I am Chris' sister, Carine McCandless. I do not often read reviews or write replies, but Dana Stevens' headline caught my attention. Her statement that my father was "certainly no wife beater" is completely false, as is her assumption that Sean "unforgivably" made up this scene in the movie to try to soften the audiences view of my brother. I helped him write that scene, I lived it, it is truth. In fact, both Sean Penn in making the movie and Jon Krakauer in writing the book were incredibly thorough with their research. They remained honest, while also being admirably kind & respectful to our parents by not going further. There is something to be recognized for my parents willingness to have the story told, even if it was handled delicately. It is not necessary to go into more details, except to say that kind of childhood has an undeniable impact. Chris's triumph was to not let their unfortunate choices and negative behaviour, dishearten him and his desire for a beautiful life. Jon & Sean have done right by my brother. He was truly an amazing person. Everyone can benefit from the lessons that are available within this great book and inspirational movie about him. Thanks, Carine