Brave Enough

I love Cheryl Strayed! I guess because I relate, although I never had the courage to backpack more than an overnight hike and that alone was enough to say “I will never sleep in a pup tent that is not waterproof!I relate to her mother, although I never owned a horse and if I did I would not have the finances to care for one. It is her heart her gentleness., and her willingness/inability not to be herself that I love. Even though I’m not good at that, in the end, I do it without trying.I should probably be talking about the book but it’s the writers words/experiences that draw me in. I see myself in so many of these quotes. She is compassionate and sincere. She challenges our thoughts and fears. She calls us out when that needs to happen because no one else will.I actually got this book at an e-library. It was one quote that told me…you need to buy this book.You see I am a mother who lost a child, a dear sweet child who told me only 1 week before his passing I was his best friend. Words that will live in my heart and spirit for years and after my passing years to come. She reminds me of the pain one goes through alone when you think no one knows. A feeling you think belongs only to you.I sent that page, of course included the author, to another mother in my position. I said, I hope I’ve not done this to you because I know before I experienced it, I would have done that.She wrote me back in the text and said not you but a lot of people do. I knew that pain. Rarely do we grieving mothers or should I say parent talk about the hurt that comes from our dearest people. It’s just so easy to assume what one would feel or should feel.Thank you Cheryl for understanding the deepest pain of grief.The best writers are the ones who write from experience. Don’t just check this book out, buy it, cherish it, a go to when you need to feel normal and whole, and seeking connection.

A great little book of quotes and commentary. Cheryl Strayed is a fantastic writer. Love her books!!

Cheryl Strayed has a unique writing style that invites your mind to open, and contemplate another view. She does use strong language at times, so if you're offended by this, don't purchase the book. But if you have a growth mindset and want to get a perspective that encourages strength, empowerment and living an authentic life, check it out. I found worth.

I opened this up and the first thing I read was like a nice punch in the throat. I recommend this for anyone who has powered through a lot of crap in their life and hitting a point of "why did I bother? why did I go through so much hurt to be here?" for a nice reminder of the power you have and the reason it is worth it.It isn't a read-cover-to-cover book. It is just thoughts that you know you've had but never had the chance or words to express them.I keep this book on my shelf with a note "don't read unless you need to kick your ass out of a rut"

It’s life on life terms room for thought. Loved it.!

It was an inspiring read with one exception. I did not like or appreciate all the vulgar language. The book would have been even better without it. I purchased 2 copies. 1 for myself and 1 for my sister in law. She as well as myself had been going through some difficult times. I was not able to give her one because of the vulgar language. Author should reconsider this. Can always come across in other more beautiful ways to make your point. Probably won’t purchase another of her books due to that. Such a shame!

I'm a big fan of Cheryl Strayed's writing as it is, but this little gem is the cherry on top. I've also given it out countless times to friends who have needed an emotional boost. Cheryl is cuttingly honest & cuts to the chase - when feeling down, I'll often just randomly open this book & whatever quote I land on seems to be the exact one I needed to read in that moment. Enjoy!

I’m like 1 page in and I love how she tells it! Love many trust few and always paddle your own canoe! I’m late to the party on this book but I saw a rerun of her book on Oprah and I bought off Amazon immediately!