Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail - Strayed

Cheryl Strayed is just a tender twenty-two when her mother suddenly takes ill and passes away from cancer seven weeks later. Strayed is not only heartbroken, but completely shattered. Her already tenuous family (a brother, sister and stepfather) quickly falls apart despite her efforts to hold it together. Her marriage, barely a baby itself, quickly falls apart. Eventually she gives up not only on the family, but herself as well.  She finds herself embroiled in a dangerous relationship with a junkie and a heroin habit. With the help of her ex-husband, a true friend, she realizes she has to do something and soon.

One day, she passes a book at a cash register: a guide to the Pacific Crest Trail, an Appalachian-like trail running from Mexico to Canada. With no backpacking experience or training, she impulsively decides to hike a good portion of the trail,    from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to the Bridge of the Gods near Portland. Though she seems to hope the journey will take her away from the pain and loss, ultimately she finds healing and hope.

Expertly told with warmth and humor, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail can't help but move you.

4/5- Great. Push it on your friends and family.