Topics for Discussion

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1. Why did McCandless turn away from his parents' way of life?

2. What is your opinion of McCandless's choice to abandon his identity and past without looking back? If you were in his situation, would you make the same choice, or would you feel it necessary to discuss your decision with your family first, even if you knew they would try to talk you out of it?

3. Imagine you could speak on behalf of McCandless. What would you say to Krakauer, his biographer? What would you say to his parents?

4. If you were McCandless's father, what would you want to say to him? What if you were his mother?

5. The author suggests that McCandless was deeply hurt by what he learned about his father's past. How do you believe he should have dealt with this revelation?

6. Do you think Krakauer's empathy for McCandless might have affected his critical assessment of Chris's actions and decisions? Does Krakauer's sympathetic narration influence your own view of McCandless?

7. Krakauer admits that he "won't claim to be an impartial biographer." What do you think a book written by an impartial biographer would be like? How would it differ from the book Krakauer has written? Would it be better, worse, or simply too different to compare? What criteria must a biography meet for the author to claim impartiality? Is this a realistic or reasonable expectation?

8. How do you view the various people in this story who live as transients or squatters? Does the freedom of their lifestyle attract you? Do you think they should try to establish more stable homes and careers?

9. Public opinion on McCandless's story is highly polarized. Do you see it as an example of tragic recklessness or heroic idealism?

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