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Never Leave the Dogs Behind

A Memoir

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Never Leave the Dogs Behind

Written by: Brianna Madia
Narrated by: Brianna Madia
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About this listen

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The author of 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
Adventure Travel Biographies & Memoirs Personal Success Dogs
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What listeners say about Never Leave the Dogs Behind

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Loved the storytelling

Another amazing book by Brianna! Her way of story telling is incredible. I enjoyed every chapter as I laughed and cried along with her.I hope the story will continue with a third book… :)

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For dog lovers and wanderers at heart

I’m a huge fan of this author’s passion for her dogs, her nomadic lifestyle, and honest recount of some very challenging life experiences.

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From the heart

Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and deeply personal, highly relatable story. I was tearing up one minute and laughing the next.

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Cried within first 3 pages

I can’t wait for the next one, and all the others come after. My dog has been licking my tears for the last 4 days.

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Captivating. I basically put my life on hold to listen all the way through and so should you!

Bri’s writing is spectacular on its own but hearing her read her book with real emotions throughout was an entirely different and magical experience than when I read the first book myself (which I still really loved).
You don’t need to have read her first book to enjoy this one but you are truly missing out if you don’t read or listen to both. In this book, her storytelling brings you to the desert of Moab and the beaches of Baja and you feel as though you are there watching her and the dogs go about their journey. I will be eagerly awaiting her next book.
Thanks for sharing your story Bri.

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Never read the comments on social media...

I got Brianna Madia's first book "Nowhere for Very Long" on a Audible Daily Deal primarily on the premise of "living in a van with my dog" sounds amazing. I really enjoyed her first book, so naturally I had to preorder the second.
Now even thought I "follow" her on social media...I don't really pay attention...not to the point that it appears some people do!! WOW! People can be horrible!
I can sympathize with everything she did, even despite her mental health...I can't imagine anyone being able to turn away from that sort of harassment.
I enjoyed hearing about her adventures...but my only complaint would be now we need a third book!!! My only complaint was some of the stories felt rushed, especially the ending.
I did have to go find her socials just to see how she managed to load all the dogs on the paddle board and I didn't picture Bingo to look as he did.
All in all...enjoyable.

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Bri is a storyteller

I relate to these books because I am on my own journey of van life with a dog
I think Brianna is a great storyteller and I enjoyed her reading of this audiobook even more than her first. I hope to hear more from Brianna and look forward to her (and my own) happy ending. thanks for making relatable content for people like us trying to live on the edge of society!

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