The Wild Truth

Carine McCandless

Nov 2014 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

A New York Times Bestseller

"The Wild Truth is an important book on two fronts: It sets the record straight about a story that has touched thousands of readers, and it opens up a conversation about hideous domestic violence hidden behind a mask of prosperity and propriety."–NPR.org

The spellbinding 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 also the rest of the nation. Krakauer's book,Into the Wild, became an international bestseller, translated into thirty-one languages, and Sean Penn's inspirational film by the same name further skyrocketed Chris McCandless to global fame. But the real story of Chris’s life and his journey has not yet been told - until now. The missing pieces are finally revealed in The Wild Truth, written by Carine McCandless, Chris's beloved and trusted sister.  Featured in both the book and film, Carine has wrestled for more than twenty years with the legacy of her brother's journey to self-discovery, and now tells her own story while filling in the blanks of his. Carine was Chris's best friend, 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 household, Carine speaks candidly about the deeper reality of life in the McCandless family. In the many years since the tragedy of Chris's death, Carine has searched for some kind of redemption. In this touching and deeply personal memoir, she reveals how she has learned that real redemption can only come from speaking the truth.

Ratings and reviews

I recognized much of the childhood Carine so vividly describes here. Those who have lived it will get it. I doubt if others will. For many, her observations will be mistaken as bitterness. They are not really. They only describe the unnecessary damage some do to others - damage that is too seldom ackowledged.

I read Into the Wild in the late 90s and was excited to see this book come out. There are many emotions you experience while reading this very honest story from Carine. You will cry, scream and feel relieved. I honestly flipped my tablet on the couch a few times saying "just get your parents out of your life nothing is going to change". When I gave up on living the life my parents expected my life began.

Harrowing and emotionally gut wrenching, Carine McCandless tells us the, rest of the story, that only those that have shared similar experiences could fill in the blanks and read between the lines at their true meaning in Jon Krakauer's book "Into The Wild." I salute her honesty and celebrate her and her siblings triumphs from the toxic negativity of their shared past.

About the author

Carine McCandless is an entrepreneur, activist, and mother. She has been successfully self-employed since she started her first business at the age of nineteen. As a public speaker her presentations are featured in education and corporate venues across the United States. She is the sister of literary icon Chris McCandless and consulted closely with Jon Krakauer on his bestselling book Into the Wild. She also worked as a direct advisor and script contributor to Sean Penn for his film adaptation of the book. She lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her two daughters.