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.








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

That was a really enjoyable read, and pretty much what I had hoped it would be. I picked it up because I enjoy reading about people exploring the outdoors (I also enjoy hiking and camping) and if they don't get introspective about their lives then they're not paying attention to themselves or their surroundings. The author is very engaging as she describes her surroundings and, basically, a journey to discovering herself. Sure she made choices which caused me to wince, but she talked about what had taken her to those decisions, and what she learned after them, and that helped me connect with and root for her.

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.

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.

Alison Monda is tough, tenacious, and a little bit reckless, which makes for some interesting stories. A lot of the chapters on her adventures through the wild are quick reads, which is convenient if you only have time to read in short snippets. A few were adrenaline fueled, while others were a bit slower paced. There are some chapters giving a peek into the rest of her life, making this truly an authentic memoir.

The book is brimming with humor. Some of the jokes were too juvenile and crass for my taste, but when a joke landed, it REALLY landed. I laughed out loud several times. I did see a few errors the editor didn’t catch, but nothing too distracting. In summary, this book is for you if:

You’re an avid hiker and lover of nature.
You like humor and are cool with an overabundance of anal jokes. (Seriously.)
You enjoy the themes of persistence and facing your fears.

Overall, a pretty good read.

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.

“Fearless” is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author’s unique experiences living in the wilderness. The book blends humor with harrowing tales, offering readers a glimpse into the absurdities and challenges of life spent away from civilization. Through a series of anecdotes, the author reflects on both the comedic and terrifying moments encountered while navigating the complexities of nature.

The central themes of “Fearless” revolve around survival, self-discovery, and the relationship between humans and nature. The author explores how isolation can lead to profound insights about oneself while also presenting the unpredictable dangers that come with living in the wild. The juxtaposition of hilarious mishaps against serious threats creates a rich narrative that keeps readers engaged.