“The Wild Why”

A Soulful Guide to the Creative Journey

Discover the Magic of "The Wild Why."

Stories and Teaching to Uncover Your Wonder

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and wonder with Laura Munson’s latest book, ‘The Wild Why.” Uncover the truths hidden within and reignite your innate curiosity.

This book grew out of Laura’s decades-long inquiry into what keeps people from speaking their truth. Why people say “I’m fine” when really they’re bashed and bloodied inside. Why people are so blocked in their authentic self-expression.

“I was sitting at my desk one day wondering why people are so scared of the word creativity. Why there is so much wounding around it. So I took a walk. Sat on a stump. And thought: What’s behind creativity? And that’s when it occurred to me: Wonder. But that’s a lofty concept too. What’s behind wonder? That’s when I landed on: curiosity and awe.” And that’s when The Wild Why was born.”

“The Wild Why” explores wonder as life force and birthright: curiosity and awe held together. Through stories and teaching-spirited reflections, it invites readers to uncover where wonder still lives and how it might be reclaimed. “It’s in you. You just forgot. Join me. Let’s step into what you already know.”

Laura Munson’s book, “The Wild Why,” was featured in Maria Shriver’s “The Sunday Paper” as a “What She’s Reading Now” selection. In addition, Laura has several essays published in the same paper. Read Laura’s essays published in the “Sunday Papers” on her Media Page.

Laura Munson's Wild Why Maria Shrivers Sunday Paper

Lee Woodruff

“The ability to feel wonder is part of the human experience, but life moves us further from that childlike state. The Wild Why is part memoir, part self-exploration, workbook, and tutorial on how we can reach inside and use our own sense of wonder to remove barriers, quiet naysayers, and enrich our lives.”

David James Duncan

“In The Wild Why, Laura Munson deploys self-exploration, self-sabotage, confession, contrition, “bonfires,” undying love for Montana, and her own line of full-fledged writing retreats, all aimed at healing the familial, cultural, and inter-relational wounds that curtail our sense of wonder. The wonder I felt in finishing Laura’s epic? Her recipe worked!”

Kelly Corrigan

“Wonder—for Laura Munson, for me, maybe for you too—is nothing less than a religion. It has that much to offer. In The Wild Why, Munson makes the case for curiosity with conviction and beauty.”

Maria Shrivers Sunday Paper

“Rich in lessons to help us lean into wonder and find our inner authentic voice, this book is a soul guide leading us to beauty and self-expression.”

Amy Ferris

“I believe that it takes one person to open your heart, to inspire you, to encourage you, to make you believe that nothing is impossible. Laura Munson is that ONE person. Take this The Wild Why ride with her. She will make sure you land safely and she will encourage you to find the wonder, never give up, and seek the folks who make you swoon. You will feel like you made a new friend who you will never, ever want to let go of.”

Maggie Smith

“In The Wild Why, Laura Munson invites readers to answer ‘the most powerful and wonder-full question’ for themselves: ‘What can I create?’ This book is an open-hearted invitation to explore the connections between wonder and empathy, intuition and serendipity, self-compassion and creativity—and to live a bigger, braver life.”

Amy B. Scher

“The Wild Why will inspire you to re-discover your wonder, find your true voice, and bring back the pieces of yourself you lost along the way. This book not only reminds us about the importance of our one precious life—but helps us understand how to live it well.”

JJ Elliott

“The Wild Why is an invitation and a permission slip, a beckoning and a reckoning. It’s more than a book—it’s a chill-giving, tear-inducing, wide-grinning experience. Laura Munson writes with astonishing generosity and authenticity, like she’s raising the velvet curtain to her own heart. This book is a gift to those who know there’s more to life than following rules and checking boxes. There is medicine and magic in these pages. Devour them.”

Jeffrey Davis

“Laura Munson’s exuberant book The Wild Why is for anyone seeking to heal their wonder wound and reclaim their wild wonder. Rich with serendipitous adventures and a fresh perspective on personal vulnerability, this book contributes a welcome voice to the growing literature on wonder. Get this book and get your magic back.”

Chris Dombrowski

“The late great William Kittredge said that acts of imagination lead to acts of empathy. This wise, generous, and dazzling craft-book for the soul does just that, and in so doing resurrects in the reader the state of wonder that is so vital to our survival.”

Purchase "The Wild Why"

Buy your favorite format at the following booksellers or order from your favorite bookstore

A Journey into Wonder

"The Wild Why:" A Deep Dive into Curiosity and Awe

“The Wild Why” by Laura Munson is a transformative exploration of the human spirit. This book invites readers to delve into the depths of wonder, creativity, and self-awareness. Through a series of reflective stories and teachings, Munson challenges us to question the barriers that prevent authentic self-expression. She encourages a slow, thoughtful reading experience, fostering a deep connection with our own sense of curiosity and awe. This book is not just a read; it’s a companion on your journey to rediscovering the wonder that lies within.

Munson’s narrative is a call to pause and reflect, to engage with the world around us with fresh eyes and an open heart. “The Wild Why” is a reminder that wonder is our birthright, a vital force that fuels a life of empathy and fulfillment. It’s an invitation to step into a space of introspection and embrace the beauty of slowing down, tuning into the awe that surrounds us every day.

Being named one of Zibby Owens’ most anticipated books is a powerful testament to Laura’s storytelling, placing her work directly in the spotlight of one of the literary world’s most influential and trusted tastemakers.”

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What Additional Readers Are Saying

“Reading ‘The Wild Why’ was like a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of the importance of curiosity in my daily life and inspired me to seek out wonder in the mundane.”

— Alex T.

“Laura Munson’s book is a gentle guide back to the heart of what makes us human. It’s a beautifully written reminder to embrace our creativity and live with intention.”

—Jamie L.

“The Wild Why’ has become my go-to book for moments of reflection. It’s a profound exploration of self-awareness that has changed the way I view the world.”

— Morgan S.

Laura Munson on tour with new book the wild why

Do You Have a Book Sitting on Your Soul?

Laura Munson is a celebrated author and teacher, renowned for her insightful storytelling and transformative writing retreats. With a career highlighted by her New York Times and USA Today best-selling status, Laura has dedicated her life to exploring the depths of human experience through writing. She is the founder of Haven Writing Retreats in Montana, where she guides aspiring writers to find their voice and embrace their creative potential. Her work is a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

If you have a book that’s been sitting on your heart click below to learn about Laura’s Haven 1 Writing Retreat.

Haven 1