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Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a memoir about the author's decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail as a way of dealing with grief and trauma. Cheryl embarks on this solo journey to confront her emotions, understand herself, and find healing. The book delves into Cheryl's personal struggles, including the loss of her mother and a self-destructive divorce, intertwined with her physical trek through the wilderness. Through introspection and self-discovery, Cheryl navigates her past and present, ultimately finding peace and renewed strength.

If you liked Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. In "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail," Bill Bryson recounts his humorous and informative journey hiking a significant portion of the 2100-mile Appalachian Trail with his out-of-shape friend Katz. Throughout the book, Bryson blends his witty humor, historical insights about the trail, U.S. Forestry Dept., and wildlife, and the challenges faced while embarking on such an ambitious trek. The narrative captures the essence of the Appalachian Trail, the people encountered along the way, and the dangers and beauty of the trail, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone.

    A sign announced that this was no ordinary footpath, but the celebrated Appalachian Trail. Running more than 2,100 miles along America’s eastern seaboard, through the serene and beckoning Appalachian ...

  2. #2

    Educated by Tara Westover
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    Educated by Tara Westover is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood growing up in Idaho in a dysfunctional family. Tara's father, a strict Mormon and anti-government supporter, forbids her from attending school, leading her to work in the family's scrap yard instead. Despite the isolation and abuse she faces at home, Tara eventually breaks free and pursues education, earning scholarships and grants to study at prestigious universities like Cambridge and Harvard. The book delves into themes of familial dysfunction, survivalism, mental illness, and the transformative power of education.

    My strongest memory is not a memory. It’s something I imagined, then came to remember as if it had happened. The memory was formed when I was five, just before I turned six, from a story my father tol...

  3. 'Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar' by Cheryl Strayed is a collection of heartfelt and honest advice columns written by Strayed under the pseudonym Dear Sugar. The book offers a glimpse into the lives of strangers seeking guidance, with Strayed responding with compassion, wisdom, and personal anecdotes. The writing style is intimate and personal, with readers describing how the stories and advice made them laugh, cry, and feel inspired. Strayed's advice is raw, real, and often draws from her own experiences, creating a connection with readers seeking solace and understanding.

    It’s a selection of Dear Sugar columns. Many were originally published on TheRumpus.net. Others appear here for the first time. The letters in this book were emailed to Sugar via an anonymous form on ...

  4. #4

    Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
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    Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a non-fiction book that follows the fascinating and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his possessions, cut ties with his family, and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. The book delves into McCandless' motivations, his struggles for survival, and the philosophical questions surrounding his choices, all while exploring themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the allure of nature.

    Krakauer's writing style in Into the Wild is described as well-researched, thought-provoking, and compelling. The narrative not only focuses on McCandless' journey but also includes the author's personal reflections and experiences, adding depth and emotion to the story. Through interviews, personal journal entries, and detailed accounts, Krakauer presents a gripping tale that forces readers to reflect on themes of youth, independence, and the consequences of living on the edge of society.

    Please return all mail I receive to the sender. It might be a very long time before I return South. If this adventure proves fatal and you don’t ever hear from me again I want you to know you’re a gre...

  5. #5

    The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
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    The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.

    Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.

    I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the ...

  6. Eat Pray Love follows the journey of Elizabeth Gilbert as she embarks on a year-long adventure to Italy, India, and Bali in search of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Through her vivid descriptions of the places she visits and the experiences she encounters, Gilbert shares her personal struggles, growth, and reflections on life. The book intertwines elements of humor, introspection, and cultural exploration, offering readers a glimpse into the author's quest for inner peace and fulfillment.

    Oh, but there are so many reasons why this would be a terrible idea. To begin with, Giovanni is ten years younger than I am, and—like most Italian guys in their twenties—he still lives with his mother...

  7. #7

    The Wanderess And Her Suitcase by Meara O'Hara
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    The Wanderess and her Suitcase by Meara O'Hara is a memoir that follows a young woman's journey through the US while confronting the trauma and memories of her past growing up in a cult. The book delves into the protagonist's experiences under a violent cult leader, highlighting her resilience and inner strength as she navigates through her traumatic childhood into adulthood.

    The author, Meara O'Hara, presents her story with a blend of self-awareness, honesty, strength, and vulnerability. Through her narrative, she explores the emotional impact of her upbringing in a cult, offering readers a glimpse into her personal struggles and growth. The writing style captures the reader's attention by weaving together themes of trauma, abuse, family dysfunction, forgiveness, and personal transformation.


  8. 'Tracks: A Woman's Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback' by Robyn Davidson is a memoir recounting the author's incredible journey of trekking across the Australian desert with her three camels. The narrative captures both the physical challenges and emotional growth experienced by Davidson during the expedition. Readers are taken through a vivid description of the Australian Outback, indigenous customs, and the author's personal reflections on self-reliance, determination, and resilience. Davidson's writing style blends humor, sadness, and introspection, creating a compelling account of her exploration and encounters during the challenging trek.

    I ARRIVED IN THE ALICE at five a.m. with a dog, six dollars and a small suitcase full of inappropriate clothes. ‘Bring a cardigan for the evenings,’ the brochure said. A freezing wind whipped grit dow...

  9. 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer is a gripping personal account of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition, where several climbers lost their lives due to a sudden storm. Krakauer, a journalist and experienced climber, vividly describes the harrowing journey to the summit, highlighting the extreme physical and psychological challenges faced by the climbers. Through his detailed narration, Krakauer delves into the commercialization of Himalayan adventures, the allure of climbing the world's highest peak, and the tragic consequences of nature's unpredictability.

    The book provides a chilling insight into the calamitous events that unfolded on Everest, showcasing Krakauer's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to evoke intense emotions in readers. The narrative transitions from a tale of adventure to a heart-wrenching story of survival and loss, offering a profound exploration of human nature, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of conquering the unconquerable.

    Rob Hall New Zealand, leader and head guide Mike Groom Australia, guide Andy “Harold” Harris New Zealand, guide Helen Wilton New Zealand, Base Camp manager Dr. Caroline Mackenzie New Zealand, Base Cam...

  10. #10

    The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
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    The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's experience with grief and mourning after the sudden death of her husband and the critical illness of her daughter. Didion's writing style is described as raw, honest, and poignant, capturing the profoundness of a lengthy marriage and the crippling grief of its unexpected end. The book delves into the stages of grief, offering insights and detailed analysis of the author's reactions, thoughts, and feelings as she navigates through loss and tries to come to terms with this life-altering event.

    At times, the book reads like a shipwreck, mirroring Didion's state of mind during this period when she grapples with the possibility of her husband's return. The writing is elegant yet down to earth, with a sharply honed talent for language and a strict honesty that makes this memoir a treasure. Didion's ability to convey emotions surrounding loss and love is highlighted, as she weaves together memories, personal reflections, and literary allusions to create a contemplative collection of prose that delves into the depths of human experience.

    Those were the first words I wrote after it happened. The computer dating on the Microsoft Word file (“Notes on change.doc”) reads “May 20, 2004, 11:11 p.m.,” but that would have been a case of my ope...

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