The Wild Truth Paperback – Illustrated, November 17, 2015

I have been intrigued by the Chris McCandless story since the first article appeared in Outside magazine so many years ago. I loved INTO THE WILD the book, and years later felt that the movie by the same name was, though as one so often finds not as good as the book, a beautiful visual tribute. However, all three left me wondering what they weren't saying. They seemed to mention some dark underlying family issues but did not provide many details. While it was not and should not be the main focus of the story, it did leave some lingering questions in order to view Chris's journey in the most accurate context.When Chris's parents published a book with actual photos from his camera, I was tempted to purchase it but resisted. I did not feel that their intentions were in the right place, and I did not want to contribute to that. I decided to leave my curiosity unsatisfied.The I heard that Chris's sister, Carine, was publishing her own book, driven by a desire to clear misconceptions that had arisen about her brother and to say all that had previously been left unsaid. Thus I came to purchase THE WILD TRUTH. Suffice it to say that I found what I was looking for: insight, clarification, and understanding. I do not feel that this book was a soap box for Carine to trash her parents, not on any level. I think she was as fair as possible in simply presenting the facts and letting the reader draw his or her own conclusions which, of course, are somewhat inevitable given their actions. I feel that she was brave as this exploration and revelation of her past could certainly not have been easy. I do feel that her intentions were honorable and that she truly wanted to correct the increasingly popular misconception that Chris was nothing more than some spoiled, ungrateful teenager rebelling against his parents. I believe she succeeded as much as possible in that effort, though there will always be those who in ignorance will chose to believe what they wish to believe.Many reviewers commented on the fact that Carine focuses much of the book on her own story. Well, of course she does. Once Chris left Atlanta, she was neither on Chris's journey with him nor in communication with him. It surely would have been easy for her to speculate and speak on his behalf, but the priority of this book was revelation of truth, so she stuck to the facts. Naturally, that means telling the story from her perspective and describing what was going on in her life while simultaneously Chris was experiencing the adventures described in INTO THE WILD. Many reviewers also commented on the fact that Carine has ended three marriages, which I really don't see as relevant. I believe she is proud of the fact that she does not stay in bad relationships as her mother did. Perhaps one could make the argument that she went to the other extreme and leaves too soon, but we do not have enough information to draw that or any conclusion, nor should we. It is not the point of her story.Overall I enjoyed this book thoroughly and had difficulty putting it down. I think Carine for writing it, for honoring Chris and for sharing the whole, true story with those of us who care to know it. I lost my own brother this year, and I can empathize with the importance of honoring the memory of loved one and ensuring that he is remembered for who and what he truly was, particularly when truth was one of the defining values of his short life.

I am so glad I finally read this book. At the time of the release of the movie “Into The Wild” I had just read Jon Krakauer’s book of the same name, which had generated a lot of banter among my circle of hiking and nature bloggers. Remembering all the discussions, I was keenly aware of all the knee jerk reaction to Chris McCandless’s story. Lots of people pontificating about how he was so self-obsessed and all. About how he failed to understanding how he was causing pain to others, or didn’t care, or both. I remember feeling a lot of empathy toward Chris McCandless. Somehow, I related to what I perceived as his reverence of nature, and his disaffection with the trappings of modern society, even though I really didn’t know the whole story. I was very happy to find proof that all the others were so wrong. The book kind set them up for that, but now I know why. I can also understand better now why his story seemed to have some parallel to my own attitudes. His death was tragic of course, and it is supremely sad that he paid so dearly for small mistakes that anyone could have made. I can only take solace in having his example. In that way his spirit lives on. The book is well written and is a necessary and worthwhile companion to Krakauer’s book. I would recommend both for the outdoorsy crowd, or anyone else who would benefit from the telling of a human story that involves family dysfunction and depth of character.

I loved this book for a million reasons! First, it is a story of perseverance on the face of terrible circumstances. Second, it is dedicated to truth, and it spits in the face of farce, hypocrisy and false pretenses. Third, it emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, which is so much more valuable than all that riches can buy. Fourth, it exposes the evil of child abuse, both physical and verbal. It is never OK to take your anger out on your children, even if you believe they're the cause. But there is always a chance for reconciliation if BOTH parties are willing to admit their failures and errors to one another. Unfortunately, in Chris and Carine's case, their parents remained in denial of the severity of their actions and never asked their children for forgiveness, almost as if they completely blocked their terrible behavior out of their minds because it world be too difficult to admit they weren't perfect. Fifth, it exposes the terrible fact that religion so often is used as a cover up for terrible behavior, and in fact, can be used as a weapon of abuse against others. As a committed Christian, I especially hate to see this, as it causes so many people to reject Christianity as a mere farce. Finally, though I could go on, this book shows the beauty of relationships that are authentic, loving, supportive, kind, committed and self-sacrificing. It was an awesome read, and it leaves me highly encouraged about renewal in the face of suffering, joy following adversity, and sincere love sprouting from mourning.