Cheryl Strayed

Date of Birth: September 17, 1968

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Cheryl Strayed is an American writer and podcast host whose works have garnered critical acclaim and a wide readership. Born Cheryl Nyland on September 17, 1968, in Spangler, Pennsylvania, she grew up in rural Minnesota. Strayed’s early life was marked by hardship, including the death of her mother from cancer when Strayed was 22, an event that profoundly influenced her life and work. She is best known for her memoir “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” which recounts her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995. The memoir was a New York Times Bestseller and was later adapted into a successful film starring Reese Witherspoon. Strayed’s other notable works include “Tiny Beautiful Things,” a collection of poignant advice columns she wrote for The Rumpus under the pseudonym Dear Sugar, and the novel “Torch.” In addition to her writing, Strayed co-hosts the podcast “Dear Sugars” with Steve Almond, where they offer advice on various life issues. She continues to write and speak publicly about her experiences, inspiring many with her story of personal redemption and resilience.

5 Interesting Facts about Cheryl Strayed

1. Cheryl Strayed changed her last name to “Strayed” as a symbol of her lost and wandering state of mind after her mother’s death.

2. Her memoir “Wild” was chosen by Oprah Winfrey as the first selection for Oprah’s Book Club 2.0.

3. Strayed has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Women’s Studies from the University of Minnesota and an MFA from Syracuse University.

4. She has contributed articles and essays to publications such as The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, and Vogue.

5. Strayed’s writing has been translated into more than 30 languages, reaching a global audience.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cheryl Strayed

1. “The universe, I’d learned, was never, ever kidding. It would take whatever it wanted and it would never give it back.”

2. “How wild it was, to let it be.”

3. “You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding.”

4. “Be brave enough to break your own heart.”

5. “Most things will be okay eventually, but not everything will be. Sometimes you’ll put up a good fight and lose. Sometimes you’ll hold on really hard and realize there is no choice but to let go.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of the latest estimates, Cheryl Strayed’s highest net worth achieved is approximately $5 million, primarily from book sales, film rights, and speaking engagements.