Unattached: A Year of Heartache, Hiking, and Learning How to Love

by Reannon Muth

Everyone thinks 33-year-old travel writer Reannon Muth is brave for backpacking through dozens of countries on her own. But what Reannon's friends, travel blog readers, and boyfriend don't know is Reannon has an anxiety disorder that makes it difficult for her to get close to people. She's afraid to ask for help, she's afraid to be vulnerable, but most of all, she's afraid to be herself. When Reannon suffers a stunning loss, her fearless façade begins to crumble, and she decides to hike Mount Whitney--the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. But as she embarks on her biggest adventure yet, Reannon realizes if she has any hope of healing, she must face her fears or risk losing everything, including her one chance at real love.

Genres: Memoir, Nature, Nonfiction, Ebooks

218 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2021

About the author

Reannon Muth was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in the 1980s, and grew up across the street from the beach on the island of Oahu, before moving to New York with her family when she was 16. She attended the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she majored in psychology. During and after college, Reannon spent several years traveling the world. She studied in Europe, taught English in Japan and Central America and backpacked around India. She even worked on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska.

These explorations eventually formed the basis of her first book—a memoir called UNATTACHED, which tells the story of her attempts to overcome her anxiety while hiking one of the tallest mountains in the US.

Reannon is currently working on a second memoir.

Reannon resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her soon-to-be husband, their daughter Journey, and their dog Bowser.

Reviews

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Triggers: Acute anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation.

In this memoir, the author describes in vivid detail acute episodes of anxiety and depression, including thoughts and even plans for suicide. The anxiety is expressed on pretty much every single page, and feels like a tidal wave of fear and anxiety. Be warned.

After that point, the intensity of the descriptions of the anxiety is somewhat less, although it is still a constant presence for most of the book. I didn't think it would affect me as much as it did, but I am writing this review at 3 o'clock in the morning because I just finished this book at around midnight and it has triggered my own anxieties to the point where I cannot get to sleep. So be warned.

Don't get me wrong, it's a good story, obviously very relatable if you suffer from anxiety, and the author does start to make positive changes in her life by the end of the book. But in order to get to that point, she not only went through the breakup of her first serious relationship, but she also went (voluntarily) through an absolutely harrowing climb up Mt. Whitney (tallest mountain in the lower 48 U.S. states) for which she was woefully unprepared.

There is a nice little surprise in the Epilogue in the form of the name she chose for her daughter. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Lori Guerrieri]

Excellent read. Had a hard time putting it down.

I love how expressive Reannon is about her anxiety. She throws it all out there for you to see and it is funny and crazy and enjoyable to read. Very relatable. I would recommend it to anyone who has anxiety or has a loved one with anxiety.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5) Muth effectively uses her experiences of hiking and romantic relationships to shape a narrative from her struggle with extreme anxiety. She personifies her anxiety as a witchy voice always contradicting her and warning her not to take risks, whether that be climbing Mt. Whitney with acquaintances or telling Matt how she really feels about him. Always, her impulse was to retreat from anything that might make her appear vulnerable. After some mistakes and heartache, she starts seeing a therapist and a new boyfriend who knows what anxiety is like, and with whom she's determined not to repeat what went wrong before. It was interesting to read a book with a Las Vegas setting and to get glimpses of Muth's earlier life and travels. She recreates good scenes and dialogue and, while the course of events sometimes seems a little random, the book is short enough that it stays on topic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill Dobbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this memoir a while ago while making a connection with the author. It is heartfelt, personal, and well-written. The author digs deep into her own feelings, relationships, and self-esteem while yearning to be whole.

[Book.ishJulie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the cover says, Unattached by Reannon Muth is about heartache, hiking, and learning to love.

Muth tackles her day-to-day life, with an anxiety disorder controlling so much of how she lives and loves. So many of her runaway, anxious thoughts felt like my own, making this book extremely relatable for me.

While simultaneously being driven and fearful, Muth shows there are many ways one can hide some of their anxiety from others. This was particularly evident while she hosted Meetup groups, and hiked the tallest mountain in the 48 contiguous States; from another's perspective, you'd never suspect all her rampant thoughts bubbling below the exterior.

I love how hiking played such an important part in Muth's life (thus far); there's a beautiful metaphor here: sometimes we need to walk through hardship to come out stronger on the other side.

Reading memoirs provides the ability to glimpse into someone else's life, which is why I adore reading them so much. I love learning how at the end of the day, we are really so very similar - which I especially noticed with this one.

If you loved Eat, Pray, Love - you should give Muth's memoir a try! (It's also compared to Wild, but I still haven't read that one!)

Thank you Reannon Muth for the complimentary copy to read and review.

[Patrice La Vigne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any spec of anxiety, this will resonate with you. If I’m being honest, the book made me a bit sad, just thinking about how people suffer alone and hide their true feelings from others. It is almost unbelievable how personal and revealing Reannon gets through the pages, but the fact that she can write about it shows just how far she’s come. The story sucked me in easily and I was routing for Reannon to prevail. Bravo for being vocal about anxiety.

[Jessie hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable account of conquering anxiety.

I enjoyed this memoir from start to finish. The hiking and rock climbing were a bit of a me, too moment in that I wanted be there too! And I loved the end when the anxiety was tamed. Great job!

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was interesting and I actually related to a lot of the author’s struggles with being vulnerable. Wrapped up a bit fast tho.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. Enjoyed it and definitely would read more by her if she writes another book

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart warming

A memoir, a slice of life how life pressures could be overcome. A heart warming journey which made me read this memoir in a single go.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the age of 33, Reannon Muth finds that her anxiety disorder has gotten the best of her and kept her from experiencing the sorts of relationships that would lead to a healthy life. Fed up after getting dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to branch out of her comfort zone and take a hike up Mount Whitney. While it’s no easy feat, her determination helps her to reinvent herself in her own mind and decide to overcome the inner voices of anxiety that have always set her back.

I really loved how this author bared her soul and let her vulnerabilities shine. I found myself identifying greatly with her outlook, as I too am of the mind that I would rather chew off my own arm than ask for help. It’s hard to let people in…harder to recognize that this is a struggle within yourself…but, as with all hurdles in life, the best course is to wake up each day aiming to do better. Even if you don’t climb a major mountain, sometimes just facing the day is the best hill we can scale!

This book was such an inspiration for people who suffer similarly with anxiety!!

[sequoia spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a quick read.. started it last night, finished it up today on my down time between chores.. i am sure that many people can understand many of her struggles, but the ones that will admit it, are few.. putting yourself out there, your fears, phobias & vulnerabilities is brave.. peeling back a layer of skin and displaying it unabashedly takes some guts.. so thanks Reannon.. i can only let that raw, fleshy part of me out anonymously..
i am happy she found someone that helped her cope with all that inner shit.. i don't say get over, i don't think anyone ever "gets over" anxieties and the likes.. but learning to acknowledge it, compartmentalize and cope.. yeah.. that's a good day..

i'm a stubborn mule when it comes for asking for help, so that resonated with me..

reminded me so much of WILD by Cheryl Strayed.. [yeah, of course that is a compliment]

anyway, i enjoyed the book.. i hope she stays happy..

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a very well-written and edited book!

I had a chance in the ‘70s to hike Mt. Whitney, but didn’t take it because I was moving to go to college. My friends went without me. Wish I could change that among many of my other poor life decisions. Now though, through this book, I get to hike it vicariously 🌲😊 The scenes put me in the moment, experiencing the author’s struggle to breathe as she climbed higher and higher.

Anxiety wove itself throughout the story as if it were a entity, or a live person. It was like the author’s super ego. I related to this entity because my anxiety also lives just below my consciousness, causing my breath to seize up even while I’m relaxing. Very insightful and helpful story.

I love everything about this book: the design, formatting, and content🌲🌲

[Val Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has dealt with paralyzing anxiety over the course of decades, I could strongly relate to Reannon's story. That she has been able to live a broad life, full of adventures is so opposite what I experienced. It was interesting to read the ways in which she dealt with social anxiety and even more so to watch her developing understanding of the ways in which anxiety has limited her ability to connect with people. In the end, I felt I'd read the memoir of a kindred spirit. I feel a bit expanded in by reading her use of thought processes to help control the panic and move forward. Good book - even if you don't deal with anxiety.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I bought this book expecting to read about adventures....mountain climbing, hiking, swimming, marathons, etc. My problem arose almost immediately. I am not being uncaring or rude, but this was a book about anxiety, panic attacks, low self esteem. I read it all the way through, however, it was very repetitive about the problems she was dealing with. I'm a sufferer of anxiety, panic attacks and have been able to handle them in a more calm and rational way (in my opinion anyway!) This was too much, over and over.

[Sue Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so much out of this book. I'm fortunate in that I have never suffered from anxiety and reading this book showed me how devastating it could be. It helped me understand a friend better and those who have anxiety in a much more compassionate way. Thank you Reannon Muth for being so open and honest.

[Rachel Chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read that repeats itself over and over. As a book that includes travel + adventure in its summary it lacked significantly both aspects besides one hike which really lead to more of the authors development. Imo this was very self serving and not an enjoyable read

[Lyle Knebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Read

This story was well written and it kept me clinging to it. I could relate to her fears and experiences in many ways and I certainly felt along with her in the Mt Whitney adventure as I have also climbed many fourteeners.

[Jessi Wasell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a good book about overcoming anxiety and being at.peace with yourself. If that's your kind of book I'd recommend it

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, interesting read about living with anxiety.

[Alex Soong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about the author's conquest of her anxiety but, at the close, one gets the impression that her problems weren't all that massive in the first place. The anxiety she supposedly suffered was never crippling but appears more like the sort most people have from time to time. It certainly didn't prevent her from travelling, working on investigative assignments, joining groups, leading groups, attending parties, making friends, having boyfriends etc. So, she had to overcome her fear of asking her repeatedly tardy housemate for the rent and, finally, of telling her to go but how many of us would have the supreme confidence in any case?

She climbed the highest peak in the contiguous United States not as a means of combating anxiety but to show off the achievement to her ex-boyfriend. Her engaging description is a good lesson in being well prepared for the task of mountain climbing. Her experiences of dating are interesting but hardly anything unusual. This book is okay but if you are looking for something truly inspirational about overcoming your handicap, you will need to look further.

[April M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected more (Spoilers ahead)

I could identify with Reannon's anxiety and keeping people at a distance. I've been where she was. Ruined relationships because the walls I had built to protect me were too strong for anyone to break through.

I struggled with the ending of Part 2. Reannon not speaking up and putting herself in danger. The "I'm fine" attitude became a bit monotonous.

Part 3 is titled Healing. As much as the character did grow and develop, I was hoping for more. She healed with someone by her side. Supporting her throughout. Which is a beautiful thing. Just would have liked to see an independent soul searching. But in her case, it made sense the way it played out.

[Kennedy Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But now when I wake up from a nightmare, I roll over and curl into Eric. He wraps his arms around me and kisses my head and the panic subsides. And, for a little while, my anxiety lets me be. She has no warnings about love. Love, it would seem, isn’t a danger anymore. Love will save us both.”

I love EVERYTHING about this memoir. If you struggle with anxiety, you should be reading this book. I felt so incredibly seen and heard, especially knowing that she was sharing her own deeply personal struggles in the hopes of showing others that they aren’t alone. The love story too 🥹❤️

[Brigitte Vercoutere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an excellent read. As someone with Autism and ADHD, I struggle greatly with social anxiety. I have been told I often say things that come across as rude or disrespectful. I feel like I'm the black sheep everywhere I go. Reading that someone else also feels this way, is reassuring. I'm not crazy or alone.
I really enjoyed reading what helped her to combat her anxiety and plan on working on this portion of myself.

[Dawn aka wolfinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Brené Brown once said that courage comes from the Latin root cor, which means “to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.””
❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love reading memoirs because it gives us glimpses of someone’s story. We all have a story to share and each one is beautiful. I find it interesting that we can always learn something from hearing how others have traversed a trail.

[Issababy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. As someone who loves the outdoors I'm a sucker for hiking stories. I appreciate the raw and honest way she shares her story. Anxiety is real and sometimes it takes a while to find the right way to deal with it. Kudos to the author for a job well done and a story well written.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this book in just a few days. You really root for Reannon to conquer her fears and anxiety, and she does! I also loved reading about her travels and hiking experiences. I really found stuff in here I can relate to.

[Annette French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Although it was not what I expected I enjoyed her writing. I was mostly about Reannon of how she went through so many emotions and things through her life. The middle part was about her mt Whitney hike along with insights of her emotions.

[Mandy Mack karlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

A easy and enjoyable book to read. I really related to this story... I enjoy when an author is transparent/human about sharing their condition. Looking back over my life I can identify with some of the authors thoughts and anxieties which is why I enjoyed this book. Four stars for the enjoyabilty factor.

[Lisa Raney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I was expecting..well, more. I’m sure it was cathartic for the author to write this book, but I had hoped for more hiking and less rumination about boyfriends. I’m glad for the author that she’s been able to move out of the grips of her lifelong anxiety to a more fulfilling, happier life.