Wild

by Cheryl Strayed
Wild cover
Good Books rating 4.22
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £9.99
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Format • £7.59–£9.49
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  • ID: 557
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780857897770
  • Publisher: Atlantic Books Ltd
  • Published: 2012-05-01
  • Formats: 76
  • Reviews: 4

At twenty-six, Cheryl Strayed's life was in shambles following her mother's death and the dissolution of her marriage. In a moment of desperation, she decided to embark on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, a journey of over 1,100 miles from the Mojave Desert to Washington state. With no prior hiking experience, Strayed faced physical and emotional challenges that tested her limits and ultimately led to a profound transformation. Wild is not just a story of survival but a deeply personal account of grief, resilience, and self-discovery. Strayed's vivid and honest narrative captures the brutal realities of her journey, as well as the moments of beauty and clarity that emerged along the way. This memoir has been widely praised for its raw emotion and compelling storytelling, making it a beloved and enduring work.

Reviews
A Little Adrift · 2024-06-24
uplifting 4.00

They commend the book for its raw honesty in portraying both physical and emotional journeys. The reviewer finds it to be a candid exploration of self-discovery and personal growth.

The reviewer at A Little Adrift highlights the raw honesty in Cheryl Strayed's 'Wild', which captures the essence of both physical and emotional journeys. They appreciate how the book delves into the complexities of self-discovery and personal growth, making it a compelling read. The reviewer finds the narrative to be both inspiring and relatable, as it portrays the author's struggles and triumphs with authenticity. The book is seen as a powerful testament to the human spirit and the transformative power of travel and introspection.

Quick quotes

    Cheryl Strayed's book captures the raw honesty of what it's like to go on a physical and emotional journey to find out more about yourself.

    It is a candid exploration of self-discovery and personal growth.

    The narrative is both inspiring and relatable.

Julia's Books · Julia · 2021-08-08
moving 4.50

The book is a profound exploration of grief and self-discovery, with the author's raw honesty making it deeply relatable. The journey on the Pacific Crest Trail serves as a metaphor for her emotional healing.

Julia finds Cheryl Strayed's memoir to be a deeply moving exploration of grief and self-discovery. She appreciates the author's raw honesty and the way the physical journey on the Pacific Crest Trail parallels her emotional healing. Julia also notes how the book's themes of loss and redemption resonate with readers, making it a powerful and inspirational read.

Quick quotes

    A profound exploration of grief and self-discovery.

    The author's raw honesty makes it deeply relatable.

    The journey on the Pacific Crest Trail serves as a metaphor for her emotional healing.

Athena Mellor · Athena Mellor · 2018-01-21
captivating 4.20

This book is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. The author's journey is both physically and emotionally challenging, making it a captivating read.

Athena Mellor highlights the resilience and strength of Cheryl Strayed's journey in this memoir. She finds the book captivating as it delves into both the physical and emotional challenges faced by the author. Athena appreciates how the narrative captures the essence of self-discovery and the human spirit, making it an inspirational story.

Quick quotes

    A testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

    The author's journey is both physically and emotionally challenging.

    A captivating read that delves into self-discovery and the human spirit.

These Little Words · 2013-08-18
heartfelt 4.20

The memoir is a charming and insightful read that explores both the external landscapes and the internal struggles of the author. It's a poignant and reflective journey that resonates deeply with readers.

The reviewer from These Little Words describes 'Wild' as a charming and insightful memoir that masterfully balances the external journey with the internal one. They appreciate how Strayed's writing captures the beauty and harshness of the trail while also delving into her personal history and emotional struggles. The reviewer finds the book to be a poignant reflection on grief, self-discovery, and the healing power of nature. They highlight how Strayed's honesty and vulnerability make the story deeply moving and relatable.

Quick quotes

    Part memoir, part travelogue, it is a charming and insightful read in which Strayed explores not only mountains but her own history.

    The book is a powerful exploration of the human experience, delving into the complexities of grief, self-discovery, and the healing power of nature.

    Strayed's honesty and vulnerability make the story deeply moving and relatable.

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