“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer is based on the life of Christopher Johnson McCandless, a young man looking to invent a new life for himself.

Following graduation in 1991, McCandless gave his savings to charity, abandoned his car and most possessions, burned all his cash in his wallet, and roamed through the West and Southwest to “find himself.” He soon gave himself a new name, Alexander Supertramp. Through the book McCandless meets many people who influence his new “improved self.”

“Into the Wild” does not begin with the beginning of McCandless’s journey but in his final encounter with another human being. Four months after entering the treacherous Alaskan wilderness, McCandless’ decomposed body a moose hunter.

Krakauer creates an adventurous tragedy. He writes of travel and the impact that people can have on an individual. Although McCandless wanted to seclude himself from people, in the end that’s what made him who he is.

This novel is a great read for older teens who enjoy reading about adventure and an unexpected ending.