Carolyn answers “I haven't read the book yet - I'm waiting...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail:

I haven't read the book yet - I'm waiting for it to come in at the library. She says in the book that she changed her name to Strayed after she divorced her husband. That's very weird. A search on the internet says she has two siblings, both with last names Strayed also. I guess she changed their names too. I've done long distance hiking and on the surface I doubt her integrity. Any comments?

Carolyn I doubt her integrity simply because she took heroin. That's a death wish in action but it is fascinating to see what someone else chooses in life. I …moreI doubt her integrity simply because she took heroin. That's a death wish in action but it is fascinating to see what someone else chooses in life. I am glad I never chose drugs or alcohol-- at some point it chooses you and that is addition. I did like to go along on her hiking adventure. I am a woman of the woods and ocean and I love being solo. The part where she was grieving her mother was difficult to read. The grief was unrelenting. To grieve that much seems so self destructive. My mom died when I was barely 9 and I thought that only children grieved with that much intensity.. I didn't know it could be that terrible for adults. But everyone is different and can experience grief differently; She is a good writer, wonderful dexterity with language. Reading the book is my daily treat(less)

flag

View all 4 comments

deleted user Grief looks different for everyone. Losing a parent wrecks you. If you've went through that experience considerably unscathed, you're lucky. Many don' ...more
Oct 10, 2019 09:44AM · flag

Terri In 1991 when I was 26 I lost my mother to cancer . I relate to her grief especially fighting the losing battle to keep a family together. I still grie ...more
Apr 06, 2020 09:48AM · flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more