Book Review: Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail By Cheryl Strayed

Published in 2012, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, was given to me by my cousin and best friend. Six years ago, she experienced the loss of her mother and this memoir written by Chery Strayed, gave a sense of empowerment and determination. It's not only meant for the ladies but any adventurer at heart. When she was 26, Cheryl sold her belongings and decided to buy a backpack and endure the pilgrimage along the famous Pacific Crest Trail. She started this 1,100 mile hike at the Technapi Pass and ended not to far from Portland at the Bridge of Gods, completely solo. The author had come to a crossroad in her life and looking to clear the fog that had formed after the passing of her mother, due to cancer. Shortly after her death, Cheryl's own marriage began to fall apart, along with her spirit and sense of self. Lacking complete knowledge and experience with hiking or camping, Cheryl picked up The Pacific Crest Trail, Volume 1: California and described it as "an idea, vague and outlandish, full of promise and mystery. Something bloomed inside me as I traced its jagged line with my finger on a map. I would walk that line..."

Throughout her journey, Cheryl speaks of her loving "hippie" mother, memories of her half-siblings and the absence of her paternal father. Many of her internal battles were seen through bouts of drug abuse and various sexual partners. Strayed writes of friends, fellow hikers and the kindness she experienced along the route. The injuries she prevailed along the way (loss toe nails!), and self-revelations that written of will have you packing your sleeping bag and boots for a much needed therapy hike with nature. Wild reminds us through all of our struggles, we each react differently, but we are all connected and going through these experiences together. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is currently being filmed into a major motion picture by Reese Witherspoon portraying Cheryl Strayed.

The Essential
1. Marmot Trestles Sleeping Bag$109 2. Women's Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX $139 3. Merrell Moab Mid GTX XCR Boot $135 4. Osprey Atmos 65 Backpack $250 5. Black Diamond Headlamp $30