This book haunts me yet today. I read it a couple of years ago and was not able to put it down until I had finished. I am not into "wilderness or hiking" and am not even a risk-taker yet I somehow connected with this tragic story. The writer enabled his readers to "feel" who Chris was and what he was about. He seemed to have captured his spirit and in so doing allowed his readers to experience the thoughts , hopes and idealistic view of this young man. Any book which keeps one awake at night has been worth the read. I like to think, feel, ponder, mull and reflect when I read a book. I did all with "Into the Wild." It is exceptional.
Although "Into Thin Air" was also quite good, it did not have the impact that "Into the Wild" did. I highly recommend this book.