what book had mccandless just finished reading

Jessica Mearly

2 min read

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02-12-2024

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What Book Had McCandless Just Finished Reading Before His Alaskan Adventure?

Christopher McCandless's story, immortalized in Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild," captivated readers with its tale of self-discovery and the ultimate price of pursuing an unconventional path. A significant part of understanding McCandless's motivations involves examining the books that shaped his worldview. But what book had he just finished reading before embarking on his fateful journey into the Alaskan wilderness?

While Krakauer's book details McCandless's extensive reading list, pinpointing the very last book he read before his departure proves difficult. There isn't a definitive, explicitly stated answer within the pages of "Into the Wild." However, we can examine clues and context to make an educated guess and explore the broader influence of literature on McCandless's life choices.

The Clues and Context:

Krakauer meticulously documents McCandless's intellectual journey, highlighting his affinity for transcendentalist writers like Henry David Thoreau and Leo Tolstoy. He devoured philosophical and spiritual texts, searching for meaning and purpose beyond conventional societal norms. This intense engagement with literature suggests the last book he read likely resonated with his deeply held beliefs.

Given McCandless's abandonment of his privileged life and his embrace of self-sufficiency, it's plausible that his final read was a work emphasizing simplicity, self-reliance, or a rejection of materialism. Works like Thoreau's Walden or Tolstoy's The Kingdom of God is Within You fit this profile perfectly. These books directly addressed themes of spiritual awakening, minimalist living, and a rejection of societal structures, ideals deeply intertwined with McCandless's actions.

The Likely Candidates & Their Significance:

While we can't definitively say which book McCandless finished last, strong candidates, based on their thematic resonance with his journey, include:

• Walden; or, Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau: This is arguably the most influential text in shaping McCandless's philosophy. Thoreau's experiment in simple living and his critique of societal materialism directly mirror McCandless's actions. The book's emphasis on self-reliance and connection with nature aligns perfectly with McCandless's Alaskan adventure.

• The Kingdom of God is Within You by Leo Tolstoy: Tolstoy's exploration of non-violent resistance and spiritual self-discovery resonates with McCandless's rejection of societal norms and his quest for personal truth. The book’s emphasis on inner peace and simple living would have further solidified his desire for a life detached from material possessions.

• Other Possible Candidates: While less directly aligned, books focusing on exploration, survival, or philosophical inquiry could also have been McCandless's last read. However, the strong thematic ties of Walden and The Kingdom of God is Within You make them the most probable candidates.

The Importance of the Question:

The question of McCandless's final read isn't merely a trivial detail. Understanding the books that shaped his worldview offers crucial insight into his motivations and the intellectual underpinnings of his Alaskan journey. It underscores the power of literature to inspire, challenge, and ultimately, profoundly influence life choices. Even without a definitive answer, the exploration itself allows us to delve deeper into the complex character of Christopher McCandless and the compelling narrative of "Into the Wild."