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Death in the Wilderness by Karen McLeod
Imagine being dropped into the middle of nowhere with nothing but your wits to keep you alive. That's what happens in Death in the Wilderness, a heart-pounding novel by Karen McLeod. This gripping story takes you on a wild ride through the untamed wilderness, full of twists and turns that'll keep you guessing until the very end. With its pulse-pounding suspense and intrigue, you won't want to put this book down.
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A Jarring Disappointment: 'Death in the Wild' Falls Flat
summarizeEditor's Summary
I dove into 'Death in the Wild', Carine McCandless' book about her brother Chris's ill-fated adventure, expecting a gripping tale. Unfortunately, this book fell flat. The writing felt dry, and the story didn't live up to the hype. I was left wondering if Carine's book was just a rehash of old news or if it actually offered new insights. Either way, it wasn't worth the read. If you're looking for a compelling true story, I'd suggest sticking with the original 'Into the Wild' or 'The Wild Truth'. The book's dry writing and lack of surprises made it a chore to get through.
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Hello everyone!
I'd come across Chris McCandless' name in some article, but I'd never actually read the story. Although it did get a lot of public attention back in the day. Journalist Jon Krakauer did a deep dive investigation and wrote a book called 'Into the Wild', which was later adapted into a film with the same title.
I'd seen reviews of the movie and the book, but I'd never read or watched either. Lately, I stumbled upon a book by Carine McCandless, Chris's sister, called 'The Wild Truth'. Apparently, it's been 22 years since Chris's death, and she's finally decided to tell the whole story, claiming that Jon Krakauer didn't get the full truth.
So, what really happened to Chris? Will Carine's book tell the truth, or is it just a waste of time? Today, I'll share my thoughts after reading the book.
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A BIT ABOUT THE BOOK 'DEATH IN THE WILD'
I ordered the book from abroad, and it was surprisingly affordable – around 250 rubles for a hardcover edition. Plus, it's a relatively new release, which usually means it's more expensive than older titles.
Death in the Wild Book ReviewsThis book was published by Eksmo, and it's part of the Travel Story series. That's why I was a bit surprised when I saw the book, because it's not exactly about travel. It's more of a family story. But I'll get to that in a bit.
The cover of the book shows a part of an old bus, which is pretty symbolic. You see, Chris's body was found near a bus – it was his last refuge.
The cover is pretty eye-catching, and the most attention-grabbing part is the note that says
real-life story of Chris MacCandless' life and tragic death
I love books based on real stories, and I'm always curious about why people make certain choices. I was intrigued by Chris's decision to leave everything behind and head to the middle of nowhere in Alaska, where there's no civilization and hardly anyone around.
The back cover has the book's annotation, which piqued my interest and made me want to dive in right away. I had to know the reason behind Chris's actions, even though I had a ton of other unread books waiting for me. Did this book live up to my expectations? I'll get to that in a bit.
Death in the Wild Book ReviewsI've got to say, the book's pages are super thin and slightly see-through. It's not a huge book, just 320 pages, but I managed to read it in two days. That being said, it's not exactly captivating. There are some parts where I found myself zoning out, but I was still hoping Karin would reveal all the secrets.
And, to be honest, the additional annotation on the cover is a bit of a grabber. It's got a preface by John Krakauer, author of 'Into the Wild'. I think it's meant to appeal to fans of his book, who'll be curious to dive into this tragic story. As for me, it feels like a clever marketing ploy. They even mention the protagonist, Sean Penn. It's like they're throwing everything at the wall to get attention. And, honestly, it's a bit of a letdown.
The book's rated 18+, and it's not hard to see why. It deals with some heavy themes, like domestic violence, addiction, and substance abuse.
The story's told from Karin's perspective, and it's more of a biographical account than a work of fiction. It's based on real events, but it's not a novel. So, what's this book about, exactly?
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What's This Book About?
According to the blurb:
I'll never forget the story of Chris McCandless, the American adventurer who set out to live off the grid in Alaska's wilderness back in 1992. He took the pseudonym Alex Supertramp and embarked on a journey that would change his life forever. He lived in an old bus in Denali National Park, but tragically, he died just four months later, on August 18, 1992, from starvation. His story has been the subject of much debate and fascination, thanks to John Krakauer's book 'Into the Wild' and the film adaptation by Sean Penn. But what really drove Chris to take such a reckless step? Only one person knew the truth behind his decision, and that was his sister, Carine McCandless. She had kept quiet for 22 years, but in 2014, she finally broke her silence and shared the real story of her brother's life, their family dynamics, and the unhealthy relationships that had left emotional scars.
The image of Chris's skeletal remains, found near the old bus, is etched in my memory. It's a haunting reminder of the dangers of venturing into the unknown without proper preparation and support. His story has captivated people worldwide, and I'm no exception. What drove him to leave his family and embark on such a perilous journey? Why didn't he take a compass and map with him? The questions linger, and I'm still searching for answers.
The book 'Into the Wild' by Carine McCandless sheds light on the events leading up to Chris's ill-fated adventure. It's a gripping tale of family secrets, dysfunctional relationships, and the human desire for freedom and self-discovery. If you're as fascinated by Chris's story as I am, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
death in the wilderness book reviewsI'll never forget the day I heard about Chris McCandless' story. It's a tale of adventure, tragedy, and self-discovery that continues to captivate me to this day. What drove him to leave his family and embark on such a perilous journey? Why didn't he take a compass and map with him? The questions linger, and I'm still searching for answers. If you're as fascinated by Chris's story as I am, you owe it to yourself to read this book and uncover the truth behind his ill-fated adventure.
Some people were taken aback by his decision, while others just blasted him for being reckless. His story got a lot of attention, with journalists and even filmmakers taking notice. And based on that, a book was written and a film was made. And now, 22 years later, his sister decided to shed some light on her family's story and wrote a book.
I'm not sure if I'll watch the movie or read Krakauer's book, but I'm good with just the book from Karin. We'll see how things go and I'll share my thoughts once I've finished reading this book.
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MY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE BOOK
Overall, this book can be described as a book about Karin herself, not her brother Chris. And the tagline on the cover that says it's a true story about Chris is actually misleading.
death in the wild book reviewsI was really expecting a story about Chris. I thought Karin would tell me about her brother, why he went to Alaska. But in reality, it's a completely different story. It's about Karin and how they grew up together with Chris in a family where their father was a tyrant, an abuser.
Unfortunately, it does happen. And parents can be tyrants, not just dads, but moms too. They yell, they fight, and it leaves a mark on their kids. But that's not a reason for people to drop everything and head off into the unknown.
Karin would constantly repeat to her parents, 'you guys just didn't get it.' 'You didn't understand why Chris left?' But her parents would just shrug and genuinely not get it, and I was right there with them, wondering why this guy would do something like that. But the thing is, Karin didn't just up and leave. She didn't pack her bags and head off to Alaska.
I don't get why she'd bring up her parents' supposed destructive behavior or the complicated family situation as some kind of excuse. From what I gather from the book, after Chris left to go study, Karin barely kept in touch with him. So, to me, it seems like she's just as clueless as to why he left.
I see this book as more of a way for Karin to rekindle her interest in her brother's story, or maybe even make some extra cash by selling the book. It doesn't seem like she's genuinely trying to expose the skeletons in her family's closet.
death in the wild book reviewsTo be honest, families like Karin's aren't that uncommon. I've got a cousin whose husband is supporting another family. It's not unheard of for a guy to be living with two families. And more often than not, the women involved are aware of what's going on and are okay with it.
It's also not rare for guys to be abusive or neglectful towards their families. But when they grow up, they don't usually run off to the wilderness to prove some kind of point. They just cut ties with their family instead.
I'm being honest, I didn't really get Karin. She's writing this stuff about her parents being terrible and manipulative, pretending everything's fine on the surface but it's actually a mess. But at the same time, she's still in touch with them until the very end and I just didn't get it. Why keep toxic relationships that are only hurting you?
And to be honest, I didn't get much about Chris from Karin's story. It's like, why did he leave, what happened to him? Only John seemed to be trying to figure it out, but the rest of them, including Karin, just seemed to be moving on with their lives. She got married, started working, and just seemed to be doing her own thing.
death in the wild book reviewsSo, in a way, the book is really about Karin. It's more of an autobiography than anything else, and if you're expecting answers about Chris, you won't find them here. But you'll learn about all the husbands she's had, what she's done for work, if she has kids, what she wore to her wedding – all that stuff. I got the feeling that Karin just wanted to vent about her family and the hurt they caused her.
I have to admit, reading all about Karin's life and family wasn't really my thing. I was hoping to learn more about Chris's story, but that's not what I got.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I have to say, I was really looking forward to reading "Death in the Wild" by Karin McKeandless, but it ended up being a huge letdown. If you're into family dramas and want to peek behind the curtain, you might enjoy it, but if you're like me and want to know more about Chris's story, you'll probably be disappointed. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. I'd give it 2 stars.
Thanks for reading my review! Please like and comment below!
Please like and comment below!
Check out my profile here. You can find more reviews on my other books here.
I think you'll find these reviews interesting:
In Thin Air / The Everest Murders. Who Does the Mountain Revenge On? John Krakauer
The Unbelievable. A Crime Story That Nobody Believed. Christian Miller T., Ken Armstrong
The Disappearance of Madeleine. Anthony Summers, Robbyn Swan
Alone or Helped? How Crime Scene Investigators Cracked 50 'Perfect' Murders. David Owen, Pete Murrells, Steve Cole
Can't Breathe. Emily MacIntyre
Take care!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is 'Death in the Wild' a good read for fans of the original 'Into the Wild' story?
Unfortunately, I'd say no. While Carine McCandless offers a unique perspective on her brother's life and death, the writing felt dry and lacked the excitement and energy of the original story.
Is the book a good option for fans of true crime or adventure stories?
Yes, but only if you're looking for a decent, if unremarkable, read. The book provides a detailed account of Chris's final days, but it doesn't offer any real surprises or twists.
Is the hardcover edition of the book worth the price?
Yes, considering it's a relatively new release and the price is surprisingly affordable.
Does the book offer any new insights or perspectives on Chris McCandless' life and death?
No, unfortunately. The book felt like a rehash of old news, and I was left wondering if it was worth the read.
Is the book a good option for readers who want a compelling true story?
No, I'd suggest sticking with the original 'Into the Wild' or 'The Wild Truth' instead.
Is Carine McCandless' writing style engaging?
No, unfortunately. The writing felt dry and lacked a strong narrative voice.
Does the book provide a detailed account of Chris McCandless' final days?
Yes, but it doesn't offer any real surprises or twists.
Is the book a good option for readers who want a quick and easy read?
Yes, Carine's writing is clear and easy to follow, making it a relatively quick read.
Is the book worth reading for fans of the original 'Into the Wild' story?
No, I'd say it's not worth the read. The book's dry writing and lack of surprises make it a chore to get through.
check_circlePros
- •The book is a relatively new release, making it a good option for fans of the original story who want a more recent take.
- •Carine McCandless offers a unique perspective on her brother's life and death, which might be interesting for some readers.
- •The book provides a detailed account of Chris's final days, which might be appealing to those who want to know more about the events leading up to his death.
- •The hardcover edition is surprisingly affordable, especially considering it's a new release.
- •The book is a decent option for fans of true crime or adventure stories who are looking for a new read.
- •Carine's writing is clear and easy to follow, making it a relatively quick read.
- •The book does offer some new details about Chris's life and death, which might be worth reading for fans of the original story.
- •The book is a good option for readers who want a detailed account of Chris's final days.
cancelCons
- •The writing felt dry and lacked the excitement and energy of the original 'Into the Wild' story.
- •The book didn't offer any new insights or perspectives that I hadn't already heard before.
- •The story felt like a rehash of old news, which made it hard to get invested in the plot.
- •The book was overhyped, and I was left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.
- •The writing lacked a strong narrative voice, which made it hard to connect with the characters.
- •The book didn't provide any real surprises or twists, which made it feel predictable and unengaging.
- •The book's dry writing made it a chore to get through.
- •The book didn't offer any new information about Chris's life and death.
