Author: Cheryl Strayed
Genre: Memoir, Standalone
Published: 2012
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (very good +)
Format/Narrator: Audiobook/
Bernadette Dunne
Yearly Count: 92
After many tumultuous life experiences (some by choice and some not), Cheryl Strayed takes on a self-imposed challenge of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Many, many of the choices Cheryl made were not ones that made her endearing to me. Frankly, they made me not care for her much at all. However, the writing of her story (and Bernadette's narration) kept me intrigued and curious as to where this physical journey was going to take her mentally. She was honest and open with her life, and I really enjoyed it. Also, I listened to this book on my daily walks, and it made my time fly by. That was so appreciated!
I am THRILLED to see you enjoyed this one. Everyone in my book club still gives me a tough time about this one. Yes her decisions were not endearing--but I could see her youth as well.
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I enjoyed it a LOT! :) What exactly is your book club teasing you about? Are they just teasing for teasing-sake or is there something they really disagree with you about? Just curious. :)
DeleteThey tease because I'm the only one who liked it. They all said that she whined too much, made terrible choices, and was too "me me me." To which I said--it's a MEmoir! ;)
DeleteTrish ~ I didn't feel like she whined, yes - she made terrible choices, and I agree with you - it's a memoir! LOL I think she wrote it very well and that made it a winner for me.
DeleteThat sounds like a great audio book for walking. I bet there are a lot of similar titles that would make great audio books to distract me during my exercise. Will keep this one in mind for the future. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJenny ~ I was so wrapped up in her story that my measly walks on cement sidewalks and asphalt parking lots (through a park) was a breeze. :)
DeleteI liked how Strayed gave us enough background to see the seeds of her instability--she was abused as a kid, grew up dirt poor and was left adrift by the death of her mother when she was in her early 20s. Lots of people do far worse things having endured far less, and I appreciated her candor, and was glad she turned things around. I got to see her read in person recently, and she has a very grounded, loving presence now.
ReplyDeleteGirl Detective ~ I think seeing (even just reading a comment on a post) an author in person changes (or intensifies) one's perspective. They actually become REAL people.
DeleteI'm floored that you really liked this!!!!!!! WOW! Now I seriously have to think about reading or listening to it!!
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ FLOORED??!!??!! Why? Seriously, I want to know why you thought I wouldn't like this one. :)
DeleteWasn't this good?! You gave it a slightly higher rating than I did, but I think we're basically in agreement on this one. She made some poor choices, but she was young and naive. Overall, the book was a winner.
ReplyDeleteHave you read her other nonfiction book (Tiny Beautiful Things)? It's on my list!
Les ~ Yep! It was very good! :) Nope, I haven't read any of her other work, but I looked her up as soon as I was done with Wild. I was surprised to see more.
DeleteThis does sound like one that would be good when walking. I've read mixed things about it and the fact that you liked may move it to my wish list. I really love the cover!
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye ~ I really like the cover, too! I haven't read any negative things about this book, so I don't know what the mixed feelings are about.
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