Common Sense Note
Parents need to know this bestseller was intended for adult readers, but teens may want to read the book, too, thanks to the release of the movie adaptation directed by Sean Penn. This dense read chronicles the path taken by a 24-year old across the country leading to his death, alone in a remote part of Alaska. Readers will find lots of hitchhiking, discussions of an adulterous relationship, challenges between father and son, and a family's uncertainty of a son's whereabouts and grief upon hearing of his death. The author talks of others who have been on similar journeys and his own experiences on a high-risk climb in Alaska (including smoking a joint and setting part of his tent on fire). It depends on the teen as to whether they take it as a cautionary tale or a call to nonconformity.
Families can talk about risk behaviors, including the dangers of hitchhiking and living in a remote area on your own. Krakauer intersperses passages from Thoreau, Muir, London, and others, which may spark an interest in other readings by these authors. Also, parents can ask their teens about their own wanderlust. What is the lure of a wilderness adventure? Or would you rather tour foreign cities? How can this sense adventure be satisfied while being safe? What are specific precautions you should take as a young traveler?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Most teens fantasize about life on his/her own, leaving boundaries set by families and living according to their own rules. Most though do it by moving to another city and still maintain a connection to their families. Chris McCandless did it on his own terms, completely cutting the cord from his parents and sister after college graduation, giving all his savings to a charity, and heading west in his yellow Datsun. He denounced his past, renaming himself Alexander Supertramp. Two years later his decomposed body was found by moose hunters in an old bus in the bush of Alaska.
Jon Krakauer, who admits that he identifies with McCandless, carefully follows the bread crumb trail of McCandless' flight. He chronicles the route taken, the people he met, and gives his analysis of McCandless' final months in Alaska. He recognizes the recklessness of his behavior and naiveté of his actions, but also describes his brilliance and thoughtfulness, thus setting the record straight about his death.
By no means is the author suggesting a similar flight for readers, however. Without over sentimentalizing, he recognizes that most people would not have the wits, intelligence, or internal strength to live as McCandless did for those two years. Ultimately, McCandless made a tragic mistake; one that may not have been made if he had more experience living in the bush, brought a companion, or had a means of communication.
It's a chilling read and one that can't be put down, but it may not be appropriate for sensitive teen readers or any teens without the maturity to see past the adventure. Overall, parents who have enjoyed it and passed it on to their teens will have much to discuss.
From The Book
Because he lacked a good map, the cable spanning the river also remained incognito. Studying the Teklanika's violent flow, McCandless thus mistakenly concluded that it was impossible to reach the eastern shore. Thinking that his escape route had been cut off, he returned to the bus -- a reasonable course of action, given his topographical ignorance. But why did he then stay at the bus and starve? Why, come August, didn't he try once more to cross the Teklanika, when it would have been running significantly lower, when it would have been safe to ford?
Plot Summary:
From the start, the reader learns of Chris McCandless' death and how he was found. Slowly the story unravels in a piecemeal chronological fashion. The reader learns of his upbringing in a wealthy family living in Virginia; meets the members of his family and discovers the causes for challenging relationships; and tails him on his wanderings that started soon after high school graduation.
In college he becomes more distanced from his parents, especially his father, and without any communication after graduation he begins his journey. The reader learns of the places he visited, relationships he formed, the letters he wrote, and his family's reaction to his death. Krakauer parallels this experience with others who have sought adventure, including himself.
Related Books:
Teens who enjoyed this book may also be ready for some Thoreau, Muir, and London.
More Adult Adventures from Krakauer:
Into Thin Air
Young Adult Adventure Reading:
Peak by Roland Smith
Adventures for Tweens:
The Legend of Bass Reeves by Gary Paulsen
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance by Jennifer Armstrong
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Sexual ContentGirl flirts with boy; teens discuss "getting laid" story told of teen drunk trying to have sex with teenage girl; father has affair with ex-wife and she becomes pregnant. |
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ViolenceDiscussion of what happens to one's body if facing starvation, hypothermia, poison. Animals hunted and shot with guns. |
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Language"F--k," "Hell," "S--t," "Goddamn," "Ass." |
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Social BehaviorParents have strained relationship with teen son. Father lies to family. Main character builds strong relationships with adult individuals on the road, but he chooses to be on his own, rebuffing their support and help. |
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CommercialismMention of Kmart, Colgate toothpaste, Sizzler. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoAuthor mentions own experience with marijuana; adults drink to get drunk and use dope. Man with drinking problems. |
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