Michelle Johnson's Reviews > Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

4.5 star

It's taken me several days to write this review, just like it took me weeks (YES, weeks) to read this book.

I did something I dont usually do after I read this book. I read the reviews before I wrote my own. I don't usually do that because I dont want my opinions to be influenced before I write them down. But because I couldnt get enough of this book, or of Cheryl, I read them.

I was very surprised at the vitriol towards her. Okay, she made some poor choices, but they were her choices to make. And she shared them with us. All I can do is have mercy on her. But, come on, look at what she did! Her fortitude astounds me. I could not have done the same.

For me, this was an emotionally hard read. I would find myself thinking back through the years to my own choices. I related to her relationship with both her parents and her siblings.

I found myself wondering what Cheryl was doing all the time. But, even when I had a spare minute, I would not pick that book up. It was too much for me. Her writing style was authentic and inviting. It wasnt her writing style that kept me from picking the book up day after day.

And yet, when it ended, I did not want it to end. I wanted to know more about her. Where is she now? How is she? Will she fill in the rest of her life for us in another, future book?

As with many memoirs, she was all over the place. I occasionally got lost with where she was going. She was also redundant. We dont need to be reminded, about what happened earlier in the book, three times.

The book was immensely interesting, funny, inviting and descriptive.

You can't ask for more out of a biography. (Except a sequel.)

Cant wait to watch the movie.


(A book written by a female author)