Book Review: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

By Deanna on April 18, 2013 • ( 0 )

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Rating: Loved it!

Who for: People wanting to reminisce about long-distance hiking (or other sport), people who want to be inspired, people who have lost someone, or themselves

Who Not for: Anyone looking solely for a Pacific Crest Trail Guidebook – this is a memoir, read it as such

Anyone who has ever taken on an epic trek or other long-distance physical adventure will find something to relate to in this book. Especially if you are the type who never quite prepares as much as you perhaps should (perhaps why I identify).

There is another side of the story that others might be drawn to – and that is the story of Strayed’s struggle to find herself through the cloud of grief she feels after her mother’s death. Wild is Strayed’s memoir of picking herself up and putting herself emotionally back together again… all the while suffering physically along the Pacific Crest Trail. Note to everyone: make sure your hiking boots fit!

I identified with Strayed on a few fronts. Although my life story has been written differently, there have been times when I have lost the connection to myself. Times where I could not believe I was the person thinking and behaving the way I was – and how being outdoors, perching atop the highest rock and watching nature run its course, taking in the sweet chirping of birds and the scent of fresh leaves emerging from buds on trees, these moments bring me back to myself.

I also identified with Strayed when she speaks of the insatiable appetite she grew along the trail. At times every thought is concerned food and the fantasy of drinking an ice cold lemon Snapple is on repeat in her head – these moments had me laughing out loud, enjoying her portrayal of feelings I have had along my own hiking and biking trips – which really seemed like just a way to go from meal to meal.

I loved this book and was sad when it ended… but it left something implanted in my mind……. I seem to have developed an itch to go hike the Pacific Crest Trail……

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