Nowhere for Very Long

The Unexpected Road to an Unconventional Life

By: Brianna Madia

Narrated by: Brianna Madia

Narrated by Brianna Madia

In this beautifully written, vividly detailed memoir, a young woman chronicles her adventures traveling across the deserts of the American West in an orange van named Bertha and reflects on an unconventional approach to life

A woman defined by motion, Brianna Madia bought a beat-up bright orange van, filled it with her two dogs Bucket and Dagwood, and headed into the canyons of Utah with her husband. Nowhere for Very Long is her deeply felt, immaculately told story of exploration—of the world outside and the spirit within.

However, pursuing a life of intention isn’t always what it seems. In fact, at times it was downright boring, exhausting, and even desperate—when Bertha overheated and she was forced to pull over on a lonely stretch of South Dakota highway; when the weather was bitterly cold and her water jugs froze beneath her as she slept in the parking lot of her office; when she worried about money, her marriage, and the looming question mark of her future. But Brianna was committed to living a life true to herself, come what may, and that made all the difference.

Nowhere for Very Long is the true story of a woman learning and unlearning, from backroads to breakdowns, from married to solo, and finally, from lost to found to lost again . . . this time, on purpose.

it was raw

it was very real. I don't like the f word that much but I guess it's her word when angry. other than that she was brave to share her story. the desert was her haven. everyone has one. it's my mother in law who loves the desert. it helped me understand my mother in law better. the part about her dad and her divorce were very painful and heartbreaking. I wished they could of made it work after so many adventures together and their love of their dogs. but maybe they will find it with someone else later on. it's more fun to have someone to share the sunsets with. glad her dad was texting her at the end. hope they got to spend time together. his wife with the wine she bought I was furious with her. come on take a hint. just make her feel welcomed. good read.

Brianna is the most beautiful storyteller

This book was worth every moment of waiting and wishing it would just be here already. Brianna is the most beautiful storyteller and hearing this audiobook in her voice was a true gift. The way she describes every scene and paints a picture of each moment had me in tears for at least 6 of the 6 1/2 hours of this audiobook. If you’ve followed her on Instagram for a while, these stories feel like the stories of a friend that has just opened up to you on a whole new level. I never wanted it to end, but she ended it beautifully.

incredible story

Relatable for nomads and an adventure for those who have felt like they didnt belong. Incredible narration, heart wrenching, and halarious. Beautiful to see inside of such a compassionate womens life.

An impactful story

A fantastic story written with such beauty. I’ve followed Brianna on Instagram for the last 5 years and silently watched as she shared parts of herself, her relationships, and family with the world. This memoir gave us even more of a look into the life of a person who has lived through significant happiness and significant traumas, and has come out the other side. It’s an inspiration to see someone share so many memories, lessons, and profound realizations from their life. In the end, we’re all just doing our best with what we were given and trying to find our place in the world, and Brianna’s words expressed just that. Congratulations to her on this impressive accomplishment!

A love letter to the desert

If you know anything about Brianna, you know her entire public persona is attached to 3 things: her dogs, her orange van, and the desert. She has such a gift for crafting language and, having followed her for years on Instagram, I was very much looking forward to her book. It did not disappoint. Her words carry you with her through every place and event. A worthwhile read for anyone who needs an eccentric aunt in their lives.