Fearless: Hilarious and Horrible Stories from An Absurd Life Spent in the Woods

by Alison Monda

What happens when fear meets freedom?

Fearless is a roller-coaster ride of near-death experiences and humorous exploits as Alison Monda backpacks the Pacific Crest Trail and Te Araroa, stares down grizzlies and sharks, engages in a sword fight at her wedding, and survives a cyclone in a skirt.

This captivating memoir is your prescription for celebrating mistakes, pushing limits, and feeling comfortable in your own skin—because wearing someone else's will land you in prison, and Monda cares about her readers.

Her vivid storytelling captures the essence of her adventures, making readers laugh and gasp in equal measure.

Choosing not to live by other people’s expectations and fears, Monda masters her own in this inspirational journey. Written with self-deprecating humor so relatable, you might forget she’s dangling on the end of the bell curve for sane humans.

This book is a captivating blend of comedy, adventure, and empowerment. It offers readers a fresh perspective on personal growth and resilience, making it a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh, a dose of inspiration, and the thrill of outdoor adventures.

With every page, you'll laugh, reflect, and find the courage to face your own fears.

Be prepared for a transformative adventure and a hearty dose of humor!

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction

270 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2024

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and author Alison Monda for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I snagged this title a few days before it was archived, and I am so glad that I did. First, it was the cover. I could just tell that Alison Monda was someone I wanted to meet because that cover is amazing. Now, while I didn't roll on the ground wheezing from laughter, I did finish this book with a smile on my face.

The chapters are not too lengthy, they have eye-catching titles, and Alison's photographs dot the landscape as she takes readers on many of her hiking adventures. I admire her tenacity to do a lot of the things that people told Alison that she couldn't do. I also appreciated her candour about things that were out of her control and some of the lessons that she had to learn along the way.

I may not be a hiking guru like Alison, but I felt like she had me on that trail with her.






P.S. Fun fact, this review now means I have rated and reviewed 1,000 books for the NetGalley platform.

Publication Date 04/10/24
Goodreads Review 19/04/25

[Liralen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a stubborn barnacle. I could avoid most of the problems in my life if not for this personality trait. However, I have also achieved the best things in my life because of it. (66)

Hello, unexpected delight. As the title promises, this is Monda's chaotic and funny tale of life spent as much in the woods as possible...and, yeah, sometimes creating chaos and hilarity along the way. I'm not a laugh-out-loud-while-reading kind of person, but I definitely snickered a time or two, and even that is not my norm. Fearless charges up and down mountains (and sometimes in and out of emergency rooms), and it is a ride.

When not in the woods, Monda is a firefighter. She talks about it only briefly here, but I'm hoping against hope that eventually she'll also write a book about that experience.

[Chris Bedell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joyful read

Alison Monda has such a life force! In person, she's charismatic and gung ho! Behind that wonderful exterior lies a consummate adventurer. This book far surpasses Wild; both for its realism and genuine portrayal of what it means to persevere. Being a TA for Alison was on of the most memorable days of my trail life. Can't recommend this book enogh.

[Sarah Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt inspired to go out on adventures and not let fear stop me. I also laughed out loud many times.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Alison Monda's "Fearless" is not for the faint of heart (or the faint of stomach). This memoir is a wild, often terrifying, and consistently hilarious ride through the author's life spent off-grid in the wilds of Maine. Monda, a self-proclaimed "accidental homesteader," chronicles her misadventures with a darkly comedic wit, recounting tales of encounters with bears, porcupines, and the occasional deranged neighbor with equal parts terror and amusement.

From wrestling with stubborn goats to navigating the perils of winter without electricity, Monda's stories are captivating and cautionary. She paints a vivid picture of life beyond the grid, showcasing the beauty and brutality of nature with equal measure.

"Fearless" is more than just a collection of anecdotes; it's a poignant reflection on the human desire for connection, the importance of resilience, and the unexpected joys of living a life less ordinary.

[Damien Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alison Monda takes the reader on a wild ride through mountains, snowstorms, and vast deserts. We get to hear both the trials and triumphs of extreme hiking, told in a witty and down-to-earth voice. She basically did everything people told her she couldn't! What an icon. It was also interesting to read about the struggles and injuries; I feel like those stories aren't usually included unless it's life-or-death. But sometimes, the story is just "turns out the scary noise was beavers," and that story is important too.

Whether you want to inspire yourself to go hiking or appreciate the adventure through the medium of ink and paper, everyone can find something to enjoy this book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rollicking adventure from a very adventurous woman.. loved it… She gets in many scrapes and adventures…. Memoir along th way. Write more, it’s a great read. Thank you to the author. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Stacy Runyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Thank you so much for having the courage to put your mistakes down on paper, get over them and move on. You're fortunate to have a supportive family. Looking forward to your next book!

[Jenny Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, empowering, inspiring. Alison Monda does everything I would never do and I don't have to because I can just read about it.