Go “Wild” this spring with Pierce County Library’s seventh annual one book program: Pierce County READS. Now through April 25, thousands of people will come together as a community and read the New York Times best-seller and award-winning “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” by Northwest author Cheryl Strayed.

Strayed begins her memoir when she thought she had lost everything. With no experience or training, she decided to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington. Told with suspense and style, “Wild” powerfully captures the terrors and adventures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened and ultimately healed her.

Learn something new with hands-on events

Pierce County Library and local organizations and businesses teamed up to offer 56 free events tailored around the book. Learn to plan and take outdoor adventures, pick up tips for hiking and backpacking, discover birds and wildlife, hear stories from local authors, and create through book art, photography and memoir writing.

Meet ‘Wild’ author Cheryl Strayed

Author Cheryl Strayed will speak and sign books during a free event at 7 p.m. on April 25 at the McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.

Flash Fiction (Or Not) Writing Contest

Fancy yourself a writer? New for Pierce County READS this year is the Flash Fiction (Or Not) Writing Contest, which runs now throughApril 2. In 750 words or less, write about travel, nature, hiking or a personal journey. The prize is two free tickets to Pierce County Library Foundation’s donor reception with the author (a $250 value).

Pierce County READS 2014 is presented by Pierce County Library System and The News Tribune, and sponsored by KeyBank Foundation and The McGavick Conference Center, along with 24 private and public community partners.