Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail in World Adventurers

Jan 17, 2019 Tiia rated it really liked it

I had no big hopes for this one, still it reminded on my to read list. And I'm glad it did. I loved the story of her and even more I loved her honesty. She describes her journey and past life the way I haven't read ever before, all the good things and bad. All the mistakes and good fortune. She was strong or maybe just stubborn to push forward. I don't understand how few months trekking can change your life, it's beyond my understanding, but after reading this book I can understand that sometime ...more

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Feb 22, 2013 M.G. Edwards rated it really liked it

As a writer and fan of personal memoirs, I couldn’t wait to read Cheryl Strayed’s personal account of her hike on the Pacific Coast Trail from Southern California to Oregon. After the death of her mother and personal setbacks that made her rethink her life’s direction, the author set out on the 1,100-mile hike with limited trekking experience or knowledge of wilderness survival.

Strayed’s account is harrowing and humoring, sad and satirical as she recounts encounters with scenery, weather, wildl As a writer and fan of personal memoirs, I couldn’t wait to read Cheryl Strayed’s personal account of her hike on the Pacific Coast Trail from Southern California to Oregon. After the death of her mother and personal setbacks that made her rethink her life’s direction, the author set out on the 1,100-mile hike with limited trekking experience or knowledge of wilderness survival.

Strayed’s account is harrowing and humoring, sad and satirical as she recounts encounters with scenery, weather, wildlife and humans captivating and brutal. She is a victim of her own naivety in thinking she could prepare herself for a long and difficult journey with only a rudimentary understanding of trekking imparted by a guidebook and veteran hikers who crossed her path. In spite of natural and sometimes self-inflicted adversity, Strayed persevered.

I enjoyed the author’s inspiring story and the life lessons she picked up along the way. I now have a much better idea of what to expect on a grueling trek like the Pacific Coast Trail. Her offbeat, quirky personality and humorous stories and anecdotes make the memoir an entertaining read. With vivid imagery, Strayed takes the reader along with her and shows what it’s like to be at the point of despair in the middle of nowhere. In the end, she redeems herself and serves as a personal example to those who need to find a different way in life.

Unfortunately, the book begins with a series of vignettes so depressing that they risk turning off the reader. In her attempt to underscore personal redemption, the author paints such a debased portrait of her old self that she risks turning off the reader. The Cheryl Strayed who needs to get her life together by hitting the Pacific Coast Trail is not a likeable character. Perhaps by design, the author discourages the reader to continue reading her story by offering such a terrible image of herself that one wonders if she was really so awful or merely embellished. Her strong views gradually worn down by the trail might be a turn-off to those who don’t agree with her politics. Getting through the beginning of the book is like climbing out of a steep valley. It’s better skies ahead once you reach the top.

I give “Wild” 4 stars and recommend it to mountaineering and trekking fans, those who are thinking of embarking on a months-long trek, and those who need inspiration to jump start their lives. ...more

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Mar 30, 2014 Chris Thorsrud rated it did not like it

Coming from a family who has roamed the Sierras over decades, and as I still travel there annually, I found this story self-centered, self-absorbed, and the usual 'I' focus that seems to be making numerous authors rich. Poorly written, the book drags on with the self-importance that has no real value, especially within the setting of the strong, powerful, magical Sierras. ...more

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Aug 26, 2013 Erik Beyer rated it it was amazing

What an amazing journey! The best part is how true to her self the author is in this book. She does not hide anything about herself, her past, or her feelings, which makes this book a real joy to read.

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Apr 21, 2013 Stephanie Mayo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: travel

A truly inspiring woman on an inspiring as well as heartbreaking journey. The classic journey of self. I first thought I'd not be able to relate to a "wild" woman who had the guts to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone; a woman, alone in the wilderness - no thanks! But through reading her story I realize she could be anyone, she could be me and that made her journey ever more astounding.

Definitely a must read! ...more

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