Giveaway: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
I brought the book, Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, on one of our earlier camping trips this summer. I was already in love with the author, Cheryl Strayed, from her Dear Sugar advice column on The Rumpus.
I can’t remember much from that camping trip (besides the John Denver sing-a-long and the kids dredging themselves through the muddy pond and how we cooked so many packages of bacon it was like everyone had a clown-car stomach for how much they could shoehorn into their bitty bodies) because I was completely engrossed in Wild.
I read the last 150 pages of Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (including the steamy Ashland, Oregon scene – how does she make a one night stand seem tender and beautiful?) in my green tent while Col slept like the angel that sleeping children always are, next to me. And then I stayed up way too late thinking about how much I liked Cheryl Strayed. Not just because she can write like a mofo, but because she is brave and honest and funny and tough and raw.
Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s mother died of cancer when Strayed was in her early 20’s (her father left when she was 6). After the devastating loss of her mother, dropping out of college, getting divorced, moving repeatedly, sleeping around and doing a bit too much heroin, at 26 years old, Cheryl Strayed decided to hike The Pacific Crest Trail from Southern California to the Southern tip of Washington.
She didn’t take this 1100 mile hike because she was a naure-loving backpacker; she had never backpacked a day in her life. But she was broken and sad and losing herself and searching for a way back home. On the trail her luck is sometimes charmed, sometimes cursed; she meets new trail friends and then is utterly alone for many consecutive days. But ultimately, she learns to care for her broken self, to hold her own hand through the wilderness of the unknown.
If my endorsement isn’t enough, Oprah picked Wild for her book club and and it’s currently number 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List.
*The trailer for Wild.
*Dear Sugar advice here (the obliterated place) and here (how you get unstuck)
Alfred A. Knopf publishing co. gave me 2 hardbound copies of Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail to share with you.
Leave a comment below to be entered in the giveaway. If you’re one of those people whom wordpress won’t allow to comment, you can e-mail me and I’ll add you. I’ll pick 2 people on July 16th.
{ps: still whispering here, but the rain has been prolific and fabulous}
WINNERS:
#2 Disney G “Oh, I was just talking with someone about this book! I would absolutely love to read it. We are going camping soon, so it would be a perfect read. :-)”
#46 LISA “I would love to win a copy of Wild. I went to the Smoky Mountains for the first time last week, and have been romanticizing the Apalachian Trail since. I would love to get lost in her story.”
E-mail me your addresses and I will send books out when I’m back from Alaska.
I live in Canada, so no worries if I’m not eligible for your draw. :) Just wanted to say I really enjoy your posts!!
Oh, I was just talking with someone about this book! I would absolutely love to read it. We are going camping soon, so it would be a perfect read. :-)
Oh, I was just talking with someone about this book! I would absolutely love to read it. We are going camping soon, so it would be a perfect read. :-)
So glad the rains have come for you and your garden. You are such an inspiration to me!
So glad the rains have come for you and your garden. You are such an inspiration to me!
I’d love to read this – I went through a phase where I only read books about walking: Walk Across America, Alone on the Great Wall, Feet of Clay by Ffyona Campbell, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. Something is awesome about writers who walk far.
I’d love to read this – I went through a phase where I only read books about walking: Walk Across America, Alone on the Great Wall, Feet of Clay by Ffyona Campbell, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. Something is awesome about writers who walk far.
i’ve heard so many people raving about this book and frankly, if it kept you from realizing how much bacon y’all consumed in a morning, i must read it. also, the bit about her writing like a mofo? screams must read.
i’ve heard so many people raving about this book and frankly, if it kept you from realizing how much bacon y’all consumed in a morning, i must read it. also, the bit about her writing like a mofo? screams must read.
Am going to suggest this to my book club. Am engrossed in Young Men and Fire by Norman Mclean (A River Runs Through It) and fascinated with fire science and this beautiful land we live in. Riley took History of Goldmining through Summer Academy and we are learning a lot about how Durango and Silverton were setttled. Very fun!
Am going to suggest this to my book club. Am engrossed in Young Men and Fire by Norman Mclean (A River Runs Through It) and fascinated with fire science and this beautiful land we live in. Riley took History of Goldmining through Summer Academy and we are learning a lot about how Durango and Silverton were setttled. Very fun!
Ooh, sounds like a good one! I’m currently loving Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton. Her descriptions are scrumptious!
Ooh, sounds like a good one! I’m currently loving Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton. Her descriptions are scrumptious!
{Whispering here as well. What is this wonderful liquid falling from the sky?}
Oh, the obliterated place. Crying in my coffee.
{Whispering here as well. What is this wonderful liquid falling from the sky?}
Oh, the obliterated place. Crying in my coffee.
this sounds like a fabulous book. Even if I don’t win I’ll be searching for it at my library. Thanks :)
this sounds like a fabulous book. Even if I don’t win I’ll be searching for it at my library. Thanks :)
Hooray rain! I’d love to read Wild.
Hooray rain! I’d love to read Wild.
WOW! This books sounds AMAZING! I love reading your blog and keeping up on all your adventures :)
WOW! This books sounds AMAZING! I love reading your blog and keeping up on all your adventures :)
your words! your words! they make my heart feel so good. you are so real, and honest, and friggin’ awesome! i, too, live in canada – so, no worries if i’m too far north to be entered into the giveaway – but good grief – i would do cartwheels if i won! this life story must be all kinds of amazing. i recently watched the movie ‘the way’ with martin sheen. so much spirit building happens on a good looooooong walk. (btw – found you through my good friend twwly ages ago – and every time i visit here, i am always knocked upside the head with lots of goodness!) thank you! xx
your words! your words! they make my heart feel so good. you are so real, and honest, and friggin’ awesome! i, too, live in canada – so, no worries if i’m too far north to be entered into the giveaway – but good grief – i would do cartwheels if i won! this life story must be all kinds of amazing. i recently watched the movie ‘the way’ with martin sheen. so much spirit building happens on a good looooooong walk. (btw – found you through my good friend twwly ages ago – and every time i visit here, i am always knocked upside the head with lots of goodness!) thank you! xx
Ooooohh this has been on my list since you mentioned it awhile back. I’d love a copy!
Ooooohh this has been on my list since you mentioned it awhile back. I’d love a copy!
This book sounds fantastic and right up my alley!! We just came back from a short camping/hiking trip with our 2 year old and there’s just nothing better than being in nature to refresh the spirit!!!
This book sounds fantastic and right up my alley!! We just came back from a short camping/hiking trip with our 2 year old and there’s just nothing better than being in nature to refresh the spirit!!!
Wow! What an endorsement!
“brave and honest and funny and tough and raw”- I like those adjectives a lot.
xo
Wow! What an endorsement!
“brave and honest and funny and tough and raw”- I like those adjectives a lot.
xo
Sounds like the kind of vicarious excitement I would devour in a too-late-night reading session. Sign me up!
(We must’ve made a little sun/rain trade after all! We’ve had glorious not too hot sunshine and I’m thrilled to hear you all are getting some much needed precip!)
Sounds like the kind of vicarious excitement I would devour in a too-late-night reading session. Sign me up!
(We must’ve made a little sun/rain trade after all! We’ve had glorious not too hot sunshine and I’m thrilled to hear you all are getting some much needed precip!)
i would love to win a copy sounds like an amazing book
i would love to win a copy sounds like an amazing book
Sounds like a great read…..count me in.
Sounds like a great read…..count me in.
Sounds like something I’d love to read. I just finished The Dirty Life and it was phenomenal.
Sounds like something I’d love to read. I just finished The Dirty Life and it was phenomenal.
Thanks for another book recommendation! I’d love to win it, but will read it one way or another for sure.
I enjoy getting into a good book on a trip. To me, it makes the memories even sweeter, almost like two adventures in one.
Thanks for another book recommendation! I’d love to win it, but will read it one way or another for sure.
I enjoy getting into a good book on a trip. To me, it makes the memories even sweeter, almost like two adventures in one.
Let’s see if WordPress lets me be one of those people who’s allowed to comment today. Would love a copy of the book.
Let’s see if WordPress lets me be one of those people who’s allowed to comment today. Would love a copy of the book.
Sounds great. I’m in.
Sounds great. I’m in.
Sounds like a great book! Thank you for offering the giveaway and the book recommendation. Happy summer ;)
Sounds like a great book! Thank you for offering the giveaway and the book recommendation. Happy summer ;)
After reading her interview with Oprah recently this book when straight to the top of my “must read” list. Winning a copy would be fabulous. Awesome giveaway, Rachel. Thanks!
After reading her interview with Oprah recently this book when straight to the top of my “must read” list. Winning a copy would be fabulous. Awesome giveaway, Rachel. Thanks!
If you say it’s good then it must be. We just discussed “The Dirty Life” with my book club…fantastic and thanks! I’ve spent a bit of time myself on the PCT…this sounds like an incredible read. Thanks!
If you say it’s good then it must be. We just discussed “The Dirty Life” with my book club…fantastic and thanks! I’ve spent a bit of time myself on the PCT…this sounds like an incredible read. Thanks!
It was a wonderful book and you have characterized it perfectly!
It was a wonderful book and you have characterized it perfectly!
I would love to read this!
I would love to read this!
Oh this books sounds amazing kind of like a Pam Houston kind of book.
Oh this books sounds amazing kind of like a Pam Houston kind of book.
this book sound so good! If i don’t win I’m adding my name to the waitlist at the library!
this book sound so good! If i don’t win I’m adding my name to the waitlist at the library!
Her name seems perfect. I keep thinking you are describing here, but no, just writing her full name. Sign me up, please!, and thanks for putting another book on my list. Nothing is better than books to look forward to, except maybe thunderstorms. They are good, too.
Her name seems perfect. I keep thinking you are describing here, but no, just writing her full name. Sign me up, please!, and thanks for putting another book on my list. Nothing is better than books to look forward to, except maybe thunderstorms. They are good, too.
Speaking of engrossing books, I have been neglecting my children to finish UNBROKEN
http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/1400064163/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341881734&sr=1-1&keywords=unbroken
which was really great. Just before that, Lauren Groff’s short story collection DELICATE EDIBLE BIRDS, which I really liked, although you should really read her great first novel, THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON, which is even better.
http://www.amazon.com/Monsters-Templeton-Lauren-Groff/dp/140134092X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341881909&sr=1-1&keywords=monsters+of+templeton
And before that, a book every woman in Colorado should read, NOTHING DAUNTED.
http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Daunted-Unexpected-Education-Society/dp/1439176590/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341881856&sr=1-1&keywords=nothing+daunted+dorothy+wickenden
(I’m not from Colorado, but I’ve been there and understand why you love it!)
So I would love to add WILD to my summer reading list! Thanks!
Speaking of engrossing books, I have been neglecting my children to finish UNBROKEN
http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/1400064163/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341881734&sr=1-1&keywords=unbroken
which was really great. Just before that, Lauren Groff’s short story collection DELICATE EDIBLE BIRDS, which I really liked, although you should really read her great first novel, THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON, which is even better.
http://www.amazon.com/Monsters-Templeton-Lauren-Groff/dp/140134092X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341881909&sr=1-1&keywords=monsters+of+templeton
And before that, a book every woman in Colorado should read, NOTHING DAUNTED.
http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Daunted-Unexpected-Education-Society/dp/1439176590/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341881856&sr=1-1&keywords=nothing+daunted+dorothy+wickenden
(I’m not from Colorado, but I’ve been there and understand why you love it!)
So I would love to add WILD to my summer reading list! Thanks!
I’ve had this book on my to read list for a while. Hope the rain keeps up!
I’ve had this book on my to read list for a while. Hope the rain keeps up!
I heard her interviewed on the Diane Ream (I know that is not how you spell it) show on NPR (briefly, between small children’s demands for explanations of things that I am uncomfortable explaining). It sounded awesome, and I need a book, and I like to read your writing, so it sounds great.
I heard her interviewed on the Diane Ream (I know that is not how you spell it) show on NPR (briefly, between small children’s demands for explanations of things that I am uncomfortable explaining). It sounded awesome, and I need a book, and I like to read your writing, so it sounds great.
I’m at the tail end of finishing a book series that I’ve been at for 4 years… I could use a new story to help the transition go smoothly. What am I going to do when this current series is done! It will be like they’re all dead to me! DEAD!! Ugh…. Yes. This would be the solution. The rebound, if you will. Sign me up. Fingers crossed.
I’m at the tail end of finishing a book series that I’ve been at for 4 years… I could use a new story to help the transition go smoothly. What am I going to do when this current series is done! It will be like they’re all dead to me! DEAD!! Ugh…. Yes. This would be the solution. The rebound, if you will. Sign me up. Fingers crossed.
This book sounds fabulous! I’ll hold out on buying it til the 16th. Maybe I’ll win a copy!;)
This book sounds fabulous! I’ll hold out on buying it til the 16th. Maybe I’ll win a copy!;)
I have been wanting to read this–she sounds like a very inspirational person! Thanks for the giveaway chance,
I have been wanting to read this–she sounds like a very inspirational person! Thanks for the giveaway chance,
dang, I just looked for this book today at the library but had the title wrong. love the rain photo of you , too, but don’t worry, i won’t tell anyone. i happen to be married to a pretty superstitious guy (:
dang, I just looked for this book today at the library but had the title wrong. love the rain photo of you , too, but don’t worry, i won’t tell anyone. i happen to be married to a pretty superstitious guy (:
i am so happy to know she wrote a book! ha! i live in the boonies sometimes. i knew of dear sugar and have been completely smitten by every single one of the letters i’ve read. yay for this book!!!!! i am getting so excited just knowing it is in my future, somehow. i don’t know if i can wait to know if i win it or not……ha!
i am so happy to know she wrote a book! ha! i live in the boonies sometimes. i knew of dear sugar and have been completely smitten by every single one of the letters i’ve read. yay for this book!!!!! i am getting so excited just knowing it is in my future, somehow. i don’t know if i can wait to know if i win it or not……ha!
also. when did she reveal herself?? just a few months ago i swear i was doing google searches trying to find out who she really is. i’m so happy to see her face!!!
also. when did she reveal herself?? just a few months ago i swear i was doing google searches trying to find out who she really is. i’m so happy to see her face!!!
The last time I read a book you recommended, I loved it! So I’ll definitely give this one a try
P.S. I’ve been loving the thunderstorms lately, they sound 3 times as loud here as anywhere else I’ve ever lived. And since we’ve actually gotten rain with them I don’t worry as much about the lightning :)
The last time I read a book you recommended, I loved it! So I’ll definitely give this one a try
P.S. I’ve been loving the thunderstorms lately, they sound 3 times as loud here as anywhere else I’ve ever lived. And since we’ve actually gotten rain with them I don’t worry as much about the lightning :)
I would love to read this book. Like i love your blog!
I would love to read this book. Like i love your blog!
holy crap. after gulping down those two links and crying my face off, i love her, although now my heart and stomach are killing me. uh…so…thanks? no really. thank you, she is so inspiring and her words are really good medicine. no wonder you don’t remember anything else about that camping trip!
also, how cool are you that publishers contact you and offer books to give away? pretty cool.
holy crap. after gulping down those two links and crying my face off, i love her, although now my heart and stomach are killing me. uh…so…thanks? no really. thank you, she is so inspiring and her words are really good medicine. no wonder you don’t remember anything else about that camping trip!
also, how cool are you that publishers contact you and offer books to give away? pretty cool.
This sounds great and I would love to read it! Thanks for sharing, it’s always so inspirational.
This sounds great and I would love to read it! Thanks for sharing, it’s always so inspirational.
Great giveaway! I’d love to read that book!
Great giveaway! I’d love to read that book!
sounds inspiring. please include me in your generous giveaway offer. OM
sounds inspiring. please include me in your generous giveaway offer. OM
I would love to win a copy of Wild. I went to the Smoky Mountains for the first time last week, and have been romanticizing the Apalachian Trail since. I would love to get lost in her story.
I would love to win a copy of Wild. I went to the Smoky Mountains for the first time last week, and have been romanticizing the Apalachian Trail since. I would love to get lost in her story.
I am on the long waiting list at the library and would love to read it!
I am on the long waiting list at the library and would love to read it!
we’re whispering about the glorious rain here in Austin today also.
WILD sounds great… my husband was just trying to convince me to move to Ashland last week.
we’re whispering about the glorious rain here in Austin today also.
WILD sounds great… my husband was just trying to convince me to move to Ashland last week.
I would love to read WILD. You always have the best book recommendations.
Count me in on the give away.
Thanks.
I would love to read WILD. You always have the best book recommendations.
Count me in on the give away.
Thanks.
That book sounds great, I’ll definitely read it one way or another. Wish I could enter a giveaway for some rain!
That book sounds great, I’ll definitely read it one way or another. Wish I could enter a giveaway for some rain!
I love John Denver sing-a-longs. And this book sounds amazing.
I love John Denver sing-a-longs. And this book sounds amazing.
I’m number 70 bazillion on the Corvallis library’s waiting list for this book, so I’d be thrilled to get to read it sooner! Thanks!
I’m number 70 bazillion on the Corvallis library’s waiting list for this book, so I’d be thrilled to get to read it sooner! Thanks!
me me me me! this sounds wonderful! am slogging through Mark Helprin’s Winter Tale and his writing always blows me away even when the content is not quite right for the moment. Have fun in alaska, my dear! Tell Col that his crayon cupcake survived my bad cooking skills and is waiting for him when he returns!
me me me me! this sounds wonderful! am slogging through Mark Helprin’s Winter Tale and his writing always blows me away even when the content is not quite right for the moment. Have fun in alaska, my dear! Tell Col that his crayon cupcake survived my bad cooking skills and is waiting for him when he returns!
YES! Count me in. Thanks so much.
YES! Count me in. Thanks so much.
Hi Rachel,
Please enter my name for the book. I work with folks dealing with addiction and would appreciate her perspective.
Thanks!
Sabrina
Hi Rachel,
Please enter my name for the book. I work with folks dealing with addiction and would appreciate her perspective.
Thanks!
Sabrina
How very lovely … I spent a reasonable amount of time outside as a child and even in my urban years during my 20s, but it’s really only in these last 7 years farming that the outdoors have gotten into my bones. They’re in my kid’s bones too. This is certainly a different kind of connecting than it seems like is in Wild, but gosh, I’d love to read this.
How very lovely … I spent a reasonable amount of time outside as a child and even in my urban years during my 20s, but it’s really only in these last 7 years farming that the outdoors have gotten into my bones. They’re in my kid’s bones too. This is certainly a different kind of connecting than it seems like is in Wild, but gosh, I’d love to read this.
Sounds like a fun read!
Sounds like a fun read!
I would love to read this book! I enjoy keeping up with your post and all your the adventures. I did make your Energy Balls and enjoyed them. Have a fun and safe trip to Alaska and good luck to everyone entering the giveaway.
I would love to read this book! I enjoy keeping up with your post and all your the adventures. I did make your Energy Balls and enjoyed them. Have a fun and safe trip to Alaska and good luck to everyone entering the giveaway.
ooooh— ME! safe travels, rach!
ooooh— ME! safe travels, rach!
I have been wanting to get my hands on a copy of this book. Thanks!
I have been wanting to get my hands on a copy of this book. Thanks!
The choice is yours to be loved. Words found in journey and cherished by an open heart.
The choice is yours to be loved. Words found in journey and cherished by an open heart.
Last summer I read Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods and through it, fell in love with the Appalachian trail. I am a California baby and I would love to learn about the Pacific Crest Trail through the voice/eyes of a woman. My husband and I have done lots of backpacking in California, all before we had kids, but we haven’t hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (yet).
Last summer I read Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods and through it, fell in love with the Appalachian trail. I am a California baby and I would love to learn about the Pacific Crest Trail through the voice/eyes of a woman. My husband and I have done lots of backpacking in California, all before we had kids, but we haven’t hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (yet).
Your mini-review of her book is lovely, as is your writing about everything. We had buckets and buckets of rain, here in Maine, a few weeks back. Now I am whispering for it, too, as it’s hot, humid, muggy, and above 90 most of the time. Yet, the children still want to snuggle.
Your mini-review of her book is lovely, as is your writing about everything. We had buckets and buckets of rain, here in Maine, a few weeks back. Now I am whispering for it, too, as it’s hot, humid, muggy, and above 90 most of the time. Yet, the children still want to snuggle.