what books did chris mccandless read

Chris McCandless, the subject of the book and film “Into the Wild,” was an American young man who left his comfortable life to travel across the United States in search of personal freedom and meaning. While he is best known for his life choices, it’s also fascinating to explore the books that influenced him. Let’s dive into the literary works that may have shaped his worldview.

What Books Did Chris McCandless Read?

1. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

One of the most profound books that resonated with Chris McCandless is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This novel encourages readers to follow their dreams and take risks. The story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey to fulfill his personal legend, mirrors McCandless’ own quest for adventure and self-discovery. It’s a testament to the power of following one’s heart and not being swayed by societal expectations.

2. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

McCandless was inspired by the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. The poem suggests that life is about making choices and taking paths less traveled. In McCandless’ case, he chose to leave behind a conventional life to seek out new experiences and understand himself better. This poem encouraged him to embrace uncertainty and the unknown, which were crucial aspects of his journey.

3. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

McCandless’ experiences in the wild and his eventual death highlight the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life. His reading of Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” could have provided solace and insight during his time in Alaska. Frankl’s memoir shares his reflections on suffering and the search for meaning even in the darkest circumstances. It’s possible that McCandless found comfort and direction from this book as he faced the harsh realities of his journey.

4. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle’s teachings emphasize living in the present moment and letting go of past regrets and future anxieties. While not a traditional book, Tolle’s work resonated with McCandless, who often described himself as being fully present in the moment. This alignment with spiritual practices and mindfulness might have contributed to his peaceful acceptance of his situation and his ultimate decision to return home.

5. “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac’s novel “On the Road” is often associated with the Beat Generation and its emphasis on spontaneity, individualism, and non-conformity. While McCandless didn’t directly quote Kerouac or cite his work, the spirit of rebellion and desire for freedom that permeates “On the Road” could have inspired McCandless’ own rebellious nature and adventurous spirit.

6. “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This classic children’s book has been interpreted in various ways, but it often speaks to themes of innocence, empathy, and the value of relationships. McCandless’ relationship with his younger brother and his deep sense of loss could have found resonance in the story of the little prince, who learns the importance of genuine connections and the beauty of simple things.

7. “The Diary of Anne Frank”

While not explicitly mentioned in McCandless’ writings, Anne Frank’s diary offers a poignant look at resilience and hope in the face of adversity. It’s possible that McCandless, having experienced hardships, drew inspiration from her diary’s portrayal of human dignity and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Related Questions

1. What were Chris McCandless’ favorite books?

   • Chris McCandless was deeply influenced by several books, including “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl, “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac, “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

2. How did these books shape Chris McCandless’ life?

   • These books likely played a significant role in shaping Chris McCandless’ worldview, encouraging him to embrace adventure, seek personal fulfillment, and find meaning in life.

3. What other books do you think influenced Chris McCandless?

   • Other influential books that could have impacted Chris McCandless include “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, and “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. Each of these books deals with themes of identity, morality, and the human condition, which could have resonated with McCandless.