Cheryl Strayed's second novel, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, was a beautiful, intimate memoir. I've always wanted to read this book and watch the film starring Reese Witherspoon, and I've finally finished the first part of that quest. This book was incredibly moving, in that it made me think of the things in my life that were like the Pacific Crest Trail was to Cheryl - what things in my life were the "journey of a lifetime?" What things in my life allowed me to grow into the best version of myself? Lots of introspection and pondering for this one. I found myself wondering if I've found myself at all in my lifetime, or if I ever will. Or if I even need to? Cheryl, being an addict and struggling with relationships because of her mother's passing is something I'm familiar with, even if all the details don't match up. Can I learn from Cheryl? Or do I need to hike my own PCT?
My first thought on this novel - Holy shit. Can this lady write. I was immediately impressed with how real and relatable Cheryl's voice is. Similar to Jennette McCurdy's tone, Cheryl's is a matter-of-fact, straightforward, inspired soul that has experienced major change in its current time on earth. I eat this kind of writing up. Impactful stories written by magnificent women who have learned wisdom and crave sharing it with the world, because they have come to the realization that the world is essentially a community that lacks connection and needs so much more of it.
Second Thought - This journey Cheryl takes is as much an internal journey as it is an external one. And what I mean by that is Cheryl's personal growth is massive during her travels. Her hiking for nearly 2500 miles is a long way to walk, for sure, but the growth that she experiences in her heart-a blooming wisdom- is the real journey. To find out at the end that she hiked the PCT more than once was mind-blowing. I should think that three months of hiking on a spiritual journey would be enough for a lifetime, but then seeing that Cheryl's growth allowed her heart to hold more weight was beautiful. Her ending up with a family and being happy- free from hard drugs and the grief of her mother's passing - is a major step in her life. She has opened her world up by growing through and processing her issues on one of the longest walks in the U.S. - the PCT.
Third Thought - Dead Mothers. Just having come out of McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died, I can't help but acknowledge that I'm on a dead mother kick. Maybe that's because I lost my own mother several years ago. Maybe I want to write about it too. I miss her, and this particular book makes me think that my Mom is somewhere out there, looking out for me too. I hope she is.
Overall- This was a gorgeous book. I can't wait to see the film and I can't wait to see what the rest of my life holds for me. This novel was a love letter to a community and the souls that helped Cheryl on the PCT. And it's beautiful. I can only hope to be at the mercy of so many beautiful souls on my own journey.
-Much love,
Brieanna
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