Homesick Nomad: Settling into an Untethered Life – An NYT Bestselling Author's Inspirational Memoir of Self-Discovery

by Brianna Madia

New York Times bestselling author of Nowhere for Very Long and Never Leave the Dogs Behind Brianna Madia considers putting down roots—but on her own terms—in this intimate and inspiring memoir.

Brianna Madia is beloved for her honest and enthralling accounts of life in the wilderness, finding her own way by rejecting society’s expectations, so what happens when she falls in love and has to reset the boundaries of her fierce independence?

Homesick Nomad finds Bri splitting her time between her beloved wild desert in Utah and her partner's cozy suburban home in the Pacific Northwest, reckoning with a new urge to soften into the embrace of the comforts of home with the fear of losing her independence. She’s not only defying convention to prove something to herself or to others—a simpler way of life out in the desert actually brings her peace, as she realizes when resisting “upgrades” to her trailer like running water.

Balancing the liberation of the wilderness with the natural compromises of love, Bri navigates these familiar tensions by embracing her life in its wholeness, richer for both the stability of home and the profundity of wide-open spaces.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Nature, Dogs, Travel, Animals

240 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Brianna Madia has lived a life of relentless intention, traveling the deserts of the American West in an old Ford van. She made a name for herself on social media with her inspiring captions-cum-essays about bravery, identity, nature, and subverting expectations. She lives in Utah with her four dogs.

Reviews

[Shelby Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars rounded to 5 to counter the haters (read the book and you’ll know why)

While I enjoyed Bri’s first two books, I’ve been looking forward to the memoirs she writes after a bit more time/space/healing, and this certainly delivered. Told with her signature humor, biting wit, and down-to-earth poeticism, this book really showcases her storytelling talents.

Just like her earlier memoirs, it’s also abundantly clear how much she loves her dogs; they’ve been, more often than not, her reason for getting up in the mornings, for carrying on through the shit storm that was 2020-22. I’ve been following Bri since 2016? 2017? and reading this after the passing of Dagwood was incredibly emotional. You can feel the unconditional love dripping off of the pages.

[Erin Maxson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Brianna Madia is easy. As someone who has followed her for years, I always rush to be the first to read her latest book.

This one shows a new level of vulnerability to Brianna — that being cared for doesn’t mean you can’t be strong and independent.

homesick nomad is packed to the brim with lessons learned, choosing the right path for you (even if it’s not the same as anyone else’s), and not letting the bastards get you down forever.

Thank you to Selena for helping our girl, Brianna. I am forever grateful she’s still here with us chasing sunsets with the dogs.

To Brianna, your adventures (domestic or wild) have inspired so much of my life with my dogs. I hope you know how much you’ve done for so many of us.

Thank you to Brianna, her publishers and NetGalley for the early read. 🐾

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this and have read all the author’s books. She’s living a unique and inspirational life and is a magnificent storyteller! I can totally relate to her immense love for her dogs.

[Kelsey Wimberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love Brianna Madia but I think I know too much about her life to read her memoirs. I get that she has to give some background to her other two memoirs for somebody who would just be randomly picking up this book, but as a fan for so long I already knew about half the book and I’ve heard it a bunch of times through Instagram. That’s not to say I wasn’t interested in the new stuff and about figuring out how to settle down with her fiancee. Which I can weirdly relate to in a way. I also think it was a bit all over the place and there wasn’t a good “flow” to the book. I think she should go more into detail about the certain adventures she’s had/goes on and kind of make that the story rather than giving us general info.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ cause f the haters 💕

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up without knowing anything about the author. I was drawn in by the cover. She's a social media influencer living with 4 dogs in the desert. Her story felt genuine as she went over highs, lows, defeats and triumphs. I loved imagining her living the freedom she described.

At times, this memoir was heartfelt, and at others, it had me laughing out loud. The balance of emotion and humor is exactly what I like when reading memoirs. This one definitely delivered on both accounts.

[Korbi Hyde-Murphey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homesick Nomad by Brianna Madia is another 5-star read for me—and honestly, I’ve come to expect nothing less from her at this point. This is the third book of hers I’ve read, and I’ve loved every single one.

Her writing is raw, honest, and deeply personal. She doesn’t hold back, sharing intimate pieces of her life in a way that feels both vulnerable and powerful. This book explores love and loss, identity, and what it means to stay true to yourself, even when the world (and the internet) is trying to tear you down.

There’s a heaviness in this one, especially as she navigates grief and the toll of online bullying. But there’s also resilience, growth, and moments of clarity that really stick with you. Watching her confront her fears and fight to reclaim herself was inspiring.

And of course, her dogs are woven throughout the story, adding warmth, humor, and so much heart. If you’re a dog person, those moments will hit especially hard.

This book made me laugh, cry, and gave me chills. It’s the kind of memoir that lingers with you after you finish it.

Thank you for sharing your life, Brianna.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Listening to an author read their book just makes it hit even harder. Every time her voice broke talking about Dagwood, I teared up right there with her. The love she carries for her dogs is incredibly tangible and this was beautifully written. This was delightful and infuriating and funny and heartbreaking and everything in between. I could say so much more, but I don’t have the words. So instead I’ll leave ya with a couple quotes I liked:

“I subtracted one husband and doubled my dogs. A top notch equation if you ask me.”

“When someone wants to help you, it doesn’t always mean that they think you’re incapable. It might just mean that they love you.”

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy 5 stars. I love all of her books and even more than that, how unapologetically and fully she lives her life despite the shitstorms she's been through. Brianna's one of my favourite memoirists and I think her stories resonate best if you've also been following her on social media over the years.

[Emily Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bri has done it again! I love her writing style - it is so easy to read/digest. As an IG follower of hers for 10+ years, it feels like I am reading a diary of an old friend (in a good way, not in an invasive way haha)

[Susan Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ The author writes so beautifully and I love her love of dogs and sense of adventure. It’s also refreshing to hear her thoughts on choosing to be childfree since I feel the same. It was nice to feel understood

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. My favorite of her 3 memoirs.

[Alison Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! I love when the audiobook is narrated by the author. Brianna is such a good storyteller. Would recommend!

[Elena Wisecarver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed Brianna’s storytelling, I’ve followed her on social media for probably 10 years now.
However this book just didn’t do it for me, which is disappointing because I appreciate her as a creative and want to support.
I felt like I had read it before, so much of it was familiar already, there were a number of recycled passages that were almost word for word excerpts from her other books. I understand the need to build context for readers who don’t know her story or hadn’t read the other two.
In my opinion her best book was the first one, and it included the most poetic detail about the landscapes and I think that’s where her talent as a writer really comes through.
I’m glad this book brought her closure to the harassment she received, but this novel in particular, read more like a blog post with attempts to get tell her side of the story about misconceptions people have from her sharing her life on social media (divorce, internet harassment, freedom)
In a way I found this book was an attempt to un-romanticize her lifestyle but I’m not sure for what purpose?
Will continue to cheer her on by following on socials but from a literary standpoint this book (as well the second) was a miss for me. :/

[Megan Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperOne and NetGalley for the ARC!

I devoured this. I read 60% one night and finished it the next. I really enjoy her writing and it feels both flowery and harsh (in a good way). If you’ve read her other two books, this one is a bit repetitive at times which is kind of a bummer since it’s only 240 pages but I also get that some back story is relevant if people haven’t read the others.

I do feel like you can see her growth and change between the last two books, which is good and interesting to see not in real time but documented in this way. Even just the change regarding the house in Bend in this book alone was nice to see. I was initially very curious what would even be in this because two memoirs for four years is a lot but I enjoyed the new stories.

This is also my unofficial request for a specific travel memoir(s?) in the future. Those are always my favorite of her stories (the slot canyon story in the first book is still my favorite) and I would eat that up.

I’m glad I read this and will likely continue to read whatever she puts out.

[Rachel Millis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bri’s storytelling of her life makes me understand things about myself I have never been able to put into words.

I found her Instagram when I was 17 and realizing quickly that I did not want to have kids. For a girl who grew up in Utah, (iykyk) finding Bri was a breath of fresh air that I didn’t know existed. Her post about choosing to not have kids all those years ago, validated everything I had been feeling. I had no idea it was possible to have a life without kiddos. Bri gave me an introduction to a life I have always imagined for myself. Childless, free spirited, and full of dogs (sorry Bean and Mae).

While that post was years ago, I stayed inspired by her honesty, adventures, and glowing smile attached to her at all times. Something that has really inspired me was her ability to be vulnerable with her audience after everything she has been through. Homesick Nomad continues adventure of her life and as she shares it, I become enveloped in it.

I am forever grateful for her presence and inspiration she has had on my life for the past 10 years and her ability to share it all.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version read by the author, and while I enjoyed many parts peppered throughout this memoir, it just didn’t come together for me. While the writing was good throughout, there were some parts I was bored because I already knew the story from a previous memoir of hers or from Instagram. On the flip side, there were many quotes that stuck with me and I really loved the ending. I’ve enjoyed Brianna’s writing for many years now and I look forward to what she will write next.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t give anything less than 5 stars to Brianna. The only thing I ever wish is that her books were longer and filled with more of her great storytelling. Big thanks to her as well for making me feel less alone (and crazy) for the love and sacrifices made in the name of love for a dog.

[Peaarly · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️, Brianna Madia doesn’t disappoint, I will always read her books, she’s a remarkable storyteller.

[Jodi Folzenlogen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Bri and her animals and the way they live their life

[Lexi King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always give this author a 5 stars. I think she’s so raw about the realities of her life and willingness to share it all with us

[Rachel Hallmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobooked it. Easy listen, pretty similar to her other books but I enjoyed it still

[Amanda Sonon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of all Brianna's books. It feels like she's finding her rhythm as an author, and I can't wait to see what's next.

[Lizzy Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go get 'em, Brianna 🧡

[Katie Hobbs]

🎧

I enjoy Brianna’s thoughtful writing, vulnerability and ‘f around and find out’ attitude.

[Grecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianna is exactly who she thinks she is! 👑

[Matil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one finds me at the right time. And speaks the words that I can’t seem to find.

Thank you Brianna for sharing yourself and your dogs with us. Thank you for sticking around.

Can’t wait to see what you do next.

[Rachel Beiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much! I just wish it was longer. I read it too quickly🥲

[Emma Whitacre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a memoir—especially one about a strong, adventurous woman.

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first page had me tearing up. I finished it in two days. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer.