A Wandering Path: The story of one young woman's journey to self-rediscovery, healing, and personal empowerment.

by Anna Isabel Garrison

Anyone who has experienced hardship can empathize with feeling stuck or unsure of themself. But for victims of long-term trauma, the healing process and path to self-rediscovery is a long and winding road.

Anna Isabel Garrison's adult life began harshly, complete with police sirens flickering outside her childhood bedroom as she packed clothes into garbage bags. But while those days were tough, she had to keep moving. She kept busy by overachieving, overworking, and people-pleasing to ignore the pain.

By her early twenties, Anna thought she had life figured out. She was recently engaged, owned a house, and had built a successful career. So why was she depressed, bitter, and resentful? Only after a three-day stint at a remote cabin in the woods did she slow down enough to realize that the perfectionistic coping strategies she used to ignore her unhealed trauma were negatively impacting her quality of life.

A Wandering Path is a gripping and inspirational memoir that combines elements of self-reflection as the author narrates her difficult journey out of trauma and into healing and fulfillment. Her story provides a vulnerable and hopeful perspective on how one young woman can slow down, reconcile with the past, reconnect with nature, and lay the foundation to a happier, healthier future.

204 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2024

Reviews

[Olivia P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wandering Path is a raw, emotionally honest memoir that offers both comfort and clarity to anyone who has carried the weight of childhood trauma into adulthood. Anna Garrison opens her heart with striking vulnerability, drawing readers into her past with vivid detail and compassionate self-awareness.

What makes this memoir especially powerful is how seamlessly it blends personal storytelling with moments of deep reflection. Garrison doesn’t just recount painful memories—she offers insight into how those experiences shaped her, how she learned to navigate the emotional wreckage, and how healing is possible, even when it’s messy and nonlinear.

The writing is beautiful and intentional, with scenes that linger long after the final page. Whether you’re someone who’s lived through similar struggles or you’re seeking to better understand the lasting impact of emotional abuse, A Wandering Path offers both resonance and hope. It’s a book I’d recommend to anyone doing the hard, necessary work of healing.

A must read for all ❤️‍🩹🦋✨🌳🌈

[Khaila Wiese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on an unexpected journey through the author’s past. Anna goes from her present to her past with ease, seamlessly transitioning into memories so vivid you feel like you are there with her. These memories are extremely raw & vulnerable.

Throughout the book you can see the progression of her father’s bipolar disorder worsen over time, negatively impacting himself & those closest to him. You can feel the author’s sadness as she tries to connect the father she once knew with the person he has become over the years. You can feel the love she has for her father, however you can equally feel the resentment that has grown over time as a result of his constant emotional abuse.

It is heartening to see Anna embark on her healing journey as she overcomes the traumas of her past to create the life she wants. Going to therapy has been extremely eye opening for me personally this last year & it was refreshing to hear someone else’s positive & unique experience with it.

I am honored to have been selected to read Anna’s story before it is officially revealed to the public later this month. I have a multitude of dog-earned metaphors Anna used that helped me understand exactly what she was feeling throughout her healing process. She kept me invested in her story & inspired me to look a little deeper within myself as well.

[Emily Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Anna from middle school, and when I heard she was releasing a book about dealing with trauma and being a recovering perfectionist, I knew it had to read it! I related to a lot of her book material and I have to say it was beautifully written! Anna has a way with words and is very brave for telling her story. I definitely recommend!

[Amanda Nagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author who sent me an electronic arc of this book!

I loved this. It was so easy to follow, relatable, and dwell thought out. I could totally see this being a book club book or even a reflection activity.

What to expect: a guide through the authors personal life/trauma and then their personal way of working through it and with it.

This is a raw reflection of their life, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has gone through family trauma.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly written. This is the first book I’ve read in years(besides children’s books) and I’m so happy that this was my first pick to get back into the reading world. Really makes you stop and think about the story behind every person that you meet, what they’re going through and how they got to where they are. This memoir really touched me as I also navigate through mental illness and trying to be the best mom and friend that I can be. I enjoyed every minute of reading this and highly recommend it.

[Madaline Keil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it and thankful for the vulnerability that Anna shares throughout her healing journey. Definitely going to read this over and over throughout the years!

[Leah Najarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like a therapy session I didn’t know I needed. Anna is a beautiful writer and shares a story of resilience that is very admirable. Parts of her story are so relatable, it made me begin to look deeper into my own self, which is exactly what a great book should do!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this book was written. Anna's writing makes this story extremely relatable despite not having gone through the same experiences. This book caused a lot of self reflection on my own past traumas and brought light to the causes some of my emotional reactions. This book shows a great self transformation and journey about coming into her own and it is a book I HIGHLY recommend.

[Kate Michaelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part memoir and part self-help book, A Wandering Path is a wonderful book that is packed with anecdotes and wisdom about the power of healing and making intentional change. I found the mix of ‘self-help’ and the author’s own personal experiences really effective. The stories engaged me in the narrative and because I came to care about what Anna had been through, the lessons resonated with me even more.

Anna makes for a relatable narrator, and I love how she never lectures the reader. Instead, she shares her own journey and explains what paths helped her heal. Whether you’ve had a similar childhood to Anna’s or not, she offers takeaways for anyone who struggles with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and past trauma. I definitely recommend A Wandering Path for anyone looking to reflect on where they are in life and move forward in a positive direction.

[Dr. Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

While very well written, this book is not entirely accurate in regards to actual factual details.
It is certainly written from the author’s perspective and must be respected from that perspective, but it is not historically accurate in this perspective.
Many details are taken out of context and are very slanderous and extremely one sided and do not speak to the innate core basis for the issues at hand.
Obviously a script of great emotional context, it is well crafted and shows the author’s command of literary style and creativity.
A recommended read, although again not completely representative of actual details and biased accordingly.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers both speechless and inspired. Garrison’s evocative prose and rich storytelling take you on a journey through the complexities of self-discovery, personal growth, and the courage it takes to set boundaries in one's life. At the heart of the story is a protagonist who grapples with the tension between societal expectations and the need to honor one’s own emotional and psychological well-being. Garrison masterfully portrays the struggles of navigating relationships, career pressures, and personal desires, all while exploring how setting healthy boundaries can be both liberating and empowering.

[Chloe Wagenhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been such an inspiration for me. The writing style is descriptive and beautiful as Anna guides us through her eventful and relatable life journey so far. This book has made me look at my own life and my own people pleasing and perfectionistic tendencies in a new light- it’s guiding me to change for the better. Highly recommend for anyone looking to dig deeper into themselves.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many memoirs about healing, but none have felt this intimate. Anna’s words are both fragile and fierce. Her childhood memories broke me, and her wisdom stitched me back together. It’s the kind of book you hold close to your chest when you’re done.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the author balances faith with realism. She never preaches, but her spiritual insights are deeply grounding. Reading this reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in a straight line, it meanders, like all wandering paths do.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to cry, but I did, several times. Anna’s ability to translate emotional chaos into quiet reflection is extraordinary. You don’t just read her story; you experience it. Every page feels like walking alongside someone learning to breathe again.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that healing isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, confusing, and deeply human. Anna doesn’t sugarcoat anything, she tells the truth with tenderness. Her words gave me permission to feel broken and still move forward.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter is like a mirror, showing pieces of yourself you didn’t know were still hurting. Anna’s courage to explore her own trauma helps the reader uncover theirs. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a necessary one.

[Lucas Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading A Wandering Path felt like sitting beside a friend who finally says the hard things out loud. The honesty, the self-awareness, the beauty, it all lingers. This book doesn’t fix you, but it reminds you that you’re not alone in needing fixing.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love most about this book is its rhythm, it moves like healing does: forward, backward, and forward again. Anna’s storytelling feels almost like therapy in itself. You leave changed, even if you didn’t expect to.

[Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna’s voice feels like a steady hand on your shoulder. She never tells you what to think; she simply shows you what it feels like to heal. I found comfort in her imperfections and strength in her softness.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just about trauma, it’s about reclaiming your life. The “paths” she outlines are so thoughtfully woven into her story that they feel like gentle invitations. You walk with her, and somehow, she helps you walk yourself home.

[Favour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time Anna describes her father, I felt the ache of trying to love someone who’s both your protector and your pain. The nuance she gives him shows true emotional maturity. This book isn’t about blame. it’s about release.

[tamera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself pausing often to breathe and reflect. Anna’s story makes you want to slow down, pay attention, and start living with more honesty. I’ll be returning to this book again and again.

[Breyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every “Path” chapter offers something I didn’t know I needed, a perspective shift, a reminder, a kind word. It’s like she mapped out healing and then said, “Take what you need.”

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authenticity of A Wandering Path is its power. Nothing feels rehearsed or embellished. It’s just a woman telling her truth, and in doing so, she frees you to tell yours.

[collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this was like therapy disguised as literature. Anna turns pain into poetry and survival into art. It’s a rare gift to find a book that both breaks and heals you in the same breath.