“Brave Enough” by Cheryl Strayed

About 10 year ago, shortly after I separated from my first husband, I dated a man who told me that my purse was not very “sexy.” He said it looked like a “mom” bag and was not cool to carry to nightclubs when we went out to see live music. I took major offence at this comment because it was a mom bag because I was a mom. The other truth was that I always carry a large purse because I don’t go anywhere without a book in my bag. I am horrified that I might get stuck some place, like a doctor’s office, supermarket line or airport, waiting with nothing to read. So this book, “Brave Enough” by Cheryl Strayed, is the perfect little book that will fit inside any purse. The author is best known for her book “Wild,” a chronicle of her life changing solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, which was made into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon. “Brave Enough” is collection of all of Strayed’s favorite quotes. The quotes are defiant, original, quirky and insightful. Examples include: “You are obliged to tell the person you’re sleeping with whether or not you are sleeping with them exclusively. There are no exceptions to this rule.” “Ask yourself: What is the best I can do? And then do that.” “Put yourself in the way of beauty.” “Work hard. Do good. Be incredible.” “Trust your gut. Forgive yourself. Be grateful.” And one of Strayed’s favorite quotes of all “Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe.” If you are looking for a small book to give as a gift, or just looking for a book to lift your spirits and put all your worries in perspective, then this is the book for you. To purchase this book on Amazon click here.