Reflection of the McCandless Presentation by Chelsea Gilbert

Unlike many people I talked to, I enjoyed reading the book. I thought it was an interesting portrayal of Chris McCandless' life and his experiences. I also liked it because his character, his situation and the book itself was something I had never read before. But, in spite of that, I did not agree with everything that Chris did. Deserting his family and severing all contact with them was something I did not partake to. I come from a very close family and I could never imagine how someone could just wake up one day and go. And never look back. In my mind it was a very selfish and seemingly heartless thing to do. That was his family, people who had loved him and given him everything he had ever needed. But as I listened to his parents speak and view pictures of him as a child and even as he was older, I realized that he was an independent individual. One who never wanted to rely on anyone but himself and his fate. And that is exactly what I believe he was trying to do.
Looking back on the story and every choice Chris made along the way, I believe that Chris was just testing his spiritually. This was a way to further his belief and reassure him that what he believed in did exist. And I think he found that. He knew in his last writing that he was not going to make it, but he seemed at peace with that; like he had gotten what he had always wanted. During his trip he came to realize more about himself as a person and determine his strengths, weaknesses, and happiness. Looking at the pictures from his journey, he was smiling in every one. He was not sad with what he had done and I think that is all that matters.