Into the Wild Revisited

Well, my sister came through with the goods as one of the few people in this world who seems to be in tune with what resonates with me. She bought me the book from which the movie, "Into the Wild" was made for Xmas.

Most people would recognize this romantic, yet tragic true story of a young man who made a conscious choice to live outside the parameters  of western society's  norms. He burned his money. Shook off his possessions like a. worn out coat. He followed ideals (as elucidated to him by the life and writings of Leo Tolstoy) that most would accept as being irresponsible, if not down right crazy. And he paid the ultimate price for it too. He died alone in an abandoned bus in the wilderness of Alaska. Romantic ideals, but not a happy ending.

There is obviously something about this story that resonates. Perhaps the appeal lies in the reality. No story book endings to the life in the wilderness. The screen adaptation was directed by none other than Sean Penn. It was a popular movie. Eddie Vedder featured in the soundtrack. The book takes a cooler, more investigative approach. And the reward is there to be had.

Five stars