ABC: Cheryl Strayed's Wild

The Nick Adams Stories is a compilation of twenty-four short stories written by Ernest Hemingway, published posthumously in 1972. The stories follow the life of Nick Adams, a character largely inspired by Hemingway's own life. The collection is divided into sections that represent different periods of Nick's life, including his childhood in Northern Michigan, his service in World War I, and his later life as a veteran, writer, and parent. The stories are known for their vivid descriptions of nature and their exploration of themes such as trauma, recovery, and the human condition. Many of the stories were previously published in other collections, but this volume provides a coherent and chronological view of Nick Adams' life, closely paralleling Hemingway's own experiences.

As I Lay Dying, written by William Faulkner and published in 1930, is a Modernist and Southern Gothic novel. The story revolves around the Bundren family's nine-day journey to bury their wife and mother, Addie, in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, as per her dying wish. The novel is narrated by fifteen distinct characters, each providing their unique perspective on the events. The family faces numerous challenges, including flooded rivers, lost mules, and personal struggles such as Cash's broken leg and Dewey Dell's unwanted pregnancy. The novel explores themes of family, mortality, religion, and the nature of existence, showcasing Faulkner's pioneering use of stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented narrative structure.

In 'Bad Feminist,' Roxane Gay presents a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of feminism, culture, and personal identity. She critiques the concept of 'essential feminism,' which she argues is exclusive and does not account for the diverse experiences of women, particularly those of color and from other marginalized groups. Gay's essays cover a wide range of topics, including media critiques of films and TV shows, personal narratives, and critical analyses of contemporary issues such as reproductive rights and racial justice. The book emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and the need for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of feminism, embracing the idea that being a 'bad feminist' is better than not being a feminist at all.

Megan O'Rourke's "The Long Goodbye" is a memoir exploring the author's experience with grief following the death of her mother. The book delves into the complexities of loss, examining the emotional and psychological impact of bereavement. O'Rourke's writing is characterized by its honesty, vulnerability, and insightful reflections on the grieving process. The memoir offers a poignant and relatable portrayal of grief, providing comfort and understanding to readers who have experienced similar losses. It's a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and the challenges of navigating life after loss.

In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.

In 'Wild', Cheryl Strayed recounts her journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone, a trek that spans from the Mojave Desert to Cascade Locks, Oregon. The book chronicles her physical and emotional struggles as she confronts her past, including the death of her mother, the breakdown of her family, and the end of her marriage. Through her experiences with nature, encounters with various people, and reflections on her life, Strayed finds a path to healing and self-discovery. The memoir is known for its vivid descriptions, honest portrayal of grief and personal growth, and the author's unique narrative style that interweaves past and present events.