Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Reader’s Advisory Matrix:
1. Where is this book on the narrative continuum?
Highly narrative
2. What is the subject of the book?
The book’s author, Cheryl Strayed and the journey of self discovery she went on when she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail by herself. It is also about her coming to terms with her mother’s death.
3. What type of book is it?
It is a memoir/autobiography
4. Articulate appeal:
a. What is the pacing of the book? The book is highly readable and fairly fast-paced
b. Describe the characters: Cheryl Strayed, the book author, is the main character. She is self reliant and strong. Other characters that feature in the book are her family and ex-husband. Her mother is the other character that is described well. She also is very strong willed, funny, and caring.
c. How does the story feel? The story is intense and emotional. It is written in first person and includes dialogue. The reader feels a connection to Cheryl immediately.
d. What is the intent of the author? The author wanted to explain how hiking the trail helped her come to terms with her mother’s death.
e. What is the focus of the story? The focus is Cheryl and her journey on the PCT.
f. Does the language matter? Yes
g. Is the setting important and well described? Yes, she describes the hiking and the surrounding area in great detail. It makes the reader feel like they are there hiking with her.
h. Are there details, and if so, of what? There are details of her equipment, the trail, her relationships, and the other characters.
i. Are there sufficient charts and graphic materials? None
j. Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? Yes, Cheryl learns not only about backpacking and what it takes to hike such a great distance but she also learns about herself.
5. Why would a reader enjoy this book? (rank appeal)
Characterization
Story line
Learning/experiencing
Hi Caitlyn, I wonder if you watched the movie with Reese Witherspoon and how it compares to the book. I didn't ever read the book but watched part of the movie and then stopped and decided I need to read the book first! Do you think it's one where the narrative value of the book carries over directly to the movie?
ReplyDeleteI liked the movie and thought it was a good translation of the book for sure. The book reads like a novel so it was probably easier than other nonfiction books to turn into a movie.
DeleteMy county does a 'one book one county' type thing and they did this book one year. They always have all sorts of things going on all month and then with this one specifically they showed the movie toward the end of the month. It was well received. (Some years a duds, some are not. :) ) Plus the whole travel thing is always a great draw.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad people liked it! I read this book and A Walk in the Woods at the same time. My dream is to hike both trails (PCT and Appalachian) someday and both books a great reads for anyone considering it even though they cover more topics than just the hike itself.
DeleteExcellent job fleshing this book out to fill this! It helps add on a whole new dimension not always covered in the summary! Full points!
ReplyDelete