[dead]

Krakauer’s an excellent writer, so I'm sure the book is compelling.

I have difficulty imagining how he reaches any conclusion other than the guy was a complete bonehead.

Romantic, wistful, original, colorful, idealistic, whatever, but still a bonehead at the root.

[Billthedrill]

Yep. Forgive me for speaking ill of the dead but a map - a MAP, f'Petessake, and a quarter-mile walk - would have saved him. The locals are concerned that romantic idiots are going to try the same thing. Some apparently already have.

The true experience of wilderness is awesome and spiritual enough, but coupling that with romantic illusion of what you want it to be can be fatal. Ultimately it's disrespectful as well. Respect it or it can kill you.

[1rudeboy]

According to Krakauer the kid was EXTREMELY intelligent with a keen instinct for survival. And fatally-flawed. Whether he is an excellent outdoorsman is the question, because we know how the book ends--that is what's compelling.

I urge everyone to read the book before seeing the movie. The movie will ruin the book--guaranteed.