Book Review: Wild by Cheryl Strayed was a tough & heart-rending read, but definitely worth it

Wild came with a warning.

“It’s a tough read” my best friend Loren said, as she handed her copy to me. Within the first few pages, I knew exactly what she was talking about.

Loren and I have always been incredibly close to our mums and as the story is about the author’s personal journey after losing her own mother to cancer, it’s not the easiest subject to read about, or even think about.

That aside, I really, really enjoyed Wild.

If you haven’t heard of it, the basic premise is that Cheryl Strayed completely loses her way after her mother’s death. She cheats on her husband, therefore destroying her marriage, drops out of her college studies and her toxic relationships even lead her to heroin. Years later, with nothing left to lose, she decides to hike more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. She treks from the Mojave Desert, through California and Oregon to Washington State completely alone and without any training or experience.

Cheryl is not your typical protagonist, but I found myself rooting for her. I desperately wanted her to succeed and was willing her on with every turn of the page. Her story is written with such warmth, charm and raw honesty that you can’t help but wish for a happy ending.

I can understand how anyone might be put off by the book, thinking it could be repetitive and dull as it is focused on a 1,000 mile hike, but I can guarantee that is not the case at all. Although, of course, the PCT plays a huge part in the book, the focus is really on Cheryl’s personal journey and her identity – how she lost it and her determination to find it again… to become “the woman her mother raised her to be,” as she says.

But if you really don’t fancy reading the book, check out the film. I watched it the other night and I thought Reese Witherspoon was excellent in her role as Cheryl. They missed some parts out, but nothing that really impacted on the essence of the story. I was also really pleased that they didn’t go into too much detail about Lady, as that made me cry when I was reading the book (if you’ve read it, you’ll know exactly which bit I mean!)

Wild by Cheryl Strayed, 4/5 

It’s not called the City of Love for nothing… 11 romantic things to do in Paris!

SAD news this week guys! The love locks along the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris are being removed. Apparently the trend is causing “long-term heritage degradation” and a section of the bridge actually collapsed last summer, yikes!

I think it’s such a shame because it’s such a cute and romantic idea. Nearly two years ago, Tom and I left our love lock on the bridge during the most incredible holiday ever when Tom popped the question!

Our love lock we left on the Pont des Arts bridge in August 2013

It makes me a bit sad to think that our love lock will probably be thrown away… but hey ho, Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world and there are still plenty of sweet things to do there with your other half! Here’s a run-down of my 10 favourites that we did during our amazing trip there:

1) Take in the stunning panoramic views of Paris from the top of its most iconic building – the Eiffel Tower… but don’t bother with the champagne bar at the top (it has definitely seen better days), the bar on the mid-level floor is much better.

Don't look up...

Don't look down!

2) Have a stroll down the Champs-Élysées and pick up a box of the famous Ladurée macaroons…

Hmm, which flavour to go for first??

3) … then sit and eat them at the top of the Arc du Triomphe while watching the world go by.

Pretty sure the epic climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe worked off all the calories from the macaroons...

4) Visit two other beautiful and iconic Paris buildings, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. As Sacre Coeur is located on the highest part of the city in Montmarte, the views are absolutely incredible (just be prepared to walk up lots of steps!)

The construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and it was opened in 1345

The top of the Sacre Coeur dome is open to the public and is the second highest point in Paris 

5) There are so many incredible food markets and food shops in Paris. If you’re there in the summer, pop along and buy some delicious picnic snacks, then find a great spot to eat and drink in the sunshine. Perfect picnic places include Champ de Mars, Parc Monceau and Place de Vosges.

French bread, French cheese and French wine... what more could you want for a summer picnic??

The Champ de Mars will always be my favourite picnic spot - it's where Tom proposed to me!

6) Plan a trip to the Musée Rodin, with its rose-filled foot paths and beautiful gardens, it is well worth a visit. And, of course, it is home to one of the most romantic sculptures of all time – The Kiss.

Auguste Rodin's 'The Kiss'

7) The Eiffel Tower is making another appearance on this list, but hey, it’s Paris! The tower is even more spectacular when the sun goes down… every hour on the hour, you can watch its 20,000 gold lights sparkle for five minutes – a spectacular sight.

The golden lights on the Eiffel Tower were first unveiled in 1985

8) Capture the memory of your romantic getaway and ask a caricaturist in the cute, cobbled streets of Montmartre to draw you and your beloved.

Trying desperately not to giggle

Tom also trying to keep a straight face

9) A super romantic Paris experience like no other is enjoying a tour of the city on a horse and carriage ride with a chilled bottle of champagne…

The horse and carriage ride begins at the Eiffel Tower and takes you on a mini tour around the city for approximately one hour - they also have a cover on the carriage in case of a torrential downpour!

10) … or, you can hop on a tour bus, sit back, relax and see the sights with an interesting commentary and uninterrupted views on an open top bus (if the weather is good!)

An open top bus is a great way to see the city

11) Book a table on the Bateaux Mouches cruise tour and be wined and dined while cruising along the river Seine.

If it's a special occasion, why not book a table for two at the front of the boat with an upgraded menu? It's a little bit more money than a standard table, but definitely worth it!

Book Review: Why Pride and Prejudice is the perfect love story

*Contains spoilers* As a sucker for romance, I fell head over heels in love with Pride and Prejudice. It's a classic and definitely one of my top 10 favourite books of all time. I was initially introduced to it at school but, nearly 10 years later, I was desperate to read it again as I had a feeling I'd appreciate it more - and how right I was!

The relationship between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy is just so romantic in such an old-fashioned, timeless way. Take, for example, Mr Darcy’s reply when Elizabeth asks him when he fell in love with her:

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that it had begun."

Why don’t we talk like that anymore??! The language is beautiful and Jane Austen is an exquisite writer.

Ha ha ha this made me laugh!

Something I especially love about this book is how, as a reader, your feelings are mirrored with that of Elizabeth’s when it comes to Mr Darcy. When he was first introduced, I was like, who the heck does this chap think he is?? (Much like Elizabeth was). But by the end of the book, he was probably my favourite character and I admired how he so desperately wanted to change his ways for Elizabeth.

The way he refused to take credit for the ways he quietly helped her and her family was also testament to his character. For him, just helping Elizabeth was enough and he didn’t need everyone to know about it.

In the final chapters, I was so ready for Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to get together, I had to stop myself from shaking the book in frustration. Despite that, the slow progression of their relationship was really sweet and subtle. I loved the way he hid his love for her for so long. It was also interesting because, while reading it, you know they’re inevitably going to get together, you just don’t know how they’re going to eventually put their differences aside.

As well as the romance, Pride and Prejudice offers a fascinating insight into what life was like for women in society during the late 18^th and 19^th centuries. Mothers were desperate to find suitable matches for their daughters, who typically had to marry for security and social status, not for love.

Another reason why Pride and Prejudice is such a fantastic read is the depth of characters. Every single one is compelling, yet very complex.

Characters I loved:

Elizabeth – her wit and her headstrong, opinionated nature.

Mr Darcy – so misunderstood!

Jane – her ability to always see the best in people (even if they’re bloomin’ awful – like the Bingley sisters!)

Mr Bennet – deserves a medal for putting up with Mrs Bennet and Lydia.

Characters I was shaking the book in frustration at:

Mr Collins – what a bumbling idiot!

Bingley sisters – snobs.

Lady Catherine – queen snob!

One of the highlights of the book for me was the part towards the end, when Lady Catherine is urging Elizabeth to turn down Mr Darcy, should he ask her to marry him. I was so glad that someone finally stood up to her!

Pride and Prejudice reignited my love of Austen’s work. Now I need to decide which of her books to read next and any recommendations would be gratefully received! I’m thinking perhaps Sense and Sensibility? Let me know if there are any others you would say to read first x

Ps. Pride and Prejudice is not just for gals! Check out this funny article ‘Five reasons dudes should read Pride and Prejudice’ here.