The spellbinding story of Chris McCandless, who gave away his savings, hitchhiked to Alaska, walked into the wilderness alone, and starved to death in 1992, fascinated not just New York Times bestselling author Jon Krakauer, but also the rest of the nation. Krakauer’s book,Into the Wild, became an international bestseller, translated into thirty-one languages, and Sean Penn’s inspirational film … inspirational film by the same name further skyrocketed Chris McCandless to global fame. But the real story of Chris’s life and his journey has not yet been told – until now. The missing pieces are finally revealed in The Wild Truth, written by Carine McCandless, Chris’s beloved and trusted sister. Featured in both the book and film, Carine has wrestled for more than twenty years with the legacy of her brother’s journey to self-discovery, and now tells her own story while filling in the blanks of his. Carine was Chris’s best friend, the person with whom he had the closest bond, and who witnessed firsthand the dysfunctional and violent family dynamic that made Chris willing to embrace the harsh wilderness of Alaska. Growing up in the same troubled household, Carine speaks candidly about the deeper reality of life in the McCandless family. In the many years since the tragedy of Chris’s death, Carine has searched for some kind of redemption. In this touching and deeply personal memoir, she reveals how she has learned that real redemption can only come from speaking the truth.
“The Wild Truth is an important book on two fronts: It sets the record straight about a story that has touched thousands of readers, and it opens up a conversation about hideous domestic violence hidden behind a mask of prosperity and propriety.”–NPR.org
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I’m so glad Carine decided to share the full story of what Krakauer only eluded to in Into the Wild. If you were intrigued by Chris McCandless, this book sheds much additional light on his life and what may have driven him to reject his parents and escape into nature. Heart-wrenching, but I now have a greater understanding of why McCandless made the choices he did.
I wish I had read Into the Wild first. Interesting story that is probably true of many families.
This is the sad but true story of Chris mcCandless and his family. His father lead a double life and had two families. He was also a abuser. Chris walked away from all of that leaving one sister (Carine) in particular devastated. Chris went to Alaska to live in the wilderness but was unprepared for the wilderness life. He died of starvation. Through all of this Carine learned a lot to which inspired her for her life. The story was written first without exposing the father’s double life. A movie was also made which lead Carine to write the rest of the story.
This book answers a lot of question. I always thought there must be more to the story of why Chris McCandless (Into the Wild) walked off into the Alaska wilderness after having finished his college degree. In The Wild Truth his sister answers those questions. It is an interesting story to say the least. I always find it fascinating how resilient children can be growing up with constant chaos in their lives. Into the Wild should definitely be read before The Wild Truth.
Great companion read to Into the Wild
Very informative. The story behind Into The Wild.
Sad, sad story. The Alaskan wilderness is not to be trifled with, though this story could have happened anywhere in the Rocky Mountains. Good example of the Darwin Affect.
Loved the background of this troubled family.
Really good “other side of the story” in helping explain the “why” behind Chris living the nomadic life he chose.
Such a wonderful companion to Into the Wild. Wonderfully written and clears up so many unanswered question about Chris McCandless and pays homage to his siblings
A heartfelt family tragedy fairly reported
Excellent follow up to Into the Wild by Jon Krakhouer. (Spelling?)
I remember that all I could think of after seeing the movie “Into the Wild” was what a tragic waste of such a beautiful young soul. I just didn’t understand Chris’ motivation for chucking everything and going to Alaska, but now I have a better handle on the situation and wonder why Carine didn’t do the same. Chris left his poisonous parents and mock family to strip bare his life and find out who he truly was and to possibly be happy. Carine stayed behind in hopes that some day she would find or hear from her beloved brother, Chris, or so she told herself. I don’t think she knew how to happy or had the courage to try at this point in her life. While Chris unfortunately died, Carine paid the higher price of living with her parents’ unfailing selfishness and her own failed marriages and financial misadventures. If only she could have allowed herself to break free like Chris had to find and forge her own identity and have some chance of a happy healthy life sooner than she did.
It’s been years since since I read this book. I don’t consider him to be very wise to do what he did. He died a horrible death all alone and starving to death. Yes I recommend this book!
Sad story, told well.
Interesting especially if you liked Into the Wild. This book follows the dysfunctional family and the troubles the brother and sister had growing up.
Kind of long and dragged out.
Hard to imagine going where he went with no map — and simply taking a map with him might have saved him.
A lesson in life and feelings..
I always love people’s stories. I had read Into the Wild and wanted to know more about this tragedy.