Many people feel that Krakauer was rather sympathetic if not outright biased towards Chris. In his writing some people find is a certain heroic slant to Chris's story. I think the novel becomes more readable not because of bias but rather that Krakauer understands MCandless. He sees in Chris similar motivations and attitudes. This gives the book a depth of meaning because Krakauer is a great writer and Chris somehow inhabits parts of Krakauer's belief system. I think Krakauer is critical of Chris in how he treated his loved ones like his sister but there is a kindred spirit thing going on that gives us a access to Chris's world.