Wild Book Summary

From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

by Cheryl Strayed30

TL;DR

Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a memoir about the author's transformative 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, undertaken to heal from personal tragedies.

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What is Wild about

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a memoir by Cheryl Strayed, recounting her ambitious solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. At 22, Strayed faced immense personal loss: the death of her mother, the scattering of her family, and the collapse of her marriage. Four years later, feeling utterly lost, she embarked on this grueling journey despite having no experience. The book details her physical challenges and emotional growth, capturing her raw experiences and the ultimate healing she finds through her adventure.

Wild 5 Key Takeaways

Healing through Nature

Strayed's memoir illustrates how immersing oneself in nature can lead to profound emotional and psychological healing.

Overcoming Adversity

The book highlights the importance of resilience and tenacity in the face of overwhelming personal challenges.

Self-Discovery

By pushing her physical and mental limits, Strayed discovers her inner strength and self-worth.

Power of Solitude

Strayed's solitary journey underscores the value of spending time alone to confront and process deep-seated emotions.

Human Connection

Though largely solitary, Strayed's encounters with fellow hikers provide moments of support and camaraderie, showing the importance of human connection.

Wild Best Reviews

  • 'Brave and beautiful ... Wild is a powerful memoir that’s part adventure narrative, part personal discovery.' —New York Times
  • 'An incredibly engaging story of survival, personal growth, and redemption.' —San Francisco Chronicle

Top Wild Quotes

  • 'I’m a free spirit who never had the balls to be free.'
  • 'How wild it was, to let it be.'
  • 'The universe, I’d learned, was never, ever kidding. It would take whatever it wanted and it would never give it back.'

Who should read Wild?

Wild is an inspiring read for anyone interested in personal growth, overcoming adversity, or the healing power of nature. It's ideal for those who appreciate deeply personal memoirs and adventure narratives alike.

About the Author

Cheryl Strayed is an acclaimed author and essayist known for her memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture. Strayed’s writing often explores themes of loss, resilience, and self-discovery, and she has contributed to numerous publications. Her other works include the novel Torch and the advice column collection Tiny Beautiful Things.

Wild FAQs

What is the summary of the book Wild?

Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey of self-discovery as she embarks on a 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. It is a captivating story of resilience, healing, and finding one's true path.

Is Wild based off a true story?

Yes, Wild tells the true story of Cheryl Strayed, who undertakes a 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to find herself and heal from personal tragedies.

Was the book Wild made into a movie?

Yes, Wild was adapted into a film that premiered in 2014, starring Reese Witherspoon and receiving positive reviews from critics.