Wild, by Cherly Strayed

Wild by Cheryl Strayed.  Biography of single, mixed-up gal who walks the Pacific Crest Trail alone, from California through Oregon, to Washington.  Sort of a diary of her experience interspersed with the story of her life that led to her a decision to tackle this trek.  Loneliness, weather extremes, strangers, wild animals, lack of money, physical pain and a back pack so heavy it makes other trekkers shake their head in disbelief, makes the walk tough enough to break the most determined walker.  Her past drives her determinedly onward.  Interaction with other hikers makes a tough time more bearable, but also poses a threat to the single woman alone.  I rarely read non-fiction so this was a diversion, but I am glad I found it.  Solid 8 out of 10.  As a midwesterner, I enjoyed reading a book about the western states’ geographical attributes and not just the surfs up, big city, Hollywood kind of life.