That was Krakauer’s impression also, before he started research on the book. His theory is that this kid was an absolute genius, who died because . . . well, I don’t want to give away the book . . . it’s that good.
Sounds like a classic example of when Dirty Harry said, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
I really enjoyed the book also. I really fear that Sean Penn is going to ruin it!