Stray (Shannon O’Brien)
I’m captivated by memoirs about individuals who embark on extraordinary journeys. Shannon O’Brien’s memoir, Stray: Breaking Free, Falling Hard, and Growing Stronger, chronicles her remarkable adventure after college. Armed with her backpack and her best friend, they ventured into the unknown, traveling to Peru. There, she learned invaluable survival skills, including how to endure dehydration and exhaustion when they found themselves lost in a canyon.
Next, Shannon traveled to Bolivia, where she volunteered to work with native jungle animals, primarily spider monkeys. Her descriptions of this experience are both terrifying and awe-inspiring. She even visited a prison in Bolivia, an environment that demanded immense bravery. I was on the edge of my seat, hoping she emerged unscathed. Having worked inside a US federal prison for 23 years, I can confidently say that I would never have the bravery to set foot inside a Bolivian prison.
My favorite part of Shannon’s journey was her time in Nepal. As a student of Buddhism and Hinduism, it was an enriching experience to learn about the country from her perspective. Nepal has been on my bucket list, and these chapters were particularly engaging. Shannon’s ability to illustrate the cultural differences she encountered in each country she visited is truly remarkable.
The beauty of youth lies in our openness and willingness to embrace adventure. It’s a time when we’re most naive, and that’s certainly true for me. I’m also incredibly proud of those youthful decisions and reflect on them with gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned and the wisdom I’ve gained. Shannon’s bravery and courage in traveling the world with minimal supplies, including money, are truly inspiring.
Shannon O’Brien’s writing style is eloquent and captivating. Her mastery of adjectives drew me into her stories, making me feel as if I was right there with her. Her stories are intense and often suspenseful, keeping me up late more than once. The quotes she included throughout the book added depth to her narrative. She candidly shared her experiences with heartbreak and the pain of making decisions that were in her best interest.
I’m grateful for Shannon O’Brien’s invitation to read this book. She kindly provided me with a digital copy, allowing me to offer an honest review.
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