"Into The Wild" by Jon Krakauer

For my book or literary nonfiction, I chose to read the book Into The Wild by Jon Krakaeur. This book tells the story of a man, Chris McCandless, who abandons his whole life, family, a bank account with at least $25,00 in it, and everything except the things in his bag that is on his back. He travels the country for several years before settling into Alaska. Incompetent of the bitter and harshness of the land, he met his death within an old vacated bus. This book explores the life and death of Chris while interviewing Chris's family and friends. It also provides photos, and maps of his travels. It also includes first hand experiences from the author that relate to Chris's nomadic life. I didn't really understand why he would just leave such a good life that he had. I understand though that he was chasing a dream, but he just abandons everyone and everything. That is what I didn't understand. Honestly, the book is a tad slow while getting into the story and excitement. I would recommend this book to someone that doesn't mind a little boredom before excitement, but loves a good adventure.

A Child Called It

This book is an autobiography written by Dave Pelzer about the years that he suffered through child abuse from his mother. Dave's mother was an alcoholic who took out her frustrations by abusing Dave. Some of the terrible things that she did were making him drink ammonia or bleach, eat his own vomit, starved him, and even once stabbed him in the stomach. I think that what Dave Pelzer went through up until he was 12 years old shows you just how difficult some people's lives have been. I liked this book because both the beginning and the end he  talks about himself after he was rescued so it lets you know that he is doing well with his life.