Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by theidlereader
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
4.0
I don't often read (or in this case, listen to) biographies but I've been curious about this one since I saw the preview for the movie. Admittedly, I didn't realize that it was an autobiography until I took it out from the library and then I was a little nervous about how I would like it. I didn't need to worry.
Cheryl's story is maybe not always enthralling but was at least interesting enough to keep my attention for the entire book. There's something relatable about her as her life spirals out of control and even though she does bad things, I never felt like she was a bad person. I felt sorry for her, thrust into circumstances beyond her control and having to deal with the aftermath.
Though the majority of the book was set while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, I never felt like I needed a scene change. The pacing was very good, switching between the hike and background information regularly, and though I found a couple of parts boring they were few and far between. The people were all portrayed well so that even the smallest appearance by someone was interesting and added to the story. Even the hiking was given enough detail that there were times I could feel Cheryl's exhaustion.
Though the hike is the catalyst, the main part of the story is Cheryl, and throughout it, I hoped for her to keep growing; I celebrated her achievements, was upset at her setbacks, and grew to know her as if she were a friend. By the time I finished the story I felt as proud of Cheryl for completing the hike as if I knew her in real life. Her story is inspiring and proves that sometimes rock bottom is the best place to start rebuilding.
Cheryl's story is maybe not always enthralling but was at least interesting enough to keep my attention for the entire book. There's something relatable about her as her life spirals out of control and even though she does bad things, I never felt like she was a bad person. I felt sorry for her, thrust into circumstances beyond her control and having to deal with the aftermath.
Though the majority of the book was set while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, I never felt like I needed a scene change. The pacing was very good, switching between the hike and background information regularly, and though I found a couple of parts boring they were few and far between. The people were all portrayed well so that even the smallest appearance by someone was interesting and added to the story. Even the hiking was given enough detail that there were times I could feel Cheryl's exhaustion.
Though the hike is the catalyst, the main part of the story is Cheryl, and throughout it, I hoped for her to keep growing; I celebrated her achievements, was upset at her setbacks, and grew to know her as if she were a friend. By the time I finished the story I felt as proud of Cheryl for completing the hike as if I knew her in real life. Her story is inspiring and proves that sometimes rock bottom is the best place to start rebuilding.