ABOUT FREE WAY

Free Way: An Adventure Through Loss is an illustrated memoir that follows the author's solo road trip to all fifty states in the USA after leaving a ten-year marriage and her father’s passing. Rachel visits many national parks in search of healing and tenderly speaks about the change in family dynamics after a loved one's death. It is a soulful, breathtaking, and grippingly honest journey through grief, becoming a companion for those on their own adventure through loss. Also included are the author's own photographs from the moments her heart was touched the deepest.

This project was initially made possible through a Kickstarter campaign and is now available through Amazon.

All text and photographs by Rachel Helden. Cover design by Laura Grant Design. Page layout design by Olivia Leigh Smith & Heather Brown. The first edition was printed by NJC Printing. These creative partners brought my vision to life and were such a joy to work with. Free Way would not be what it is without their efforts.

Free Way Photographs

What Readers Are Saying

“For anyone who has experienced loss, Free Way is an empathetic and tender story of love, light, and the redemptive freedom of allowing yourself to live fully in the experience of grief.” - Colleen, from New Jersey

“Thank you for reminding me that sometimes our strongest moments come when we are alone! Carpe Diem sister!” - Karoline, from Montana

“Free Way spoke to my heart. My Dad has been gone nearly 40 years. My grief is still palatable. The bravery Rachel exhibited not only in her journey but willingness to share such raw emotion helped me accept some of my own unresolved feelings.” - Jean, from Ohio

“A great read on the many different stages of grief and the author's experiences traveling the world to heal her heart through nature, coincidental meetings and new experiences. Rachel so vividly recalls her venture through all 50 states in a year and a half, discussing how nature restored her soul, but also the give and take of trying to heal while still struggling with grappling losses. A great read!” - Jennifer, from Missouri

“Rachel's book is an offering, a reminder of what it means to be human. The love. The loss. The excruciating beauty. Through her sharing her story of loss and grief and the tender stirrings of new life, she invites us all to open our hearts to our own lives more fully. Rachel is an inspiration, guiding us to courageously choose love and trust that those moments when we feel the most lost are when we truly begin to find ourselves.” - Linda, from Texas

“A sensually written intimate and unique story of losing everything and finding yourself which everyone can deeply and universally relate to.” - Mélanie, from Switzerland

“A lovely journey through 50 states in a Toyota Prius! As the author heals from the grief of losing her father and marriage, she shares her evolving perspective on each page. This book is inspiring and shows readers how bravery grows through grief.” - Emily, from California

“The scenes when your dad is dying are so vivid. I felt like I was there and tears were streaming down my face.” - Danielle, from Arizona

“It was the most beautiful, painful, hopeful, and relatable read on many levels. Have you ever been to a symphony or a large choir that is magnificent and when they end with a glorious note, even though they stopped playing or singing, the final crescendo of the chord stays in the air? The reverb and emotion is still there so you can still feel it and sense it, and you don't want it to be over - that was the ending of Free Way for me. I'm still hanging on to every page. Incredible. Thanks for sharing your heart, raw emotions, and journey with us.” - Sarah, from Illinois

"I thought it was beautiful. Such an honest sharing of grief and your process for working through your feelings after your dad's death and your divorce. Thank you for taking us on your journey with you and sharing who you are with the world." - Alyssa, from Texas

"Just finished this. Let's just say it inspired me to write my own book of all the places I'd like to travel. I recommend to anyone who: travels, lost a loved one, enjoys true stories, needs to feel inspired, if you've camped, if you've never camped." - Katie, from Missouri

Free Way in the Wild!

Thank you to everyone who has supported the creation of this book!