...and it made me sad when I read the book. When it came out I met the author but didn't really get to talk to him about Chris. Haven't seen the movie but living next to your family in 75-82 I remember Chris as a very happy kid although pushed too hard in everything. You probably remember my brother Derek better than me as he was closer to your age.

How close is the movie to real life ? I think it would be strange to see someone pretend to be a person I actually knew.

Jeff Johnson

Hi Carine- I'm sorry for your loss; Chris seems like someone we all know and relate to. I wonder what he would have thought about the movie, the songs, the book, the media, etc.-- possibly annoyed, but probably a little amused too. My parents/family were less than perfect and I know, like so many others, the urge to get away from everything & everybody- to live and grow on your own. The story is a real testimony to the importance of being good to your family & children, maintaining your personal integrity, staying in touch with your sense of wonder for the world & nature, personal growth & development and realizing, in Chris' words, that "happines is only real when shared." I'm really glad we got to know him (as much as we are able to, anyway)-- Wendell

I just wanted you to know that the story of your brother had a huge impact on my life. I read the book and have seen the movie twice. I am a 43 woman with a family and this movie made me stop going to through life as a robot but start living life. Your brother had so much courage and I so admire that. I cant get Christopher out of my mind. He impacted so many people in a positive way. I will always keep Chris with me and think of his courage and how he wanted to change this world in a positive way. I just wanted to thank you and your family for giving permission to Sean Penn to tell his story in a movie.

God Bless you and your family!!!!!

To Carine and anyone else who might have known him - I really only heard about this story recently, I am 23, and only have a vague memory of hearing about Chris earlier on. I was dying to see the movie and loved it. I promptly went out to buy the book and finished it that night. I do understand the criticism of Chris' decisions, but both the book and the movie shed light on how I have been feeling as a 23 year old, a somewhat idealist with wanderlust, looking for a job and living in Atlanta. I have often thought about how there is a whole world out there and though I can see how responsibility and other things get in the way of taking off and living out each day - not only in Alaska, but meeting people and just living place, just to survive and experience all that exists around us, would be an appealing way of life. I also understand the need for someone to do this alone, and not have anyone looking for you, and the need to be someone else. I don't know if any of this makes sense to you or anyone who might read this, but I think I do understand Chris, as we are in like situations. I randomly stumbled across this, and even though I haven't ever written on anything like this, I just felt compelled to say something in case you read it. Honestly, his story has changed my life...for the better. I am glad to know of someone else who had such similar feelings at the same age. It is very comforting, and he is someone I would have loved to have met. I am sorry for your loss, and will always be thinking of you and your family.

Hi Carine,

I just finished Into the Wild last night and was very moved by it...more than moved. I walked around last night, thinking about Chris, wishing that I could have known him, that I could somehow almost be him for a few moments to understand what was going on inside him. I admire the way he was able to think differently from everyone else, whereas a lot of us just blindly follow our mass culture. I grew up in Alaska and though I understand why other Alaskans have critized Chris for the way he went into the wilderness, I admire that he went. I now live in San Francisco, but there will always be a part of me that longs for trees and mountains and quiet, for a hike through an unknown wood and beautiful sweeping landscapes. I don't think Chris was stupid. I only think he was trying to do something that many of us will never do because we are unable to stop and look at life from another angle, the angle that refuses to settle for comfort and monotony. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for allowing his story to be told.

What could be lacking in your day to day existence that it takes the exploits of Chris McCandless to cause you to reexamine yourself or inspire you. His is a sad story, a life unfulfilled.

I am often wary of Hollywood. I've read that there is a documentary that debunks the poisoning myth, and the maker has recovered much of Chris' ID and money. The stuff he didn't burn I suppose.

Anyway. the movie is preachy and hyperbolic. I am the same age as Chris would have been and went through much of the same angst and anger he did but I shook it off. Married, successful and two kids later I left the movie as if I had been given a stern lecture for 2+ hours. Sean Penn, talk down to someone else.

Hi Carine,

I’m glad you found the solution to something you have wanted to do for a long time. I remember talking to you years ago about this project and all the concerns you had. I hope your family is happy with the results and I look forward to seeing the film. I enjoyed the book, and I’m sure the film will be great. Car Services girl.

BTW check out the sign in name

"...that "happines is only real when shared."

I certainly don't agree with this. As Sam Harris points out, there are forms of happiness beyond relationships that most people can't even dream about:

"What words should we use to acknowledge the fact that the happiest person on this earth at this moment might have spent the last twenty years living alone in a cave? Any experienced meditator knows that this is a serious possibility. (Indeed, I consider it not only possible, but likely.) What can we say about the fact that the conventional sources of human happiness—association with family and friends, positive engagement with society, diverse experiences of physical pleasure, etc.—might be neither necessary nor sufficient to produce happiness in its most profound forms? This is not New Age mumbo jumbo...The lack of general accessibility does not render such insights at all suspect. The average person could spend the rest of his life trying to determine whether string theory makes any sense (and still fail); this is not a measure of whether string theory is mumbo jumbo."

<link>

Carine, what's your stance on reincarnation?

You & your brother have quite a history together, you if believing in reincarnation might already know, and if you don't, email me and I'd like to shoot it across your bow for your consideration.

Carine I'd like to email you some thoughts about recinarnation, but not having your email, perhaps you would allow me to do it by first emailing me:

mdz@linuxmail.org

Thanks...

<link>

I love this song. Do you like it?

Hey man, I disagree with what you say about Chris. He died happy, he lived the passions he had and knew he was dying due to the berries, and had no qualms about it.

I didn't think the movie work was extraordinary, average to be quite honest. But for you to make judgements about the movie yet apply them to Christopher is strange. It's real clear that Christopher was happy in his death.

Carine,

Your brother was a Hero in my book. The movie was a beautiful story, of his adventure. I was awakened inside while watching it and felt like I could do anything. I grew up in a household some what like yours, it was never predictable, never in harmony, and seldom happy but I now forgive every chance I get and my daughters know love and kindness. Above all they know respect. The lessons from what your brother lived are what life is all about, truth, grit, and above belief in yourself to keep on going. Krakauer and Penn did a wonderful job, they showed just enough to take a look in to see where Chris came from to show us where he was headed! Rock on Alex Supertramp!!!

Mrs. W Spence Jackson, Michigan

Go see this movie and stay to see it again!!! It should change the way you look at life, if it doesn't stay and watch it again!

W Spence

Carine,

I just wanted to say how much your brothers experience moved me. Early today I saw Into the Wild and I have never been moved this much by someones actions. Chris seemed so real and authentic which is such a rarity in todays world. When I heard my favorite singer (Eddie Vedder) had done the entire soundtrack for the movie I knew it was something that I had to see. I am an environmentalist by nature and seeing how much Chris enjoyed parts of the west and Alaska have made me more intrigued about exploring these areas at sometime. Thanks for sharing this story, I cannot express in words how much it meant to me.

Take care,
Justin Bereznak