Carine McCandless

This is the response to Into the Wild written by Chris McCandless’s sister, Carine. It’s supposed to be the ‘real’ story, the one that helps readers to better understand Chris’s actions, and why they weren’t as rash or reckless or selfish as some people believe.

Let me begin by first saying that when I read Into the Wild, I didn’t judge Chris’s actions. He was simply a young man whose life came to an unfortunate, early end. I didn’t analyze his actions or scrutinize his motives. It’s not up to me to judge, and who’s to say that by doing what he didn’t, that he didn’t manage to live more in 24 years than some do in a lifetime. To each their own.

That said, this wasn’t so much an expose as an emotional journey. Nothing shocking was revealed that wasn’t in Into the Wild to some extent, so if you’re looking for scandal, you’ll probably be underwhelmed. A powerful, moving, intimate tale about volatile family dynamics and a sister’s grief. 4 stars.… (mere)

This is a fascinating look into a dysfunctional family. Though most people will pick up the book because of its association with "Into the Wild," I found it to be an honest depiction of a family headed by narcissistic parents. Many of Carine's actions, reactions, and narrative choices are typical of a person who has grown up under that particular kind of abuse. This may not be the story you are looking for if you want more about Chris McCandless, but it's a worthwhile read as a memoir of a difficult childhood and its repercussions into adulthood.… (mere)