Reading about Cheryl Strayed's tumultuous journey on the Pacific Crest Trail was also a journey for me as a reader. Wild made me laugh out loud (when she first tries to hoist her backpack on), cry (several times, usually regarding her reflections on her mother), look away in horror (the horse), and squeam in anguish and anxiety (so many parts). Strayed's a wonderful writer, I often read passages out loud to my husband if we were in the same room. She's great at setting a scene; though sometimes the depressing moments weigh heavily (as they should, I think). I enjoyed her tales of camraderie on the trail and understood all too well her fears, especially as a woman (and there's a scene that made my hair stand on end, I was so nervous). She's insightful and self-reflective in a way that I liked a lot, it's realistic and humble and exposed--it's not always pretty, but she makes no apologies. Loved the ending, too. I would recommend this book to everyone.