Wild: Though a Reader Response Literary Lens

Wild by Cheryl Strayed was a compelling novel about the extent someone will go just to feel a sense of self. After four years of her beloved mother passing, Cheryl struggles with moving on and she has to learn who she is without her mother. I looked through this story with a reader response literary lens, since this story is about personal growth, it is easy for the reader to relate and everyone takes the story differently.

With the story being about the author herself, it connects with readers much more. Even the title demonstrates the kind of audience who would maybe want to read this novel Wild: From Lost to Found on The Pacific Crest Trail. This novel is appealing to middle aged people most likely women, who are wanting motivation to find who they really are or who are just looking for a self-discovery novel. 

“Devastating and glorious . . . It is voice—billowing with energy, precise—that carries Wild . . . By laying bare a great unspoken truth of adulthood—that many things in life don’t turn out the way you want them to, and that you can and must live through them anyway—Wild feels real in many ways that many books about ‘finding oneself’ do not.” —Melanie Rehak, Slate

http://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm

Each reader will have a different response to this novel. A person’s response to a literary text is shaped by their own unique perspective and experience. This story deals with topics like loss of a loved one, divorce/ unhealthy relationships, addiction and self-discovery. As for me, I found Strayed’s story personally inspiring and I was able to relate to her coping with the loss of a loved one. It is not an easy thing to get over and even though I didn’t cope they way Cheryl did, I was able to relate to the pain she felt. Almost anyone could relate to this and will interpret it in a different way.

Not everyone would do a near 100 day hike to find self-worth but Strayed chose to endure the physical pain to surpass her mental pain. It doesn’t take much to attract anyone to this novel as it is compelling and after the first few pages Strayed’s story it is hard to put down. For a small excerpt from the novel check out this link: http://www.cherylstrayed.com/wild_108676.htm

Conclusion

In conclusion Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a fantastic developing story that can cause the reader to have a personal connection. When looking through a reader response lens it becomes clear to see how much of a personal connection a reader can have to this novel. I would love to hear your thoughts, feel free to comment below!