Christine’s thru-hiking journey was spurred by trauma and tragedy (I won’t spoil it for you). Her path was different from how I stumbled across thru-hiking, but I related to her plight: the desire to break away from conditioning, grow into something new, and find a lasting source of love in this world.

Anyone who has tried to do such things knows they are no easy tasks. The search can usher in many dark-night-of-the-soul moments as we grasp for reliable stories. One myth that modern-day women are sold, especially those momentarily lacking a partner, is that of the strong, independent woman. Throughout her travels, Christine self-admittedly tries to embody this ideal. But her desire for independence as a leading identity ultimately brings isolation and discovery. Her run-ins with trail danger, short-lived romantic flings, and ongoing dissatisfaction make for heart-breaking and inspiring stories. Each trial reflects back to her the myth of independence and slowly reveals the true nature of our interconnectedness.

This book is a deeply insightful read for men wanting to get a sense of the female experience and I imagine a powerful read for women. Ultimately, the two are intertwined, our consciousness connected, and what we see in others exists inside ourselves. Sometimes, the things we seek block us from what we actually need. In response, our soul calls out from deep down within. For Christine, that was to be thrown into the unknown. So she could find herself alone in wonderland.

You can purchase Alone in Wonderland by Christine Reed on Amazon today.