Really fun, easy read that didn't feel too salacious. But with a topic and a title like The Residence, things are going to seem a little furtive. Very much enjoyed this inside look into the White House's behind-the-scenes workers.

I give it 3.5 stars.

Cheryl Strayed has taken what could be a pretty boring nature writer book, and turned it into a thoughtful memoir. It never felt too dense, or too journal-sounding ("Today I walked on the trail. Tomorrow I will hike some more. Saw a deer.."). She told pleasant and not-so-pleasant stories, not just about trail life (which was the most interesting part for me) but also her family life and her difficulty with drug addiction. I'm appreciative of what she has done, as well as how she didn't gloss over her mistakes. Its raw, gritty, and ambitious, and it may be difficult for some people (including me) to identify with her style and freedom-loving personality. Be that as it may, its her story and I applaud her for being brave enough to write it.