# data[].attributes.body
I most definitely don't love Chris. When it comes to friendships and relationships, the thing I hate most is ambiguity and avoidance of confrontation and communication. Though I do commend him for making such a trip. His efforts and accomplishments are definitely noteworthy. However, I feel nothing positive for him past that. When it comes to socializing with others, he's great, charming, but he sucks at taking advice and connecting with them on a deeper level. As a result, he ends up hurting many because he pushes them away. I think this tendency comes from his childhood. Walt and Billie clearly aren't the best parents - they're workaholics that paid little to no attention to their children when they were young and the two often broke out into fights in front of Chris and Carine. It does make me sad though that it took little to no hesitation to go on such a long trip. Personally, I would be held back by the thought of leaving my friends and family behind. In that sense, I'm a lot more fortunate than Chris is - I have people I care about.

That isn't to say that Chris didn't get especially close with anyone during his trip. He made friends like Wayne Westerberg and Jan Burres that he did occasionally write to as promised. Most notably, Ron Franz, an old man that really came to love Chris, he even wanted to adopt Chris as his own son. While it does sadden me that Chris eventually left so many people behind, I'm glad that they all care for him dearly and reached out to authorities after hearing news about his death.

Once he reached Alaska, he did plan on going back home and reintroducing himself into society. However, he loses the chance to do so after ingesting poison and dying starvation. I can't help but think about how his family feels. There are small excerpts about his family losing weight or eating compulsively, crying, having a difficult time. But I wonder, what sort of regrets they have. Is his father wishing that he reached out to his son when noticing how distant he had become before disappearing? Does his mom wish that she paid more attention to him during his early years? Is his sister wishing that she talked to him more after he went on his first trip?
Would any of that even matter to Chris?

Both Chris' parents seem to have difficulty expressing their love for one another and for their children - maybe it's pride. That difficulty probably translated to Chris. Chris grew up with very little example of what love and human intimacy really is. After all, he has very extreme scrutiny of society and capitalism because of his workaholic parents.

Chris very clearly is a capable and more than average person. Of course the sole reason for his journey remains unknown. Maybe he was urged by his feelings for his family, maybe he was too idealistic and impulsive, maybe he just had a very strong calling to the wild, maybe it's all of those reasons combined.

Krakauer did a wonderful job in telling Chris' story. Despite giving away Chris' ending very early on, the organization  and the language composition of the book "Into the Wild" is outstanding.

#childhoodtrauma #regrets #respectforChris

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I wouldn't say that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I was more fortunate than many. My family's financial situation has been pretty stable for the most part. Of course, when I was younger, I didn't realize how much it took to raise me. Time and effort aside, a very notable sum of money was also necessary. Before I started working part-time jobs, I would always save my birthday, Christmas, or Chinese New Year's money in order to buy gifts for my loved ones. It wasn't until 2020 that I started working a part time job as a server and cashier at a Vietnamese restaurant. Since then, I have been paying for my own things whether it be food, clothes, gifts, or gas money. There are things that my parents still pay for me like my car insurance and college tuition, but whatever I can cover with my own pocket money, I most definitely will. Since I've started working and driving, I feel like I've crossed a milestone into a larger form of independence. Again, my family has no issue in paying for these things for me, but there's a sense of satisfaction when I'm able to manage my own finances. I want to be financially independent at a young age, preferably when I'm around 18 or 19 years old. I think I'm doing pretty will so far with that front with my savings account and current management.

Because I'm so drawn to this satisfaction, my future odyssey will be becoming a successful business woman. Aside from just comfortably managing my own finances, I also want many pets. Kids? Not so much... but definitely a few dogs and maybe a few cats as well. I want to be able to find a comfortable and spacious home to live in with my pack of pets and possibly even a lifelong partner.

Whatever the case is, I think the epitome of this success and future will rely on my financial situation. Therefore, I'm going take finance classes in college and further my business insight as a Business Administrations Major. I'm going to strengthen and broaden my social network and keep my eye on the prize. No matter what, I will get exactly what I want, and I won't ever stop until I get there.

#unwaveringdetermination #money #financialindependence

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Summary:
Twenty-three years after McCandless' death, Krakauer still ponders the mystery (P1) of the journal entry "Extremely weak fault of pot seed much trouble just to stand up starving, great jeopardy." From further research, Krakauer came up with the theory that the potato seeds that Chris had consumed contained a neurotoxin (P6) called beta-ODAP; a compound known to gradually paralyze its consumer. Following this research, he sent the seeds back to Michigan lab when he then found an alarmingly high concentration of not the neurotoxin, but of an amino acid (P9) called L-canavanine, a compound that slowly ruins the metabolism (P10) of its consumer instead. Despite such extensive research, debate (P18) upon Chris McCandless' cause of death still continues.

Analysis:
I think Krakauer is rather obsessive over this mystery. I honestly would've been satisfied by that last conjecture saying that the seeds had turned toxic in order to protect itself during the winter. While I do think it's great that his curiosity has been satiated, I don't think that solving such mystery is worth so much time and money.

#neurotoxins #goneoverboard #watchwhatyoueat

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Chris' parents, Walt and Billie McCandless take a trip to see the bus where Chris stayed by the Teklanika River. Billie McCandless wanted to take the Stampede Trail to see Chris' perspective. However, they had to take a helicopter (p.201) because the water levels of the river was too high for an eight-wheeler to cross. Contrary to what some might've expected, both Walt and Billie were rather calm (p.201), no tears (p.202) were shed as the couple reminisced the loss of their son. When they arrived at the bus, Walt and Billie looked around at the surroundings (p.202) and were relieved. The place was beautiful, nostalgic for Billie, they were glad that Chris died in such a serene place. As they prepared to leave Walt and Billie made a small memorial (p.202) for Chris - a brass plaque inscribed with simple words and a small bouquet.

Analysis:
This was a nice ending to follow the loss of our main character. I can't help but pity the couple, especially Walt because he never really got the chance to mend his relationship with his son, but now I feel more relieved for the two than anything else. I'm glad that they both got to see the things that Chris saw at the last moments of his life.

#relief #reminiscent #itgetsbetter

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Summary:
Chris' health conditions quickly went down hill. Some have thinks that he wanted to go back home and assimilate himself into being a member of society. In Alaska, he did pretty well hunting, food was plentiful (p.188). However, within the span of 2-3 weeks, Chris died a long, excruciating death by starvation. A few conjectures (p.189) have been made to explain why his health depleted so rapidly, but it was for sure by being poisoned (p.190). One of the more accepted hypotheses is that he had confused (p. 191) the seedpods (p. 191) of a plant that was safe and a plant that was poisonous. In the end, the actual reason behind his death is that as the seasons change, the seedpod of the plant he was consuming developed a coat of poisoning so that it can protect itself during the cold months.

Analysis:
I like Chris' attitude in this chapter. Despite being at the brink of death, he's still optimistic. He accepts his downfall and goes in a very prideful and dignified manner. I can't help but wonder what his relationship with his family would be like had he have returned; but then again, if he returned, this book might not exist for its purpose is for readers to understand why and how Chris McCandless died on his journey.

#theend #potatoseeds #112days

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Summary:
In this chapter, Krakauer and a couple companions try to make way to Chris' bus. The Teklanika river is cold and dangerous with strong rapids (p.173), making Chris decide not to cross it. Had he have brought a map (p.173) with him, he would've realized that there are actually baskets (p. 174) stationed by the government on the side of the river. Many outsiders who didn't necessarily support Chris' decisions to embark on his journey had a great deal to say; especially when a few experienced hunters in the area identified the moose he caught to actually be a caribou (p.177). That sparked many speculations by outsiders which said that Chris was incompetent (p.178) and ill prepared.

Analysis:
Though Chris is ill prepared pretty much throughout the entire book, things usually work out - often because he bumps into someone that eventually becomes a 'friend.' However, the odds were against him this time around. If he had a map he would've been made it past the river; I would even argue that a mere map would've saved his life.

#outofluck #baskets #salvation

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Summary:
Following after his own story, Krakauer resumes McCandless' "great Alaskan odyssey" (p. 157), where he departs (p.157) Carthage and hitchhikes through Canada. Chris then meets Gaylord Stuckey. As the two talked, Chris asked Stuckey to give him a ride since they were headed to the same destination. However, the company that Stuckey was working for was strict on allowing hitchhikers. After a short while though, Stuckey reconsidered (p.158) and gave Chris a ride to Liard. During their time together on the road, Stuckey became quite fond of Chris and Chris too felt rather comfortable around the man. At the end of their time together, Stuckey practically begged (p. 160) Chris to call his parents to which Chris gives a very open ended response, "Maybe I will and maybe I won't." Later on, Chris hitches a ride from Jim Gallien and then walked along the Teklanika River afterwards. There he manages to hunt a good amount of food. His biggest hunt though was a moose (p.166). However, due to his lack of knowledge in preserving such a large amount of meat, a solid majority of the moose went to waste. Eventually, Chris does decide to head back home, but due to the conditions of the Teklanika, when the snow has melted and water levels increased, it was impossible for Chris to cross.

Analysis:
I have mixed feelings for Chris (as I have been since the very beginning). Though I do think that Chris is more capable of surviving in the bush than the average person, I also think that he's too naive (overconfident maybe?). His gear and preparation for such a dangerous trip is very lacking. Had he have brought a map, he would've been able to cross safely and return.

#hunting #cantreturn #getamap

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Summary:
In defeat, Krakauer comes back to his tent and decides to smoke a joint. Essentially after smoking for a while, Krakauer feels the need to munch on something and grabs a match to light up his portable stove. Smart move of him to toss the match aside without blowing it out. Krakauer ended up burning a hole through the expensive tent that his father reluctantly (p.147) lent him. Like McCandless, Krakauer also has quite a complicated (p.147) relationship with his father, one that's distant with an "unbridgeable gulf (p. 148). Using his bitter memories with his father as motivation, Krakauer packs his things and reattempts the climb, this time on an easier route which was terrifying (p. 150) regardless. Surprisingly enough, despite knowing the dangers of this trip, the very idea of his own death (p. 151) was a concept that he didn't even consider a possibility. Contrary to Krakauer's expectations, the ascent changed his life very minimally.

Analysis:
Krakauer and McCandless are strangely, too similar; especially when it comes to their idealistic desires to rebel and disappear into the wild. At least McCandless was smart enough not to smoke marijuana in the middle of the bush.

#dontsmoke #southeastside #notlifechanging

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Summary:
Here, Krakauer begins telling his own story. He begins by talking about his childhood, which is uncannily similar to Chris', especially when it came to attitude, desire for extremes, and relationship with fatherly figures (p.134). At age 23. Krakauer embarks on a journey to climb the Devil's Thumb. Krakauer marvels over his obsession (p.134) for climbing as if it were some kind of "pornographic fascination" (p.135). Both McCandless and Krakauer crave that sort of high from fear and danger. Neither had a single doubt that making their trip would not transform (p.135) their life. As expected, the climb was dangerous, fatal even.

Analysis:
Sometimes I question why a book was written about some guy who obsessed over disconnecting from civilization in such an extreme manner and this chapter gave me the exact answer to it. Aside from this story being "out of the norm" the author, Krakauer has very similar impulses and fascination to that of McCandless. Throughout the book, Krakauer occasionally provides stories of other people who had the same desires as Chris as if trying to rationalize or even normalize McCandless' decisions.

#tooextreme #fataldecisions #waytoorisky

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Summary:
This chapter focuses on Carine's relationship with Chris as well as her reaction when hearing that he passed. As she reminisced all the times that Chris briefly notified his family that he was going to disappear for a while, she remembered his attachment to their dog Buckley. Thought Chris is adamant about going into the wild on such hazardous conditions, she knew that if Chris took Buckley with him he would've been more cautious in avoiding dangers (p.128). Though Carine and Chris did clash (p.129) with their parents, unlike Chris, Carine managed to amend that relationship. As previous chapters mentioned Chris' closeness with Carine, that later on is emphasized as Chris writes to Carine saying that he feels that she is the only (p.129) person that he could truly trust. Of course, when Carine heard about Chris' death, she couldn't help but fall into denial, she nearly went hysterical (p.130). Many of her friends were concerned that she had become anorectic (p.131). Likewise to Carine, Billie and Walt was also greatly affected by the news.

Analysis:
Like Carine, I can't help but wonder if things would be different if Chris took Buckley with him. Because Buckley is already so weak, it's no question that Chris can't and wouldn't take Buckley to Alaska. Though Chris has no issue putting himself in such dangers, he most definitely wouldn't have done the same if Buckley was with him.

#Buckleyintothewild #thenewsbreaksout #theremains

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Summary:
Finally a look into the rest of the McCandless family. Walt McCandless, Chris' father is a rather rough and stubborn man who is accustomed to calling the shots. Clearly, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree because Chris too is quite stubborn and intense (p.105). Carine, his sister who's younger by 3 years, said that Chris is very "to himself" (p.107) a behavior in which is quite prevalent in the book. Though Chris has friends and has no issue socializing, he's not too great at opening up about himself. Walt and Billie didn't necessarily provide the two siblings the most loving and ideal home environment; both really only cared about work, making the two feel neglected and ignored (p.109). Walt and Billie also had conversations that eventually erupted into verbal sparring (p. 109) which forced Chris and Carine into the position of protecting one another. Like his parents though, Chris was a hard worker. However, he didn't value money and contrarily despised capitalism (p.115).

Analysis:
I can see how a lot of Chris character is a result of his less than ideal family life. Seeing as there wasn't much love and compassion between his parents, it was probably really difficult for him to understand what is and isn't love, hence making him fear and avoid such unknown gray areas.

#childhoodtrauma #moneycantbuyhappiness #workaholicparents

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Summary:
When Chris' body was discovered. Many speculations (p. 99) about how McCandless died and his identity was brought about. Whoever he was, authorities came to the conclusion that Chris died an excruciating death as he desperately (p. 98) tried to survive starvation and the harsh weather conditions of Alaska. News of the body's discovery was put onto front pages of newspapers (p. 101). Jim Gallien, someone who Chris had hitchhiked with came across the headline. The news was also broadcasted on radio (p.100) stations where Westerberg heard about the news. Because many have gone to authorities claiming that they knew the identity of the body, when Gallien and Westerberg called in, the troopers didn't take them seriously (p.101). Eventually, Westerberg was able to provide the troopers with Chris' Social Security number in which they were able to track back to Virginia.

Analysis:
Despite McCandless' tendency to avoid any sort of human intimacy, I'm quite relieved that there's still people that care for him.

#socialsecurity #identifyingthebody #headlines

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Summary:
Yet another story about a man who made similar decisions to that of McCandless -- Everett Ruess. Like McCandless, Ruess seemed to welcome (p. 92) phsycial discomfort, and during his own odyssey (p. 93), he too changed his name - Nemo. However, unlike Chris, Ruess travels southwest instead of north. After his so-called disappearance (p.94), a search party was sent to look for him, but not much was found, only a donkey and markings on cave walls. Many guesses have been made as to what really happened to him. Some say he was murdered (p. 95) while others say he fell off a cliff (p.96). Simply put, he was just reckless.

Analysis:
Krakauer obviously continues to include stories of other individuals who have disappeared and embarked on journeys like Chris had in order to tell readers that Chris isn't crazy. Is that really the case? or is Chris not the only one that's crazy?

#disappearance #dropout #incommunicado

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Summary:
This chapter is essentially about others who, just like McCandless, took their desire to explore the wilderness to extremes. They were so fixated and adamant in satisfying these impractical (p.85) desires became rather obsessive (p. 74). All of these individuals were in some senses similar to McCandless, a bit too idealistic (p. 71) and ignorant (p.72) even. Though they all were prepared to an extent, I would argue that they were a bit too naive, undermining the fatal conditions of Alaska. Of them all though, I think McCunn was the most unlike McCandless. McCunn took on his journey rather impulsively (p. 81). and assumed that help would eventually come.

Analysis:
Frankly I think in one way or another, all of these examples that Krakauer provided were all unprepared and naive. Their fascination and insatiable thirst for these journeys and discoveries lead them straight to their death because they either undermined the extremities of Alaska or thought too highly of their own capabilities, or maybe even both.

#extremes #pathtodownfall #naive

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Summary:
McCandless has to go back to Carthage so that he could get a job and save up to buy gear for his journey to Alaska. He decided to work at Westerberg's grain elevator (p.62). Throughout this chapter, we as readers get a sense of reliability and stability from McCandless. Like his time working at McDonald's, McCandless always showed up even when he had to work tedious (p.62) jobs that everyone else dreaded. As intelligent as McCandless is, there are gaps (p.63) in his thinking. Maybe his brain is too busy and full of such complex ideas that he lacks that bit of simplicity and common sense. During this time, Westerberg also introduced McCandless to his girlfriend, Gail Borah. Like many others that McCandless met throughout this book, Borah also feels drawn to looking out for him. Throughout the conversations that Borah recalls having with McCandless, she says that she feels as though something was gnawing (p.63) at him, in which she accurately assumes whatever was bothering him was a grudge that he held against his dad which stuck (p. 64) with him.

Analysis:
I really like Borah's description of McCandless; she seems to be able to read and understand him a bit better than the others do. Though he only ever talked about his sister when it came to his family. she was able to come up with a rather accurate conjecture of McCandless' relationship with his family. I particularly liked the bit that Krakauer included where Borah said that if she had known that McCandless would go in such a way, she would've spoken up an knocked some sense into his head.

#borahsregret #backincarthage #grudge

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Summary:
And yet again, Chris McCandless continues on his journey and bonds with someone only to leave them behind. During his stay in Anza-Borrego, he meets an eighty (p.48) year old man, Ron Franz. Due to a car accident, Franz lost his wife and only son. Since then he has unofficially adopted (p.50) somewhere around 14 kids. Naturally, as the Franz and McCandless grow closer, Franz's "instinct" or "emotional reaction" was to adopt McCandless as his grandson (p.55). Chris' behavior remains the same with everyone he's met thus far, he evaded (p.55) strengthening that bond with Franz; wanting to avoid any sort of human intimacy. On their last day together, Franz brought a video camera (p.54) with him to tape whatever memory of Chris he could onto.

Analysis:
I empathize for Franz. He's an 80 year old man who wants nothing more but a friend and someone to continue his family lineage. Unfortunately for him, Chris, the boy that he's grown so attached to isn't someone who can fulfill those roles. I thought it was odd when Chris wrote Franz a letter and encouraged Franz to abandon everything and embark on a journey yet again. Funnier yet, Franz, the 80-year old man followed Chris' advice and waited for him at the site where Chris stayed when they first met.

#poorFranz #young80yearold #videorecorder

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Summary:
When McCandless makes it to Bullhead City, he stops moving for over two months (p.39), which is a relatively long stay compared to his stay in other cities. There, he gets a job and a McDonald's and even considers settling (p.39) there which comes to us readers at quite the surprise since McCandless has always been so adamant about his journey; it was uncharacteristic (p.40) of McCandless. Throughout his time working, many of his fellow employees have occasionally offered him a ride home and such but he would decline with an excuse (p.41) which honestly sounds much more fitting of him. Later on during his stay in Bullhead City, he contacts Jan Burres and her boyfriend who drives down to visit him. The moment that Jan begins to mother (p.45) McCandless, he takes off.

Analysis:
McCandless' tendency to avoid any sort of human intimacy becomes a rather common pattern throughout this story. I would even argue that it's starting to become an overarching theme. It's sad though. To an extent I would say that this sort of habit stems from his lack of connection with his family. However, I also think that his "habit" per say is also a result of McCandless living in his head too much.

#oldhabitsdiehard #McDonald's #avoidance

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Summary:
In this chapter, Chris McCandless abandons (p.26) his Yellow Datsun, a vehicle (p.26) that he was adamant about keeping for the rest of his life. This however, wasn't a choice that Chris was willing to make, his was forced into this situation as a flash flood got his car engine (p.28) wet. From his impatience in trying to run the car with a wet engine, he ended up draining the car's battery and the only way he could've moved on with his Datsun was to seek help from someone or the authority. In the end, the seemingly only thing that he was attached to had to be left behind. As much of a setback as this was, Chris found a new sense of freedom (p.27), being able to once again rid himself of not-so-necessary belongings. After abandoning his car and having to continue his journey on foot, he eventually met Jan Burres and her boyfriend; both became rather fond of Chris overtime, calling him a "good kid" (p.30).

Analysis:
Quite frankly, I think Chris has major detachment issues. It's no surprise though considering how he grew up with his family. It seems as though he didn't feel a single thing when disappearing on them like that. Despite the many people that he's bonded with on his journey, he's still adamant about leaving them behind and continuing his journey. While I admire his determination, I still think he's coldhearted.

#detachmentissues #coldhearted #leavingeveryoneandeverythingbehind

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Summary:
It is as clear as day that Chris McCandless does not have a very strong relationship with his family. When he announces his plans, saying that he'll probably disappear (p.21) for a while, no one really reacted, knowing that it was a rather common occurrence for Chris and that he'd come back. His family had to find out the hard way that he's not returning. He asked for all the letters to be sent back in August, when he had already embarked on his journey a couple of weeks ago. This chapter takes place in Carthage, a small town that he becomes very fond of. There, he developed bonds (p.19) with the townspeople and enjoyed telling his many stories (p.16). The townspeople described him as someone who was ethical (p.18) and intelligent (p.18).

Analysis:
As Jon Krakauer describes the small town of Carthage, he repeated the word "one" (p. 16) and "lone" (p.16). This makes me wonder that another reason why McCandless has grown so fond of the town may be because he resonates with the lonesomeness and independence of the town. I empathize with McCandless' sister. Though he said that he's close with her, he didn't say a single farewell to her.

#acoldgoodbye #thesmalltownofcarthage #unreceivedletters

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Summary:
Immediately after reading about the start of his journey, readers are then presented with Chris McCandless' death. In the epigraph, Jon Krakauer includes an excerpt of Jack London's description of the Stampede Trail from the book "White Fang." Jack London describes the trail as ominous (p.9) and lifeless (p.9). Right off the bat, readers can infer that Chris McCandless did not die an easy death. Unfortunately, the cries for help were only heard when it was much too late. McCandless' body was found about 2 and a half weeks in a bus (p.12) after his death. Authorities (p.14) were unable to find much about his identity because Chris McCandless had rid of any sort of identification long ago. However, they were able to come to the conclusion that McCandless died an agonizing pain due to starvation (p.14).

Analysis:
To be quite frank, I was a bit thrown off to read about the end of Chris McCandless' story so soon. However, after a bit of thought, it makes sense. The book is organized in this way to take away the reader's attention from the end/destination of the journey and focus it more onto the actual journey itself. There were some parts of this chapter that had quite vivid imagery, especially the part about the sleeping bag. I also find it to be painfully ironic. In the first chapter, when he was offered ample help, he accepted little to none of it. However, in the second chapter, when he's begging for help, there was none.

#theend #thebus #theirony

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Summary: Chris McCandless, or as introduced to Jim Gallien, Alex, begins his journey into the wild with very minimal (p.5), lacking gear. Many elements such as the epigraph and Jim Gallien's commentary foreshadowed how dangerous and fatal (p.6) Alex's journey could possibly be. Despite Gallien's many attempts to help Alex, Alex was determined (p.6) to manage on his own. After Gallien dropped Alex off at the bush, he decided against calling authorities because he figured that Alex would probably dip out on his journey and go back to the highway to seek help. Of course, that's what a normal (p.7) person would do, but right off the bat, Alex seems far from being normal.

Analysis:
Right at the start, I was a little thrown off by the way Jim Gallien and Alex refer to the wilderness as the bush. While the wilderness has such heavy and precarious connotations, the bush has such light and minor connotations. The usage of the wilderness and the bush interchangeable downplays the dangers the Alex will soon face. So far, I really enjoy the word choice and the author's tone, it adds great value to the foreshadowing element of this chapter.

#worriedforAlex #howrisky #rubberboots

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I joined Scouts when I was in the 4th grade in 2013. Aside from making new friends and learning a multitude of survival and communication skills, I also started camping with my troop.

I remember that I wasn't very excited to camp the first time. However, after I went home, I couldn't wait for my troop's next camping trip. I've camped in parks where the weather is fairly mild, mountains where temperatures drop to the 40's or 30's at night, beaches where the air gets humid and even rains. My troop's camping trips would start early on Saturday morning and last until Sunday afternoon.

During the day, all campers participate in team competitions in scout skills and cooking. On Saturday night, we also have campfire where each team/patrol performs a comedic skit.

All campers within the 11-18 age range are required to have their own two-person tent. Half of the space in the tent would be taken up by my yoga/sleeping mat, and my sleeping bag on top and the other half would be taken up by my clothes and backpack. Of course, the sleeping situation isn't ideal and I would usually have back aches the next morning, but it's only a once in a while thing where I get to disconnect so I always value it nonetheless.

I would always come home tired, missing my comfy bed more than anything, but no matter what, I always enjoy just getting away from the crowded towns and cities.