Joy and Sunshine

I first read this book in 2020, but I’ve reread it every year since. If you haven’t already read this beautifully written memoir of a woman’s journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, or watched the movie starring Reese Witherspoon, then add this to the top of your reading list immediately. In 1995, Cheryl Strayed dropped everything in her life in pursuit of hiking the treacherous Pacific Crest Trail. Strayed’s vulnerability and honesty is what makes this book so special. She criticizes herself while also giving herself grace; something that’s rare in memoirs. My greatest dream is to travel solo but traveling solo as a young woman so often gets looked down upon and discouraged. Strayed proves that with enough guts anything is possible. 

If you’re looking for another book full of great life advice then I also recommend picking up Strayed’s Tiny Beautiful Things. A collection of Strayed’s columns, written under the pseudonym Sugar, it helps readers navigate difficult life situations.

–Charlotte Maracina