Strayed's book is both a physical and spiritual journey. Her writing is easy, her flashbacks to the life that brought her to hiking the Pacific Coast Trail (with no prior experience) well timed, logically placed, and told with a balance between detachment and emotion that keeps the reader focused on the process she undergoes to figure out who she is rather than dwelling on that past.

Strayed writes well about the people she meets, the obstacles she faces, and the life she been living that threatened to overwhelm her. Her descriptions are excellent and she captures the uniqueness of those who populated her world - both past and on the trail.

The one flaw of the book was that some of the metaphors of her journey were overdone or obvious. Despite this, I found I admired her for taking such a step to reorient herself in life.

I have 2 young kids and have recently lost 60 pounds so this book spoke to me in many different ways! She is so brave and this book tells her story so well you can see if happening in front of you. Very well done! A must read!

Just what I needed, in this moment, as I grieve the lost of my mother who also crossed the river too soon. Thank you.

A low road person who I guess is still a low road person.

This book inspired me and helped me take a good look at my life.

Not an extraordinary story , monotonous, nothing different than any other cross country or hiking novels , surprising it's getting good reviews , bored to death.

A masterpiece!

This book should not even have a one star rating! It falls into the category of too good to be true or better yet too horrible to be true… I have never read a more unbelievable account of a single woman's traveling alone. If all her sexual escapades were as she wrote in this book the last thing she should do is be writing about them. We have so many young women in this world who have destroyed their lives doing less. Which is why I just don't believe her. I don't believe she ever went on this trip I don't believe she knows the first thing about hiking in the outdoors. Having done it myself for years I know for certain that no woman this reckless would have come out unscarred never mind giddy and laughing about it. Thoughtless and disappointing book.

This book is Amazing. I don't want it to end.

I wanna read it .. But it won't load ! I clicked the cloud but it loads and goes back to the cloud !! Idk ! Any suggestions I need help !! And need this book for a project :) plz pLz

I lived every moment with her. And understood her completely.

I found it to be a cathartic experience without having to wear the mean and nasty boots!

Having always admired those with the guts to hike the PCT, I expected Cheryl's story to be one that I would read again and again. I expected to be taken on an adventure as she triumphed against the odds along the trail and expected to be inspired by her personal journey. I'd heard the movie was coming to rental and decided to finally make the time to read the book just ahead of it. What I did was waste my time. As others have said far more eloquently than I am about to, at halfway through the book I found myself being subjected to Cheryl's decision to embark on the brutal killing of her dead mother's beloved horse. After letting the mare suffer horribly, she pays lip service to ending the suffering, then flippantly decides that she just doesn't have the money to call a local vet to humanely euthanize her, without even trying to make any sort of arrangements. She decides she'll just kill the mare herself and leave her body to the predators. And, not surprisingly, she manages to brutally torture the horse before it ends. This is the same horse that Cheryl had been telling us earlier in the story had brought so much joy to her and her mom all those years. Calling a vet wasn't a choice, it was her responsibility. She doesn't get a pass because her life was sad and lonely. I immediately saw what so many other reviewers are saying about her whole journey along the PCT just being reckless and incredibly irresponsible. I was so disgusted with her that I deleted the book from my library and didn't finish it. I don't care how her story ends. I cannot cheer for her.

Let me first start by saying I've read this 3 times, and may be on my way for a forth because I cannot get it off my mind! The trail calls to me, even though I'm a pampered, spoiled, but hardworking housewife. I love that Cheryl found her center again. I had my cousin read it who has numerous health problems and it has inspired her to try hiking through all her pain. Love love love it!!!!!

Could not put this book down! Cheryl's' unflinching honesty about herself and her life is brave and refreshing. Her descriptions of the trail make you feel like you were there. Beautifully written.

This is a compelling read. Strayed, blasted by her mother's death from cancer and her family's dissolution in the wake of it, is in a Very Bad Place. Bad choices, bad companions, bad everything. She decides to hike the pacific coast trail by herself. Woefully unprepared, her journey has a rocky beginning. But she learns, she grows stronger, she meets kind, welcoming people, and she heals. Well written, sad and funny, I found strayed's tale gratifying.

This book is a must read for any man remotely flirting with the idea of marrying an American woman. Cheryl Strayed is the poster child of the neurotic, self-absorbed feminist. In the book she callously leaves behind a trail of emotional collateral damage in her wake that she arrogantly winds up justifying as “finding herself”. Strayed would have been better off following Elizabeth Gilbert’s lead (author of Eat, Pray, Love): go to Italy and eat yourself to death.

The United States can claim the dubious distinction of having the highest divorce rate in the world. After reading Wild is it any wonder? The solution is simple: If a man in this country is looking for marital bliss, he must look outside these borders.

The last paragraph of Wild really sums it up, but Cheryl's account of finding her strength and recovering herself after grief is so beautifully and vividly written that the reader feels beside her along the trail, suffering with her, rallying for her. A story encouraging us all to find our inner Amazon.

4 stars for the life journey, 3 stars for the writing of the book. It was a good story, just not a great one, at least not the way the writer tells her story. The writer goes off on so many tangents that mostly have no point to the story. Its as if the editor must have given her a word quota she had to meet. It was like watching a movie on the lifetime channel. Seems like it's going to be a good movie, so you keep watching hoping there is a point. All the lifetime channel movies ever do is keep building into a plot that goes no where and the movie is over. I honestly don't know why this was made into a movie. I feel for the woman and her pain. I get the lesson she had to learn was her journey. The book could have been written better to convey a better story.

I don't hike and never intend to I am too much of a home bird but I felt like I was there while reading this book ,

It was a enjoyable read couldn't put the book down worth a look at.

After such raving reviews I really expected more. The writing itself is just ok, nothing great. The whininess is ridiculous. Everyone has serious problems in their lives--join a support group. I don't want to hear about it in a book about walking the PCT. Grow up. You were once in your mid-20s. Isn't it time now that you're in your mid 40s to get on with your life and not burden the rest of us with your miseries.

I really enjoyed the journey w/Cheryl Strayed. I needed to read before seeing the movie. I hope the movie comes close to this story.

I feel what she is saying in some ways, cause I've been there. She made me lol at myself, about her's and my own adventure that is hiking. I love it, as well as, being wild, and free. May we all keep on hiking forever.

I just couldn't put this book down. It makes me want to stop what I'm doing and go but a backpack.

It's always so much fun when I find a book a book that I can't put down. I thoroughly enjoyed the style of her narrative. Her honesty and spirit on every topic are what I appreciated the most. My money was well spent.

You will love it.

This book is so powerful. I lost my mother to cancer in August 2012 and grief still has a stranglehold on me. Many, many sentences/paragraphs in this book helped me heal in ways I never could have imagined. Thank you CS!

Thank you Cheryl for your poinant and deeply insightful memoir in a difficult time of your life. I appreciate your honesty, couage and the level of acceptance you have for where you were at and in a time in your life that was what was needed to forge ahead. I have also experienced a very similar deep loss; and your story provides me with hope and courage!

No offense to those that rated this high but I was kinda bored. Maybe I'll enjoy it more after seeing the movie.

This was a fabulous book. Gripped me from page one. Cheryl Strayed is one courageous, tenacious and dedicated woman. Her story makes you want to go out and do some brave, physical, almost impossible thing, but age prevents me. Her account was just detailed enough to make you feel like you are hiking the trail yourself. It's a tremendous feat.

The only criticism I have is that she dealt on her mother a little too much. Prolonged grief is not healthy. Also, I would like to know what happened to Paul. He seemed like a super person. Deserves a lot of credit.

This woman made me believe that if you put your mind to it, you can do absolutely anything!!!! How brave & strong she was to do something so out of her comfort zone, & w/ no prior training! I was a little disappointed that there weren't more euphony's or "ah ha" moments spoken of. Or more descriptive phrases on the scenery. Overall though, a very good story.

A beautifully written account of a young woman's amazing journey to heal her soul.

Definitely not the book to start reading in a cancer center accompanying your mother as I did.

Wasted time and money. The author, the main character, hitch hiked the PCT. She didn’t even appreciate the trail or RESPECT it. Strayed was ill prepared, pack was over packed, wrong cooking fuel, boots too small, no knowledge of the terrain, etc. I read passed shooting her horse, more than half way, I stopped when she started hitch hiking again on the jeep backroads…I jumped to the back and she even jokes about heroin again. But then she concludes she has a boyfriend now and a place in Portland. OOOOh WOW. I’m happy I didn’t read the pages in between. Don’t purchase this book. Go see the movie if you must.

A great book I could just not put down. Bravo for a story well told!

This is one of the most well written and captivating books I've read in a long time. You will not be disappointed!

Someone once asked, How do u know when a drug addict is lying and the answer was, anytime they open their mouth...going against the grain but I found nothing redeeming in this book based on a selfish, self absorbed drug addict with overt cognitive dissonance. She showed unbelievably poor judgement and decision making skills and as for some sort of self realization? Geez nothing but empty values and narcissism. Perhaps she should have spent a year in some developing country to get a grip on what sorrow is about and what despair really is and that navel gazing is a western excess. This is simply a formulaic book that Hollywood will exploit as a tear jerky. Don't waste ur time !!

I enjoyed this book immensely! Great adventure, the author explains it all with such detail.... Seems like you are with her on the trail.

While I applaud Cheryl for taking on such an adventuresome task as hiking the PCT, I found the story she told very flat. She, as a character, is neither like able or loathable. She's not funny, witty or charming. I don't feel sorry for her and I don't particularly want to root for her.

It's great she found herself in the end, but I don't feel that the story, told as it was, was that interesting or compelling.

Couldn't put it down! Very inspiring!

This book is so inspiring! The way the book is written is amazing, I did not want to put it down. Thank you for sharing your amazing story, and instilling hope into us still searching.

If you've ever dreamt of walking away from your life to find yourself; if you've ever wanted to take an incredible journey; if you've ever lost someone and thought you couldn't survive without them. Wild will touch you in a deep and profound place.

Cheryl Strayed's moving novel of re-discovery on the Pacific Crest Trail after losing loved ones and her way in the world. Experience everything from bitter pain, fear, cold, hunger, humility, hope, awe and eventually joy. Great Book!

This memory evokes a process of undertaking a lengthy task unnatural to the writer, steadfastly pursuing her goal while accepting minor detours and setbacks. Her maturity sets a good example of keeping an attitude of flexibility while keeping sight of the broader goal. Meanwhile she has more than ample time to put her past mistakes in perspective and let them fade away as she remakes her approach to the future, somewhat confident now that she can carve out a future unburdened by the past. For example, her burning of reading material after finishing with sections of books not only lightens her backpack load, but says that she is ready to move on without carrying burdens of the past.

Could not put it down. Should make an excellent movie!

What an amazing book!! I was captivated from the first page and had a hard time putting it down. You feel what Cheryl feels as she tells her story so clearly and brilliantly. I can't wait to read her other writings!!

A remarkable work! Intense and dense. Filled with a crystalline clarity reminiscent of Carl

Sandburg or Mark Twain when they speak of

their own journeys. An absolute delight to

read and reread. RS

What an inspiring book about human endurance and unadulterated courage. Courage not to face the wilderness...but to face her own thoughts and feelings. Good job Cheryl.

I could not put it down! It makes me want to hike the PCT.

This book is beautiful, raw, intense and profoundly uplifting in ways not know until the very end.

As the pages drew near to the end, I found myself slowing down, drinking in the beauty and sadness of finishing the journey she so honestly and beautifully wrote. I hurt when she hurt. I cried when she cried. And I laughed at the scenes as she laughed too.

The characters along the way are so vivid we could feel and see them as though we were actually there. The people we knew, the gifts we'd been given, and most especially her friends felt like our friends. They were the friends we want. To hug and love and desire for our own. To not even know us, but love us along the way.

And in the humor of the moment, I especially loved that she sang when she got nervous or fearful. I do too.

Thank you Cheryl Strayed...till next time.

Meh. 20-Something girl walks through the woods, meets other woods-walkers, & learns life lessons we all learn in our 20s.

I typically love everything Oprah endorses but this book left me shaking my head. The main character is unlikable and self absorbed. I get that in your 20's most of us are a little bit but there wasn't a lot of thought or introspection on the effect she had on others. And her self dialogue wasn't very deep. It is inspiring that she was able to make the hike and learned a few lessons but for the life of me I can't figure out why so many people are rating this book so highly. It could have been so much better.

Was thinking that this would be uplifting or Enlightening. But all I got was trays behavior and foul language. Not what I had hoped for.

This book was recommended to me while I was camping at white rock conservatory in coon rapids Iowa. I have loved reading this book and it has brought me back to my desires to take a long hike. If you loved the book a walk in the wood about the appellation trail you will love this book. This book is about more than hiking. It is about a life changing adventure.

Outstanding. I bought the book because I was interested in the hiking (as an occasional backpacker myself. What I did not expect was the extraordinary writing on personal tragedy, pain, joy and redemption. Topics like the death of the author's mother and her terrible lifestyle choices in the aftermath of that event would have been uncomfortable, if not downright annoying in the hands of a lesser writer. But Strayed writes with such honesty and economy that her most difficult experiences just endive empathy and, quite frankly take your breath away. I also really enjoyed the hiking narrative, relating personally to the agonies of the heavy pack and the ravaged feet

I'm not into hiking, but I can see how a hike like this would help you heal... This book was well-written and engaging. Most importantly though, reading how Cheryl dealt with her loss can help you deal with yours.

What a wonderfully written novel that will inspire you, and be awestruck at what one woman does on a cathartic journey to find herself. It might in someway leave you feeling like you have yet to accomplish your own journey.

I love the way this book is written. While it is a tale of personal growth, enough of the adventure is detailed to keep you in riveted to the end of the trail.

I couldn't finish this one, and that rarely happens. This book is poorly written and made me wonder if it all really happened!! I disliked her disjointed storytelling which was filled with contradictions and repetitions and was totally artless. I was led to believe that this book was a story about her trip on the trail,but in fact, it was a creepy, boring whine about her miserable life!

Having hiked the PCT alone, I looked forward to a story of finding oneself thru adversity and self sufficiency. Instead, the book was a tale of bailing out (Strayed's walk started 400 miles north of Mexico, skipped the Sierras, and ended short of Canada) and dependency on others. Readers would do better picking up Colin Fletcher's "Thousand Mile Summer."

While Strayed should be applauded for overcoming her grief, drug use and sex dependency, her 1,000 mile walk gives little insight into how it changed her.

This is the best book I have read in a long long time! It truly gives a person hope about their life @ that there is hope for all of us who get stuck in life that there is hope @ a way for all of us to find our path in life and that if you put your mind to it you can overcome anything @ find happiness! Thank you Cheryl for this book and all it means to me!

While reading this I felt like I was on the PCT with Cheryl. What an amazing story to read! It reminds you that sometimes we all need to take a break from life and regroup.

My father recently died. We grew apart as time went by. We hadn't gotten along since high school. The woods have always been my escape and rejuvenating friend. This book made me feel normal again and I'm gonna hike a small portion of the Superior Hiking Trail this summer where I will think of my father, my mother who I am currently moving into assisted living, and of course Cheryl Strayed . Thanks for sharing your journey.

I am amazed that a girl on her own could be so brave and I feel so inspired by her at 49! I'd always seen myself as her, tough and unafraid! But she takes it to the ultimate level! I looked forward to what she would come across or who she might meet next so much that my children got upset with me because I wouldn't put the book down. Enjoyed this very much!

An unforgettable tale of a feisty and determined young woman. She took me all the way with her on this hike and I didn't want it to end. I was so glad for her though knowing this struggle gave her what she was seeking to learn about herself and her life. Definitely a worthwhile read.

Excellent book! What a pleasure to read....thanks Cheryl.

Good read, Very inspiring,

As a selection of Oprah's Book Club 2.0, "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed is a real letdown. This is another of the "I've come-to-see-the-errors-of-my-ways" story that Oprah seems to adore. Yuck!

Simply wonderful!

I thought this book was beautifully written and I loved the fact that it kept my interest from beginning to end.

First, I finished it but I didn't want to. Most have experienced death in the family, etc, but we don't fall apart like Cheryl. I found Cheryl' story contrived and unbelievable--I just didn't buy into it. Come on, is anybody that fragile and weak-minded.

The very thought of attempting such a journey without preparation and planning is simply stupid and preposterous.

I abhorred her willingness to try dangerous drugs and wild sex without questioning it. I know that this type of garbage sells books but this story line is clearly not uplifting.

Wouldn't it have been more satisfying to write a book about such a journey after planning the trip carefully and finally succeeding. It would have been uplifting. I am a hiker myself and have hiked parts of the PCT. So in some ways I felt like I was on the trail with Cheryl thru the snow, the wind, the rain, and the snakes.

I don't feel better having read the book, I feel worse knowing that there are such weaklings out there who can't deal with reality. So I remain a disgruntled reader.

While reading this book, I felt like I was on the trail with her. One of the best books I have ever read.

While the background story is compelling and well told, the story of the 1100 mile hike becomes at times, as monotonous as, well, long stretched of the Pacific Crest Trail....

I couldn't put this book down. I laughed, cried and loved every bit of it. Incredible story of the human spirit.

An amazing,inspirational book. I just finished it and have been continuously using Cheryl as my incentive to go beyond what I think I can do. A book that can't be forgotten. One of my favorites.The author is a brave woman that shares an experience of a lifetime. I did not want it to end. I savored the last few pages.

I loved this book! Cheryl did what I should have done, and that was to write about my 2500 mile solo bicycle ride from Washington State to Canada, to Sand Diego! I have so many similar stories, memories, feelings, personal growths, that she brought back to the present for me!

I was the same age, also just divorced, and needed the same life challenge that she did. And my trip also changed my life forever, it was 30 years ago, but I can talk of it as it was yesterday!

I traveled the same path, but on highway one. I remember the smells, the flowers, the birds, and the wonderful people who also thought I was CRAZY, but took care of me along the way!

The guys I met, yes, only guys, and the quick friendship bonds that were made, because we " knew" what each was going through.

A few years later, I backpacked throughout Europe and the MiddleEast, also solo, and I live from those memories every day.

I actually yearn for the day that I can travel solo again.

I have two daughters now, but I'd Never let them do what I did, as it takes a certain woman to take on this adventure, and unfortunately neither of them are quite as adventurous as their mom!

I'd LOVE the opportunity to talk with Cheryl and share our similar stories, her book made me laugh, at times, and I also felt her physical and mental pain, as I had that as well! Different aches, from sitting on a bicycle seat for 5-10 hours a day! But body aches and mental aches that are still fresh in my mind!

Traveling as a woman, solo, is one of life's best lessons, I highly recommend doing it, and reading this wonderful book that she wrote so beautifully! Congratulations Cheryl!

Cheryl Strayed's WILD is as easy to get wrapped up in, as it is hard to put down. As the Queen of the PCT laments finishing her journey, I was sorry that the book would also soon come to a close.

We all have those crossroad points in our life, do you wonder about taking the riskier trail? Cheryl never doubted her course and takes you on a journey that might possibly have been yours. My heartfelt thanks for her gift of word and the honest ability to share it.

A wonderfully written book about a journey to self. Beautiful and lyrical. It made me laugh and it made me cry. I loved it!

This book moved me deeply. A must for anyone who has ever been lost. And haven't we all? One of my all-time favorites. You won't be disappointed.

I'm not a hiker nor camper and not keen on biographies but this book is beyond all the above. A keenly and powerfully written book with such life and vividness you feel you are experiencing everything the author is experiencing. I wish I had had the courage to do the hike Cheryl does in this book. But it isn't a hiking book . It's a book of loss, strength, courage, and weaving the ins and outs of life till you find the path. And everything funny stupid smart and idiotic we all do till we grow up. I highly recommend everyone read this

I enjoyed every page of this book. What strength to go out there and hike 1100 miles and do it by yourself.

I am an avid outdoors woman with many days on "the trail." I couldn't put this book down once I started hiking the PCT with Cheryl. This book is very well written and a superb insight into how nature can heal the emotional and physical wounds of everyday life. A must read!

Great story! I've done grueling day hikes- nothing as long as the PCT- yet, I can relate.... Especially the sore feet and the unfamiliar stench of me after the trail; the need to hike alone.

I loved the book! I was hooked the minute she threw the boots off the trail!

Great Job Cheryl, you most definitely earned the title "Queen of the PCT" . Sincerely, Grizzly Grace

Stayed up most of the night to finish. Enjoyed beginning to end. Will look for more books by this author.

A beautifully written and engrossing account of a true spiritual quest. One of the best books I have read in a long time! Could not put it down. I too, was sad and happy to see The Bridge of the Gods.

Poetic and superb

A wonderful book from a highly talented writer. I intend to read everything she has ever written-- or ever will write. The only problem with Lost was that the book ended. I just loved it!

A great book about being alone and finding yourself. Sometimes when we are ignorant and unprepared we find the most.

Best book I have ever read

This book made me think - maybe.... I can do it. Excellent story- had to keep reading to see what would happen next!

An excellent read, very well written. The author's honesty and willingness to share her life made it a compelling read. We all go through our own self-discovery, and she found a way to make a biographical story read like a novel. I look forward to reading more from Cheryl Strayed, and perhaps she will be Cheryl Found by then...

I too am a solo, female pct hiker. I went to the trail to escape and instead found myself. The trail was marriage and grief counselor, solitude and companion. I enjoyed another account of self-discovery like my own experience. May all who seek the healing power of the wilderness find what they are looking for.

Tenacity takes on new meaning here. Well written, believable internal struggles. I wonder if we all have that piece of daring inside us that Strayed actually lived. I've often times walked for miles hammering out thoughts, ideas, musical phrases. Better than any drug, more calming and revealing than any therapist's couch, Strayed's journey rekindles possibilities.

I was a bit worried this was going to be a type of hikers "how to" but it was not. From the first couple of pages I was drawn in and found myself tearing up after the first couple of chapters. This book gave me empowerment to do anything, and through life's struggles we grow in different ways. The author's voice is not afraid to say it how it is.

Love this book I felt like I was with her every step of the PCT. I was engrossed and couldn't put this book down. When she ran out of water I was terrified for Cheryl. This biography is an inspiration. Thank you for the glimpse of your soul. You are a hero!

I am neither a hiker nor a real active person but I truly enjoyed this story. I love memoirs with a happy ending and ones that take reader on a journey from childhood acceptance into reality. I admire your courage and tenacity to hike the pct. thank you

I really enjoyed this book. Most of the time I felt that I was on the PCT with her. The story inspired me... she has a lot of courage to do what she did. I didn't want to stop reading!

I'm a picky reader but this book was not easy to put down!! It made me cry and laugh and cry some more, especially after learning about Doug. It was awesome!!

This book was wonderful from start to finish. It often made me think of my own mother, not realizing how much I loved and needed her until after she was gone and it was too late. How I would love to take such a hike and find myself. Thank you Cheryl. You truly made the PCT come to life.