Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State — and she would do it alone.
Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.
I was recently recommended Wild by my sister, who read the book before me and kindly let me borrow her copy. Initially I wasn’t too sure it would be my kind of read, but after only a few pages I found myself completely gripped. This was my first read of 2018 and it was a great one to kick off the New Year with!
The thing I loved most about Cheryl Strayed’s memoir is actually that it read more like a novel. The whole book is extremely well-written and captivating from start to finish, and perhaps most importantly, the heavily-descriptive style does not feel boring at all. I loved all the vivid imagery of her experiences alone on the trail and simply taking in the wild surroundings.
It's full of memorable characters, drawn so vividly by the author. I also found Cheryl herself kind of fascinating in a strange way. Clearly, there are times in the story where she is not very likeable due to some of her actions, but ultimately the determination she shows in completing the PCT really allows readers to route for her and admire her strength. Many times she considers giving up, and yet she pushes on. It's uplifting, but never dull because the emotional scenes are surrounded by so much story and excitement. More than anything, I would describe Wild as a fascinating story about grief, youth, and adventure.
I really enjoyed the book and finished it quite quickly. I particularly loved the ending, which I felt the author handled perfectly, leaving a great sense of relief and resolution in the final few pages.
