The Wild Truth

By: Carine McCandless

Narrated by: Carine McCandless, Matt Gardner, Shelly McCandless

In April 1992, a young man named Chris McCandless walked into the Alaskan wilderness, where he survived for more than 100 days before perishing in an abandoned bus. For over 20 years his story has captivated millions, and yet only one person knew the truth behind his remarkable journey - until now.

Through a tumultuous childhood, the McCandless siblings clung to each other amidst a chaotic home life, forming a lifelong bond and an unbreakable trust. So when Chris abandoned nearly all of his possessions, cut off all family ties, and forged an anonymous existence on the road, Carine understood what drew Chris away from all he had known. Having to face her own truth and surmount some crushing obstacles in the absence of her beloved brother, Carine drew strength from his constant presence while forging ahead on her own unique journey.

A powerful and deeply personal story, The Wild Truth is both a revelatory glimpse into the life of Chris McCandless and the inspirational tale of one woman's resilience in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.

©2014 Carine McCandless (P)2014 Harper Collins Publishers

What a surprise!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I ordered this book wondering what l "truth" had been missing from Into the Wild. I ordered for curiosity sake and was pleasantly surprised by all I hadn't known after reading Jon Krakauer's book. I never expected to be touched so deeply and personally by this book. For me, it was exactly what I needed to read, exactly at this point in my life. I hope you enjoy it equally but if not I'm sure it will enlighten you. Makes me want to reread Into The Wild. Actually makes me NEED to reread Into The Wild.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wild Truth?

Absolutely

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

Yes.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Nothing. It was honest.

Impeccable

This story was an intense journey that opened closed doors in my live. The writing allowed me to feel as though I was right there witnessing the story unfold. Emotion provoking story that I will remember years from now.

Carine McCanless is the best gift her brother gave

If you could sum up The Wild Truth in three words, what would they be?

It makes sense

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wild Truth?

I don't think I can limit this to moments. I read "Into the Wild" years ago and struggled to understand what had driven this young man to disappear. Now I understand. Who knows what Chris might have done or become if he had lived. In some ways his sister's story is more compeling. She stayed in the world, struggled to forge bonds with siblings, with men and with her parents. I would probably be more like Chris and seek solitude and wilderness for healing. But it is Carine I give the most credit as well as their half siblings and step mother. This is a story of the capacity of human beings to overcome being raised by the most dysfunctional parents. I wish a wonderful future for Carine, her siblings and her daughter. I feel sorry for parents because they clearly lost out by losing these good people who somehow were their children.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It is an amazing story about the attempts of two siblings to be real and genuine human beings in the face of life started in lies and abuse. Could not stop listening to it and that is rare for me these days.

Empowering!

Cried a lot and Learned a lot. Now have a complete story, I am able to understand deeper about the family dynamics that drove Chris McCandless into the wild. It is sad that there is no korean translation of this book available. I hope many Koreans who were inspired by "Into the wild" movie and book to know more story.

Not what I expected

Although entertaining and enjoyable. I guess I expected more back story on the movie, rather than her side of it.

wow

I want to track down Carine and thank her in person now, she has told me how I should handle my own parents, and the familiarity is almost palpable, having no siblings to share the unpleasant memories of growing up with, I've been arguing with myself about my actions for years

Emotional

What a tough book this must have been to write. Very emotional journey but one that needed to be told.

Touching

I can see that this was a hard book to write. Therefore it was a great book to read. I think I will read Into the Wild again now.

courageous book

This was courageous to tell. Glad to know the whole truth, thanks Carine! Chris's story is alive and well

great book!

This story is heart wrenching, but so well written and narrated lovely. I am going to re-read and re-watch into the wild now that I have the background story since it's been years.