Into the Wild is an essential item on the shelf of every non-fiction enthusiast. It is a story of Chris McCandless, his life, and his tragic death at the hands of the Alaskan wilderness. The author, Jon Krakauer, uses every possible technique to give light to an epic tale of adventure, risk, and peril. I recommend this book on the basis of Krakauer’s brilliant style and dedication, and a story that will leave the reader in a retrospective trance.
   For every person who has immersed themselves in nature or plans on doing so must have insight into the life of Chris McCandless. A fascinating story involving an even more compelling subject makes Into the Wild a frustratingly hard book to put down. The story gives insight into the psychology of McCandless’s life and the adventure that took it from him. Fueled by resentment and a passion to follow his own path, he fled a wealthy family and college education for life on the road. After a three-year journey through North America McCandless saved the best for last; the grand finale of a summer deep in the Alaskan bush, just a man and nature. After extensive research, references and opinions, the author documents the physical and arguable mental mistakes that led him into the bush, and prevented him from coming out.
   Although the tale itself is captivating, Jon Krakauer’s use of unambiguous style and tone reveals in full extent the enigma of Chris McCandless, and creates a premise that enables the reader come to their own conclusions. One example of Krakauer’s advanced literary style is the enthralling usage of allusions to give the reader a broader spectrum of McCandless’s personality. Although Krakauer strives to stay factual and unbiased, giving personal allusions convinces the reader of the author’s credibility and passion for the story. The tone of his writing is straightforward and slightly sympathetic, coupled with a low level of constant suspense. At the end of the story the reader is well aware that the death of McCandless and the overall complexity of his mind is still somewhat of a mystery, and is up for discussion.
   Another reason for recommending Into the Wild is how dedicated the author is in giving the reader the full story, and the different angles in which people analyze it. Extensive research is an understatement in describing Jon Krakauer’s style of approach. Unlike many non-fiction novels, it would be unnecessary for the reader to find more factual information on the story. Jon Krakauer realized that the beauty of the story is that it is up to the reader to finalize the life and death of Chris McCandless. By giving insight into all aspects of Chris’s personality, and most extensively the few years before his peril, Krakauer is solely giving the reader the complete background information for a unique, personal hypothesis.
   For all people who enjoy any type of captivating story I would highly recommend Jon Krakauer’s, Into the Wild. Through exceptional use of literary style and tone, and a truly captivating tale of tragedy and adventure, the novel exceeds expectations. The story of Chris McCandless is one that we can all relate to, and will lead any reader to re evaluate their decisions in life.