BOOK BY: Autumn Lytle
This is a challenging read about a woman who struggles with an eating disorder and makes a pilgrimage walking from Michigan State to Mount Rainier. Mel struggles with her thoughts and self-worth, and is addicted to exercise and not eating. Dangerously close to dying, she balks at the care provided by her grandmother and medical team. Rehab is the next step in her recovery. It isn’t clear to the reader at the beginning of the story why she refuses this, but makes a spur of the moment decision to walk to Mount Rainier. It’s her way of avoiding therapy and forming a pilgrimage similar to one her dad went on when he was young.
The author does an excellent job giving readers insight to Mel’s thoughts. She battles herself on every page and circumstance as she walks, sometimes frustrating to the reader. Lots of interesting characters are presented along the journey, each one somehow helping Mel to heal. There is one character in particular that is spiritual – so lots of teachings that are pulled from a variety of religions. Healing for Mel isn’t found in the love, mercy or grace of God, but rather in reciting prayers and finding God in nature.
If you enjoyed, Erin Bartels’s All That We Carried, a story of estranged sisters hiking through mountains and dealing with their broken relationship, you’ll probably enjoy All That Fills Us.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.