Moving portrayal of the human drive to establish uniqueness in the world. It struck a very personal chord, having been in Alaska just two years prior to McCandless on a similiar, if less risky, journey.

This book almost defies categorization. It is less an autobiography, and more an accounting of America's transition into modernity as seen through the eyes of an extraordinary man. Adams is unique amongst American intellectuals because of his access to power through his lineage, but what separates him from most historians is his style of prose; he is an exceptional narrator. I enjoyed this book greatly, although it was not the easiest read at times, particularly when Adams' more cynical side shown through. Regardless, this is a classic of American literature and a must read for those interested in understanding the evolution of American thought.