply an account of one mans naïve outlook of the wild and the dangers in places such as Alaska.

Photo by Blmiers2
'Alaska; The Last Frontier'

For me it was the most inspirational book I have ever read. It awakened a hunger for adventure and a great journey, whilst making me humble to the love I already have around me. Since reading it I have recommended it to anyone that would listen. It seems only fitting that I end with what is believed to be the last written words of a 24 year old man who left everyone who loved him in search for ‘The Wild’:

“Happiness only real when shared”

For those interested in reading this book it is available from all good providers, such as Amazon and Play.