📖 Overview
Untamed is a memoir by Glennon Doyle that chronicles her journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. The book follows her evolution from living within societal expectations to embracing her authentic self, including falling in love with a woman while married to a man.
The narrative moves between present-day reflections and pivotal moments from Doyle's past, examining her roles as a mother, wife, and public figure. Her story encompasses addiction recovery, building a career as a writer and speaker, and navigating complex family dynamics.
The book became a cultural phenomenon, reaching #1 on The New York Times bestseller list and resonating with readers worldwide. It has since been optioned for television adaptation by Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television Studios, with Sarah Paulson cast in the lead role.
At its core, Untamed explores themes of personal liberation, challenging social conditioning, and the courage required to live authentically. The memoir stands as a meditation on modern womanhood, sexuality, and the universal quest for self-actualization.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe the book as a collection of personal essays focused on self-discovery and breaking free from societal expectations. Many found Doyle's raw honesty and vulnerability relatable, particularly regarding marriage, motherhood, and sexuality.
What readers liked:
- Direct, conversational writing style
- Messages about trusting intuition
- Stories about breaking free from people-pleasing
- Discussion of complex family dynamics
What readers disliked:
- Repetitive themes and messaging
- Self-centered perspective
- Lack of acknowledgment of privilege
- Scattered narrative structure
As one reviewer noted: "She repeats the same basic idea in different ways without adding depth."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (391,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (48,000+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (11,000+ ratings)
The book resonated strongly with women in their 30s-40s but received criticism from readers seeking more structured self-help content or deeper philosophical insights.
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Wild by Cheryl Strayed Follows one woman's solo journey on the Pacific Crest Trail as she processes grief and rebuilds her life after personal devastation.
Educated by Tara Westover Documents a journey from isolated survivalist upbringing to Cambridge doctorate through determination and self-discovery.
The Fixed Stars by Molly Wizenberg Traces the author's mid-life questioning of sexuality and identity while married with a child, leading to divorce and reconstruction of self.
Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot Charts an Indigenous woman's path through trauma, mental illness, and cultural expectations to find her authentic voice as a writer and mother.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔸 Untamed spent 8 weeks as #1 on The New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into over 30 languages worldwide
🔸 Reese Witherspoon selected Untamed for her Hello Sunshine Book Club, helping propel it to reach millions of readers globally
🔸 The author left her husband after falling in love with Olympic soccer player Abby Wambach at a literary conference - this transformative moment is a central part of the book's narrative
🔸 Before becoming an author, Doyle struggled with bulimia and addiction, experiences she openly discusses in her writing to help others facing similar challenges
🔸 Each chapter of Untamed is designed to work as a standalone essay, making it possible to read the book in any order - a deliberate choice to mirror the non-linear nature of personal growth