Author / Writer / Book
Lover - which are you?
LT ~ I’ve been a book
lover since childhood, a writer since I began writing novels thirteen years
ago, and an author since my debut, Equilibrium,
came out in September, 2013.
Title of Fiction book
and year published
Wild, 2012
Author name Type of book
Cheryl Strayed Memoir
(JA ~ Normally, we focus on fiction, but this is perfect timing with the movie recently released. Plus, I was sucked in once I realized Cheryl grew up in a MN town an hour from where I live now!)
What is it about this
book that pulled you in?
LT ~ Let it be known, I’m a sucker for a strong voice. From Strayed’s first
paragraph, where she describes accidentally losing a hiking boot along the
Pacific Crest Trail, and then deliberately tossing the other boot over a cliff
and into the abyss, she had me. The event works as a metaphor for Strayed’s
entire journey, representing everything that happened before she hit the trail,
and then the conscious but extreme decision to hike 1,100 miles alone.
What kept me reading? The way Strayed takes ownership of everything she
did to herself after her mother’s death, without an ounce of self-pity.
Is there a relationship
in the story that resonated with you?
LT ~ Strayed’s mother was the love of her life, but she didn’t need to state
it outright. Every word, every action, drips with grief and
how-can-I-be-here-without-her. There’s a scene along the trail where Strayed
tries to summon rage for her mother, something, anything to snuff out the love.
But reciting a litany of her mother’s shortcomings does nothing to soften the
pain.
Do you think that
relationship was portrayed realistically?
LT ~ Absolutely! Family relationships
are complicated. We’re hardest on those we love. And sometimes we’re hardest on
ourselves.
Anything else you want
to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?
LT ~ While reading Wild, I was completely,
blissfully obsessed with the book. The story wound its way into my head and
heart in ways I’m still trying to fathom. So many times, I wanted to jot down
Strayed’s words, hard-won trail wisdom. I plan on visiting the pages
again soon.
You can connect with Lorrie here:
Visit Lorrie at her website, www.lorrie-thomson.com.
Connect with Lorrie on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/lorriethomsonauthor,
and Twitter, https://twitter.com/lorriethomson
JA ~ Thank you so much, Lorrie, for taking the time to recommend this great book. I recently read it, thanks to your recommendation!
Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book? If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!
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Hi Lorrie, I'm curious about the movie compared to the book. I haven't seen the movie yet, how did that compare to the book? Thanks for recommending this very interesting novel!
ReplyDeleteI loved the movie, AND I feel the viewing experience was enhanced by having read the book. Reese Witherspoon was phenomenal--she's always phenomenal--but no actor can convey every thought and feeling. There's nothing like a book to make you feel as if you've lived the protagonist's life. I might be a little prejudiced in favor of books. Let's just say, the book and the movie go hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteI saw the previews to the movie and it looks good, esp. with Reese in it. I think you are right though, books are almost always better than the movie. Hmmm, I wonder if I'm a little prejudiced about books too! ;)
DeleteDefinitely, you're a book girl! Each medium--book and film--has its unique strengths. Film allows for a more specific experience. To my mind, books are more interactive.
DeleteDiscussing books with book clubs adds another dimension to the reading experience. Whether book or movie, we all come to the story with unique points of view.
DeleteHi Lorrie and Jill. I need to read the book, though I am interested in the film You are right, Lorrie, about each medium having their strengths, but I am sure the book has more meat and yes, we have time to pause and examine passages and apply thoughts to our own lives. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThe book (and likely, the movie) can be pretty gritty at times, but that was the way her life was, and she makes no excuses for the mistakes she makes along the way. Quite a tough person to be able to withstand the PCT like she did. I hope you enjoy it, Beth!
DeleteExactly right, Beth. The next time I read the book, I'm planning on jotting down wisdom and attempting to figure out how Strayed got me so completely emotionally invested in the story.
DeleteI loved the book and thought the movie was also very good. Though I think reading the book first really helped in understanding all of her emotions and the why behind the hike. This book goes in my favorites!
ReplyDelete