Cheryl Strayed's memoir, Wild, earns praise for its raw, honest portrayal of personal struggle and the redemptive power of nature. Critics commend Strayed's vivid, compelling writing and emotional depth. Some find the narrative occasionally indulgent and the pacing uneven. Overall, it inspires through its resilient heroine and transformative journey.

A reader who enjoys personal memoirs, stories of self-discovery, and outdoor adventures will find Wild by Cheryl Strayed compelling. Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love and Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild will appreciate Strayed's raw, transformative journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed chronicles the author's 1,100-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail following her mother's sudden death. Interweaving the story of the hike with flashbacks, Strayed addresses the physical and emotional challenges of long-distance hiking and her personal growth. The book deals with personal loss, substance use disorder, and relationship struggles.

Contemplative / Emotional / Adventurous / Inspirational / Melancholic

- Wild was a New York Times bestseller and received widespread critical acclaim, solidifying Cheryl Strayed's reputation as an influential voice in contemporary literature.
- The book was adapted into a 2014 film starring Reese Witherspoon, which led to Witherspoon receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
- Strayed's journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, which is central to the book's narrative, inspired many readers to embark on their own hiking adventures, leading to a significant increase in trail usage in subsequent years.

**Cheryl Strayed**  
An American author who embarked on a significant personal journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, leading to profound personal growth and reflection.

**Cheryl's Mother (Bobbi)**  
A devoted single mother who shielded her children from poverty and pursued higher education later in life.

**Cheryl's Father**  
Mostly absent from Cheryl’s life, he was known for his abusive behavior and infrequent, hurtful communication.

**Eddie**  
Bobbi’s second husband, a carpenter who built a family home and supported the family, especially during Bobbi's illness.

**Paul**  
Cheryl’s first husband, who was a steadfast support during her mother's illness and remained a close friend after their divorce.

Cheryl Strayed

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Wild reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Wild | SuperSummary

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Overview

Grappling with grief and addiction, Cheryl Strayed hikes 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail in search of healing. Discover more in this Wild summary.

Wild Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Ten Thousand Things”

Prologue and Part 1

Get ready to explore Wild and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Wild?

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