I go through waves of reading one book after the other, to reading nothing for months at a time. I guess it all depends on how much spare time I have and how much mental energy I have left once I get to my spare time. This summer I was fortunate enough to be able to read many of the books that had long been on my "must read" list.
Many of the books were good and enjoyable, but there was one book that stood out in my mind. One book that I couldn't stop thinking about long after I'd put it down. One book that inspired me. Floored me. Challenged me. The kind of book that made me want to take off on my own for a once in a lifetime adventure.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed was that book.
The story is a biography about 26 year old Cheryl who has just lost her mother, is going through a divorce, and has very little family left. She feels as though she has no direction. She is utterly lost. A chance encounter with a book she sees in a store sparks her adventure hiking alone on the Pacific Crest Trail, a hiking trail that spans from the Mexican border all the way up into Canada. Throughout her journey she finds healing and strength, and truly finds herself again.
It is an amazing story and so well written. The book got in my head so much that I haven't been able to start a new book yet. My thoughts are still so entrenched in this book that I can't begin to take in new characters. The book really moved me. Stuck in me.
If you have not already read this book I HIGHLY suggest you pick it up. ASAP.
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And now, how about a book meme? Elaine from The Miss-Elaine-ous Life tagged me on Facebook and I liked the challenge so much I thought I'd bring it all to you.
Normally, I would not participate because I am a big ole rule breaker and nonconformist (or lazy) but this one is about BOOKS so I had to. LIST 10 BOOKS THAT HAVE MADE AN IMPACT ON YOU. DON'T THINK TOO HARD OR TAKE TOO MUCH TIME. THESE ARE NOT NECESSARILY YOUR FAVORITES BUT BOOKS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOU.
All 10 (okay, 13- remember the not following rules thing?) of these books are all on my bookshelves right now.
So, here is my list:
The Giving Tree- Shel Silvertstein
Travels With Charley-John Steinbeck
Embraced By The Light- Betty Eadie
The Bible
Wild- Cheryl Strayed
Little House in The Big Woods- Laura Ingalls Wilder
Pride & Prejudice- Jane Austen
What to Expect When You're Expecting- Murkoff, Eidenberg & Hathaway
Still Alice- Lisa Genova
It- Steven King
Poems- Maya Angelou
What Alice Forgot- Liane Moriarty
The Hobbit- JRR Tolkien
I won't tag anyone but I challenge all of my bloggy friends and readers to participate. I love seeing what books have shaped my friends and I've gotten some great book recommendations out of it.
11 comments:
My book club read Wild and I must say that is stayed with me as well. I've heard there is a movie out, but it doesn't compare to the emotion brought in the book. As for the meme, well, only 10? I wouldn't know where to begin.
Someone mentioned this book to me recently and I think it is something I need to read...so will add it too my long list.
This had been on my list for a long time, so I was excited when I finally sat down to read it.....and honestly? I hated it and couldn't finish it! The amount of reckless sex, drug use and swearing ruined it for me. I like books about dysfunctional families as much as the next guy, but it was so much so that I found it not believable. I do know plenty of people who loved it though!
I'd have to really think on the list, but Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell is at the top.
Bijoux- Ha! I know what you mean. But to me that just all spoke to how lost she was. She basically didn't care about herself at all. Which is probably why she could go on such a trek BY HERSELF. I believe she didn't really care if she fell off a cliff never to be seen again.
I can remember a very dark time in my life when I felt the same way. I just didn't act it all out like she did.
I don't know. That book struck a cord for me.
And I agree with you ladies. Narrowing it down to 10 books is near impossible. Even 12 was hard. ;)
I haven't heard of this book; will have to check it out. Might not be able to come up with 10 books, but:
1. Bible
2. Grapes of Wrath
3. To Kill a Mockingbird
4. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Now have to do some thinking for the rest.....
betty
I'll check it out. Thanks Kat. Thanks for the meme too, it inspired me to get busy and find a bunch of new books to read. I often read 3-4 books a week so after awhile it gets hard to find new material. I spent a good long time yesterday souring Good Reads thanks to you. Happy Friday!
Well it sounds like Wild got a lot of positive votes. I have it on my wishlist for library downloads so no doubt I'll get around to it eventually. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)
Drat! I can't stop reading it now, I get nothing else done. thank you very much! :D
Reese Witherspoon:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2305051/
Well now I definitely want to read WILD! Thanks for still listing your books, you have a great list! :)
I really enjoyed that book! It rates as one of my top favorites. :)
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