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  • The Wild Truth: The Secrets That Drove Chris McCandless into the Wild

  • By: Carine McCandless
  • Narrated by: Carine McCandless
  • Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)
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The Wild Truth: The Secrets That Drove Chris McCandless into the Wild cover art

The Wild Truth: The Secrets That Drove Chris McCandless into the Wild

By: Carine McCandless
Narrated by: Carine McCandless
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Summary

The key missing piece of Jon Krakauer's multi million, multi territory bestseller and widely acclaimed Sean Penn film Into the Wild is finally revealed by his best friend and sister, Carine.

The story of Chris McCandless, who gave away his savings, hitchhiked to Alaska, walked into the wilderness alone, and starved to death in 1992, fascinated not just New York Times bestselling author Jon Krakauer, but the rest of the nation too.

Krakauer's book and a Sean Penn film skyrocketed Chris McCandless to worldwide fame, but the real story of his life and his journey has not yet been told - until now.

Carine McCandless, Chris's sister, featured in both the book and film, was the person with whom he had the closest bond, and who witnessed firsthand the dysfunctional and violent family dynamic that made Chris willing to embrace the harsh wilderness of Alaska. Growing up in the same troubled and volatile household that sent Chris on his fatal journey into the wild, Carine finally reveals the broader and deeper reality about life in the McCandless family.For decades, Carine and Chris's parents, a successful aerospace engineer and his beautiful wife, raised their children in the tony suburbs of Northern Virginia. But behind closed doors, her father beat and choked her mother. He whipped Carine and Chris with his belt. He cursed them, belittled their accomplishments, and told them they were nothing without him. Carine and Chris hid under the stairs, hoping to avoid his wrath. They were teenagers before they learned they were conceived while their father was still married and having babies with his first wife, who finally summoned the courage to leave him after he broke her back in a fight.

In the 20-plus years since the tragedy of Chris's death, she has searched for some kind of redemption. But in this touching and deeply personal memoir, she reveals how she has learned that real redemption can only come from speaking the truth. Finally, she has found the truth not just in her brother's story, but also her own.

©2014 Carine McCandless (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

What listeners say about The Wild Truth: The Secrets That Drove Chris McCandless into the Wild

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I was right!

Into The Wild was a brilliant book and film but I found myself feeling very defensive of the surounding criticism of Chris McCandless’ actions. I am so pleased that Carine has written The Wild Truth which satisfies my curiosity about why it all happened. If you haven’t read Into The Wild you should read it, if you have read it then read this!

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4 people found this helpful

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A moving book that will stay with you

I listened to and thoroughly enjoyed "Into the Wild" which then led me on to this and in truth, it had me even more hooked. Extremely well written and faultlessly narrated (by the author, no less), it is thought-provoking, heart-breaking and inspiring. It's not a book you will simply finish and forget. Carine has both told her own story and helped the world understand her brother in one go. Read Jon Krakauer's book first then move on to this as they work so well in tandem.

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2 people found this helpful

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Different to what I expected

First off... if you’re looking for some extra information about Chris or what he did, you’re not really going to find it here. I would say he’s a bit player in this book and features in about 30% of the story.

This book focuses on Carine and how her life was affected by her parents and about how it changed when Chris left. The honest truth is, Carines life story is more than interesting on its own and I probably would’ve listened to it even if she wasn’t related to Chris.

She’s led a fascinating life with many ups and downs. And it’s good to get another perspective on the upbringing that shaped her an Chris.

It’s a great book and she narrates it brilliantly. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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RIP now Chris x

Thank you for sharing the truth, Chris will be proud of you for staying strong.
May love surround you and yours always xx

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Necessary but painfully truthful

I understand now so much better why Chris felt he had to go into the wild

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Heartbreaking lessons in love

Watched the film many times and really Connected I think because I have 3 sons all in their early
20’s
I see different traits in them all, one who hates material possessions and another who likes the finer things in life, and one who plays soccer at college at a good level. One thing for sure is we all love each other dearly and for that I feel truly blessed, and so do they
Thankyou Corine & John
For sharing Chris’s story
God bless x

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  • Overall
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Into the wild

Read or watch into the wild before getting this book. TRUTH you will know the meaning of and how important it is. You will benefit greatly from into the wild followed by the book and that I promise.

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Top quality book I’m grateful to have read

I started reading this book with no real expectations but was quickly captivated. Carine has succeeded in providing an illuminating background for anyone who has read Into the Wild. However, the book also excelled in its well measured poetic language and its honest and transparent description of difficulties so many go through. It therefore stands on its own in providing wisdom from the struggles of life and relationships, from growing up in an abusive family, and from being a woman. She provides inspiration and solace, and while it must have been hard to write I’m grateful for having the fortune to read it. Thank you

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Excellent

This is an amazing book. The narration by the author lends to the honesty of the book.
I would thoroughly recommend listening to this to hear the truth behind what really drove Chris McCandless ‘into the wild’; but it’s also his sister, Carine’s story and the trauma she has been through and how she has survived terrible abuse, to be such a strong and admirable woman.

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I wish I was aware of the book sooner

I absolutely loved this in every way. Moved by the honest and frankness. Beautiful told by Carine McCandless. I was totally captured by the voice and details of the book. any one who has ever took an interest in Into the Wild this is a must. Thank you for your truth

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