Never Leave the Dogs Behind

A Memoir

By: Brianna Madia

Narrated by: Brianna Madia

Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The author of the New York Times bestseller Nowhere for Very Long continues her story with this deeply honest, moving account of a woman walking the line between independence and isolation when she moves to the Southwest desert with nothing and no one but her four dogs.

In her debut memoir, Nowhere for Very Long, Brianna Madia reflected on her life as a nomad, free to roam some of the most beautiful land in America. Now, in Never Leave the Dogs Behind, the van life adherent faces the unfathomable darkness that comes from a life blown apart, her only solace the support of her dogs.

In the wake of a painful, public divorce and the ensuing fallout, Brianna moves from a pared-down van into a pared-down trailer. She reckons with her decision to be alone in the desert, living on a nine-acre plot of undeveloped land on the dusty outskirts of a small town in Utah, accompanied only by her four precious dogs: Bucket, Dagwood, Birdie, and Banjo. As she grapples with the anger, despair, and delicious freedom that comes from being wholly on her own, Brianna wonders where, exactly, the road less traveled has led her.

A powerful and poignant portrait of rebuilding and surviving, Never Leave the Dogs Behind is about finding the courage to start over when the dream life you thought you were living collapses around your feet.

©2024 Brianna Madia (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Raw, descriptive, captivating

this book was vivid, beautiful, and deeply personal. Impossible to stop listening and to not feel every emotion in both her words and voice. She did our little, weird-town justice. She brought the desert to life through words. Well done.

I didn’t want this book to end

One of the best books I’ve ever read. It felt like a very long poem. I loved her first book as well. I hope she writes a third and a fourth and a fifth. I could have finished this in one day but stretched it over a week because I didn’t want this book to end.

A beautiful memoir ⭐️

It’s hard to describe this book in a short review but I’ll give it my best shot. It’s a beautiful tale of heartbreak, loneliness, survival, companionship, connection and resilience. Briana leaves it all out on the table, giving us a true glimpse of what it was like to live in her own mind, with her dogs, amidst the cruelty of the internet that haunted her. I’m grateful for women like Briana who have the strength to tell their story, paving the way for others to do the same. Bravo, Briana! Please keep writing ❤️ Can’t wait for the next one.

Truthful and Brave.

The author is not afraid to tell her story. Heartbreak, self doubt, resilience, love of home, and family (dogs are great) that keeps her moving forward.

Life, Lived.

The depth with which Bri reaches into the struggles of everyday existence is unapologetically raw and real. Together, their beaUTiful journey continues in search of more dessert adventures! As the mighty Colorado cuts a path through the wilderness, so too does Brianna Madia. Bravo!

Love Bri’s soul for adventure and of course, her dogs!

Her story is inspiring and heartfelt. I haven’t read or listened to a book that has brought me to tears as both her books have. I was hoping it would delve a little further in her more recent years, but I will be anxiously awaiting her next book!

Loved every second of it

Starting over again at chapter 1 as soon as I’m done writing this. The author is one of my favorite people I’ve ever met, even though our interactions have only been quick moments at her book signings. There are very very few people in this life that I can point to and say that they inspire me, but she holds the number one spot on that list. Can’t wait for book #3!

When we are real- we see how we are connected

More times than I imagined I found myself cupping my face in tears at how her story aligned with mine. The self blame and shame spirals, the willingness to try something new. It’s all a wild ride and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to meet Bri and have our paths cross irl as well as through the words on the page. Thankful she has been brave enough to share her story.

Raw

At first I was disappointed I didn’t get the “book” version to read, but after listening, twice, glad to hear Brianna’s voice read her own memoir. Looking forward to seeing where she’s headed next; book-wise & life!

A genuine glimpse

I enjoyed reading Bri’s retelling of the recent events in her life and I found her to be, for the most part, an honest narrator.