IRED Bookclub discussion

This thread is for the people who have finished the book, so there will be spoilers for the entire book here!

Be sure to check out the thread once in a while during May, as we read the book. Don't hesitate to share your opinions - likes and dislikes - and any questions or discussions about the book you might have.

I think I enjoyed this book a little less the second time around. I found myself frustrated by the choices made by McCandless. He possessed a good spirit and an empowering outlook on life, but I feel like it wasn't put to good use.

I saw the movie years ago and absolutely loved it, mostly for the portrayal of Alex/Chris as a romantic idealist. I really liked the book as well but was surprised to find that the depiction of him was more rounded. I felt like the author gave a lot more attention to the making and breaking of relationships and just how much he hurt the people who were close to him. In that way, the book was a little more real, a little more tragic, and a lot less romantic than the movie.

Of course, I probably saw the movie ten years ago or more. I now almost certainly have more in common with Chris' parents than I have with Chris.