Wild

From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

By: Cheryl Strayed

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Wild is a powerful, blazingly honest memoir: the story of an 1100-mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe - and built her back up again.

At 22, 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: to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State - and to do it alone. She had no experience as a long-distance hiker, and the trail was little more than “an idea, vague and outlandish and full of promise.” But it was a promise of piecing back together a life that had come undone.

Strayed faced down rattlesnakes and black bears, intense heat and record snowfalls, and both the beauty and loneliness of the trail. Told with great suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild vividly captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

©2012 Cheryl Strayed (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

“No one can write like Cheryl Strayed. Wild is one of the most unflinching and emotionally honest books I've read in a long time. It is about forgiveness and grief, bravery and hope. It is unforgettable.” (Ann Hood, author of The Knitting Circle)

“While reading Cheryl Strayed’s stunning book about her arduous solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, I kept asking myself - what would I do if I were stripped bare of everything - money, job, community, even family and love? Thoreau once said, ‘In wildness is the preservation of the world.’ For Strayed, it is clear that in wildness was the preservation of her soul. She reminds us, in her lyrical and courageous memoir Wild, of what it means to be fully alive, even in the face of catastrophe, physical and psychic hardship, and loss." (Mira Bartók, author of The Memory Palace)

“Cheryl Strayed can sure tell a story. In Wild, she describes her journey from despair to transcendence with honesty, humor, and heart-cracking poignancy. This is a great book.” (Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia and Seeking Peace)

very interesting read

This book was not just about a journey through the wilderness but a journey of the heart. It is a lovely tribute to Cheryl Strayer's mother. A very easy and touching read.

A MUST READ

i loved this book, the writing style and imagery made me feel like i was on the tourney with her. I laughed, cried and Cheered all the way.

Thank you Cheryl

I loved this book, read it twice. I am not sure why but I know I felt a connection with Cheryl, dispite our vast differences. I never read a book a second time but I am not sure I won't read this twice more. It excites my heart and each time read I find another exciting experience I missed with the last read. It teaches me anything is do able

Love everything Cheryl strayed!

She is brilliant everything and this book is no different. A great recollection of her life and her story

Emotional Journey through the PCT

A well written emotionally raw journey of connecting with yourself. I was moved and deeply enjoyed sharing in the authors journey. Narrator did well too- good voice, no distractions.

Different but Really Good

This book was entertaining and emotional. I found myself wrapped up in the people in this book.
I definitely recommend.

Loved the book and narration.

Beautiful book about a great adventure. The narration was perfect. This book was exciting and philosophical.

30% Hiking 70% Random stories of trauma

I mostly enjoyed the story until chapter 10. I didn't finish the book - I was really expecting more about the PCT and less about shooting horses and the author's life struggles.

I really have no idea who I would recommend this book for.

Letting go

Dealing with loss and life changes, this book is the perfect companion. This books inspires acceptance, courage, letting go, and making a new beginning. Happy trails!!

Great Story

The reader was fine but I prefer hearing the author tell their story.