Sunday, June 17, 2007

Nonfiction/Survival Choices



Although I read it some years ago, I am going to mention Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer here. This is definitely not for a younger audience-- 8th graders only, please. :) The reasons I'm choosing to discuss this book in particular are:
1. I really enjoyed reading it-- of course!
2. It's a good book for people who think they don't like nonfiction to read (as is his other crazy outdoor nonfiction novel, Into Thin Air!)
3. It's being made into a movie that is directed by Sean Penn and stars Emile Hirsch, so you may be seeing it soon!

Into the Wild traces the true story of Christopher McCandless, a guy who graduates from college, gives away his savings to charity and then drops "off the grid", meaning there is literally no record of him anywhere-- no bank accounts, no social security info, no rent payments... nothing. He does this intentionally. He does not contact his family or any old friends. Chris becomes a hobo on purpose. He attempts to live off the land in Alaska with no sort of modern aide, and it does not go well for him.

This book explores why Chris made the choices he did and tries not to judge his actions. It is not a long novel at all-- it's around 200 pages-- and it flies by as you become fascinated by his story.

What other survivalist nonfiction have you read that you enjoyed? Has anyone read the book about the girl in Hawaii that had her leg bitten off by a shark? Do tell!

:)
Mrs. P

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

my sis is reading this book

Anonymous said...

i read this book. i think it was totaly awesome

Anonymous said...

Dear Ms P.
Why do you say that only 8th graders should read this book, I mean it sounds very interesting and I am thinking about reading it

Maymay357 (in 6th grade)

Mrs. P said...

Hey maymay357!
Into the Wild was written for an adult audience. There is some language, theme and description in there that might be difficult for a 6th grader to handle. The movie comes out soon, as I said, and I've recently learned that it's rated R. So please-- if you want to read this book (or any of the YA books), GET AN OK FROM YOUR PARENTS!
That said, it's a very interesting story, and I can't wait to see the movie. :) But I'm an adult. :)
Mrs. P

Anonymous said...

hi. i should read this book. not because of the language but mostly about the storyline. i'll read almost any book. there is a movie? well when my opurtunity comes i will watch it.

Mrs. P said...

Hi Link,
The movie is out in very limited release right now; I expect it will be nationwide this weekend. I'm very interested to see how it stacks up to the book! It really is quite the story.

:)
Mrs. P

Anonymous said...

hi mrs pully i couldnt find it in the school library.

Mrs. P said...

I think it's checked out right now, Link-- did you check the lookup station? I sort of book talked it with the 8th grade, and they got all excited and checked it out. :) We could Interlibrary Loan it for you... Or try putting a hold on it! FYI-- I'm getting a second copy, too!
:)
Mrs. P

Anonymous said...

hi mrs pulley i checked the look up station and it didnt have it either.

Mrs. P said...

It's there, Link--I've held it in my own two hands many times. :) Ask either Mrs. Pedraza or me for help finding it this week!

:)
Mrs. P