Hey everyone and how's it going? I know it's been a while since I've last posted anything on here. But, I'm back and I'm here to bring to you all a book review yay!!! (Side note: be expecting a lot of reviews lol!) Today I am reviewing for you all "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. This book has been on the back of my mind for while so let's get started!

If you haven't read or at least seen the movie, then gather around kids, get nice and cozy, enjoy a warm drink and I'll tell you all about it...hehe!

The story is centered around Cheryl and her journey through the Pacific Crest Trail that runs along the Mexican Boarder in California and ends somewhere near the Canadian Boarder. Cheryl was 26 at the time and it was in the mid 90's when she done this. She had been through a lot, the lost of her mom, had affairs, separates then divorces her husband, and she and her siblings don't talk as much, same goes with her former step-dad, and also starts using heroine. She one days sees the guide book for the Pacific Crest Trail and flips through it and then sets it down. But, with her divorce, dealing with her new boyfriend, and drugs. She decides to go and get the book and goes for it! There is hilarious moment when she tries on her backpack, that is so totally filled with unnecessary things. Needless say while getting up off the floor, she brings with her the hood of the AC unit in her room! Plus, other funny moment.

So, that is as best as I can get with explaining the book! I thought this book was amazing, I felt that I was taking the trail with her and experiencing what she went through, all in the comforts of my own home. She made me laugh a bit and annoyed sometimes. She meets a lot of amazing people along the way. Majority of them were men, but they respected her for doing the trial all by herself. She did come across not so pleasant people, but mostly she found a lot of kind people. Her favorite was a guy name Doug.

This made me want to do something like that, but then I go "eh better not" lol! I wouldn't mind hiking and just exploring a park, but only for a week or two. But, she is a brave woman for doing so and I admire her, not a lot of us would do something that is out of our comfort zone. No matter who you are, but I guess if you do, then you learn more about yourself, without all the judgement that you rely on from others about yourself. It will totally shake me to the core if I did the PCT or something similar. Because, all we can do is just think and walk. Plus, not to mention keeping a lookout for wild animals and such. 

I totally recommend this book to everyone! Whoever you are! So, here is where I'll end! I hope you all are blasting through your TBRs! I have quite a bit on my table! Until the next post, be fantastic! 

TOODLES!!!

I haven't done one of these for a long time haha!!!

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed is a collection of the letters and responses that were printed in the advice column, "Dear Sugar", from The Rumpus. The topics range from love and marriage, cheating, identity (sexual and otherwise), parenting, relationships with parents/children, grief, and abuse. Strayed does not pull her punches and she doesn't apologize for it either. She somewhat softens the blows of her blunt advice and observations with endearments like 'sweet pea' and 'honey bun' but instead of sounding condescending it feels like it could be delivered by a trusted confidant. Lest you think that she gives this advice from a rather standoffish perspective it is often conveyed through her own personal experiences and struggles. When the column was originally written her identity was unknown which makes the intimacy and the rawness of the letter writers and her response to them such a unique and wonderful thing. If you've ever experienced turmoil in any area of your life (and you'd have to because that's just a natural part of things) then reading such real, honest advice delivered with love and respect is a welcome breath of fresh air. I laughed, cried, and goggled with incredulity while reading this book. It's an excellent palate cleanser if you're in a book reading rut or a great way to kick start your summer reading adventure. ;-) 10/10

The inner flap contains some great quotes. [Source: Cook, Wine, & Thinker!]

 

What's Up Next: The American Way of Death Revisited by Jessica Mitford

 

What I'm Currently Reading: Condoleezza Rice: A memoir of my extraordinary, ordinary family and me by Condoleezza Rice

Out of the 82 books I read (hopefully 83 if I manage to finish Outlander before the end of the year), those were my favourites (well, I took all my 5 stars read of 2017 and chose 10 out of those, it's not really a scientific rating):

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: because this book was EVERYTHING. You need to read it if you haven't yet.

2. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: and the whole trilogy. I totally enjoyed this unique universe with those amazing characters, a must read!

3. Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton: just WOW! This series is just so important for me, I love this world.

4. Phobos4 by Victor Dixen: this is the last book in my favourite series of 2016. This conclusion was epic.

5. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson: I just can't understand how I had never read Sanderson before this year. He is such an amazing author and I can't wait to discover more of his work.

6. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas: well, this series is one of my favourite of all time and this book did not disappoint.

7. The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye: I love this series full of Russian magic. I fell in love with the author's universe.

8. Warcross by Marie Lu: because, Marie Lu + video game = perfection.

9. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli: a beautiful book with a strong message. This book made me open my eyes.

10. Wild by Cheryl Strayed: I think it is the first time ever a non-fiction book is on my top 10. But this was such a great experience, I had to include it.

What were some of your favourite books this year?

Thanks for reading,

Line.