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Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed” is about finding oneself and living authentically. Doyle examines “untaming” oneself from social standards and conditioning. The book urges readers to trust their intuition, follow their dreams, and break free from limitations.
- Genre: Memoir, Self-Discovery, Feminism
- Themes: Empowerment, Authenticity, Women’s Stories
What is this book about?
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is a powerful and transformative memoir that explores the journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and living authentically. Doyle, a renowned author and speaker, invites readers into her world, where she recounts her personal experiences and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her true self and break free from societal expectations.
The book begins with Doyle’s childhood and her early adherence to the conventional roles and expectations assigned to women. She delves into her addiction, motherhood, and marriage struggles, sharing the raw and unfiltered truth of her life’s ups and downs. Doyle paints a vivid picture of her journey from conformity to rebellion through these anecdotes.
Doyle’s book is not just a memoir but a manifesto for women seeking to reclaim their voices and their power. Doyle passionately advocates for women to trust their instincts, shed the expectations placed upon them, and unapologetically pursue their desires and passions. She weaves personal anecdotes with feminist insights, encouraging readers to challenge societal norms and embrace their inner “wild” selves.
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Doyle’s memoir also explores themes of love and relationships, including her transformative love story with soccer star Abby Wambach. Their love story challenges traditional narratives of romance and family, celebrating the beauty of authenticity and unconventional paths to happiness.
Throughout the book, Doyle introduces the metaphor of the “caged” and “untamed” woman, highlighting the journey from societal constraints to self-liberation. She shares empowering stories of women who have inspired her and provides practical guidance for embracing one’s true self, finding purpose, and taking bold actions to create the life one desires.
“Untamed” is a call to action, urging readers to question the limitations imposed by society, religion, and culture. It’s an invitation to step into one’s power, trust one’s intuition, and live a life unburdened by the expectations of others.
Takeaways
- We are wild animals. Doyle argues that we are all born wild but are taught to tame ourselves to fit into society. This taming can lead us to suppress our true selves and live inauthentic lives.
- We need to untame ourselves. Doyle encourages us to untame ourselves and reclaim our wildness. This means being true to ourselves, even if it means going against the grain.
- We need to be brave. Untaming ourselves can be scary, but living a truly fulfilling life is essential. We must be brave enough to face our fears and step outside our comfort zones.
- We need to be kind to ourselves. Untaming ourselves is a process, and being kind to ourselves is essential. We need to forgive ourselves for our mistakes and to celebrate our progress.
- We are not alone. Many other people are also on the journey to untame themselves. We can find support and inspiration from each other.
Quotes
- “We are wild animals. We are born to run free and to feel the wind in our hair. We are born to be messy and imperfect and to make mistakes. We are born to feel all our feelings, even the painful ones. We are born to love fiercely and fight for our beliefs. We are born to be wild.”
- “We have been taught to tame ourselves. We have been taught to shrink ourselves down so we don’t take up too much space. We have been taught to be quiet and to be seen and not heard. We have been taught to be perfect and to never make mistakes. But this taming has come at a price. We have lost our wildness. We have lost our power. We have lost our joy.”
- “We need to untame ourselves. We need to reclaim our wildness. We must be brave enough to face our fears and step outside our comfort zones. We need to be kind to ourselves and to celebrate our progress. We need to remember that we are not alone. Many other people are also on the journey to untame themselves. We can find support and inspiration from each other.”
Positive and critical reviews
Positive reviews
- Glennon Doyle’s book is a rallying cry for women to break free from the cages of societal expectations and live authentically.
- Her storytelling is raw, honest, and deeply moving, making this book a powerful and transformative read.
- It is a must-read for anyone seeking to embrace their true selves and challenge the status quo.
Critical reviews
- Some readers may find the memoir’s feminist themes and advocacy too strong or polarizing.
- The book’s emphasis on personal anecdotes may not resonate with those seeking a more structured self-help guide.
- While Doyle’s message is empowering, it may not align with everyone’s beliefs and values.
Best for
“Untamed” is best for readers interested in personal development, self-empowerment, and exploring the journey to authenticity. It’s particularly valuable for those who have felt constrained by societal norms, roles, or expectations and are looking for a roadmap to untaming themselves and embracing their true desires and passions. “Untamed” is a powerful read for individuals of various backgrounds and ages who seek to live a more authentic and unapologetic life.
Best-recommended books besides “Untamed”
If you’ve been inspired by “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle and are looking for similar books that explore themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and living authentically, here are seven alternative books:
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir offers an intimate look into her life’s journey, from her childhood to her time as First Lady of the United States. It’s a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity.
“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir chronicles her transformative solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a tale of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth in adversity.
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero’s self-help book is a humorous and motivational guide to unleashing your inner potential. It encourages readers to embrace their unique greatness and live an extraordinary life.
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability and authenticity in this book. It encourages readers to embrace their imperfections and lead more wholehearted lives.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
Building on her earlier work, Brené Brown delves deeper into vulnerability and how it can lead to greater connection and resilience in various aspects of life.
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s book explores the magic of creativity and the importance of pursuing creative passions. It inspires readers to embrace their creativity and overcome creative blocks.
“The Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit TV shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” shares her year-long experiment of saying “yes” to new experiences and opportunities. It’s an inspiring account of personal growth and empowerment.
