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Jul 12, 2015stephaniedchase rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
GIRL IN THE WOODS draws many comparisons to Cheryl Strayed's WILD due to both women using the Pacific Crest Trail as an escape. Here the comparisons end, though; Matis' journey on the trail begins -- and continues -- with a healthy dose of self-pity, self-loathing, and many (and significant) bad choices until a medical setback interrupts her hike. It is only here that Matis starts to shine; her journey, and therefore the relating of it, becomes so much richer, and she blooms in front of our eyes. This last section may make up for the rest of the book, and may be especially brilliant in the way it highlights how Matis simply could not look deeply at her own issues and choices issues when she began her journey. Still, though, it was not enough to sway this reader's "WTF" experience at the start. Matis is one to watch, and I look forward to what she shares with us next.