I went into this book with very few expectations as it was something I was reading on a recommendation, and I had never read any of Strayed's other books. I can see why she is such a popular author though. Her writing style is both poignant and evocative. She also doesn't dance around her opinion but offers it flat out with the knowledge that her way isn't the one for everyone. It is very refreshing.

After thinking on it, I'm choosing to treat this book as a memoir, as the personal detail and stories here are deeply personal to both Strayed and to those writing to her. Strayed's ability to paint a picture from what are sometimes painfully short questions for advice impresses me, and while her choice in how to respond sometimes shocked me there is no doubt that she has a powerful skill to connect emotionally with many of the letter writers.