Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

What drives a man to abandon all worldly possessions and conveniences for a loner life in the Alaskan wilderness? With this book you'll not only gain a better understanding of the motives behind Chris McCandless' unconventional choice, but you just might discover your own desire for a similar life of simplicity.

Right from the beginning the idea of leaving behind all I've ever known and setting off in search of a more natural existence is appealing. Really had me thinking.

On page 15, I read a quote that was found at Chris' camp site:

"I wanted movement and not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitement and danger and the chance to sacrifice myself for my love. I felt in myself a superabundance of energy which found no outlet in our quiet life." – Tolstoy

That proved to be a life altering quote for me. Made me want to pack up and set out too. Only 20 pages into the book, I found myself envious of Chris. Jealous of his courage to get back to basics. To live in the moment and see nature in a way that most will never be fearless and adventurous enough to encounter.

There is a part of me that aches unbearably to see the world. To experience life in ways that are long forgotten. Natural. Pure. Honest. Journey to a simpler way of life. To live with nature. Within nature. Outside of a world with people I don't always understand or relate to.

This book changed me.

My heart breaks with envy.