Week 12 Prompt Response

Readers Advisory Matrix for Wild by Cheryl Strayed

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

•   Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

2. What is the subject of the book?

•  Cheryl's journey after her mother's death, through despair and self-destructive behavior to     self discovery and eventual healing on an incredible 1100 mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. 

3. What type of book is it?

•  Memoir and story of healing

4. Articulate Appeal

• What is the pacing of the book?  
• For the most part, the pace of this book is leisurely, following her journey, articulating her thoughts.  Her hike is also an adventure and has times of suspense.
• Describe the characters in this book.  
• This is a character-focused story and Cheryl is the main character, telling her own story. Other characters include her Mom, Step-father, sister, and   brother, and people she meets on the Pacific Crest Trail.
• How does the story feel?  
• The story is vivid, bleak, inspiring, and uplifting as Cheryl moves beyond despair and finds inspiration and healing in her journey.
• What is the intent of the author?  
• To tell the story of her journey, both inward and actual.
• What is the focus of the story?  
• Cheryl's hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, alone, and the profound effect it had on her life
• Does the language matter? 
• Yes, the language is rich and evocative but also straightforward
• Is the setting important and well described?  
• The setting is essential to the book, and the descriptions are vivid
• Are there details, and if so, of what?  
• The book is filled with detail - of her feelings and actions, and the hardships and pleasures she found on the hike. 
• Are there sufficient charts or other graphic material?  Are they useful and clear?
• None
• Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?
• The book stresses all three.  Cheryl describes her journey and the things she learned and understands because of her experiences.

5. Why would a reader enjoy this book?

1.     Reading about Cheryl's emotional journey is heartbreaking and uplifting
2.     The descriptions of the Pacific Crest Trail are breathtaking
3.     Cheryl is an excellent storyteller; her writing is elegant yet incisive

It has been a little while since I read Wild, but I really enjoyed it.  I'm excited about seeing the movie!