I have never understood why 'Into The Wild' became such a compelling adventure story. I have always seen it as a story of a troubled young man who pretty much d

I have never understood why 'Into The Wild' became such a compelling adventure story. I have always seen it as a story of a troubled young man who pretty much decided to go on a suicide trip. People have made him a hero but I just don't see it. Do people identify with him similar to Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher In The Rye?" Can someone enlighten me?