Untamed
Untamed by Glennon Doyle is a memoir and self-help book that explores themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and personal freedom. Through a mix of storytelling and reflection, Doyle invites readers to question the cultural conditioning and expectations that often shape women’s lives. She argues that many of us live according to rules imposed by society, family, or tradition rather than our own inner truth.
The book is structured as a series of short, powerful essays and anecdotes that draw from Doyle’s experiences as a mother, activist, and partner. One central narrative is her decision to end her marriage, embrace her love for soccer star Abby Wambach, and rebuild her life in alignment with her deepest values. This personal story becomes a lens through which Doyle encourages readers to trust their intuition—the “Knowing” she describes—as a compass for decision-making.
A recurring metaphor is the idea of women as cheetahs who have been tamed, taught to live small and safe, when their true nature is wild, strong, and free. Doyle uses this imagery to inspire readers to break free from limitations and reclaim their full selves.
Untamed resonates because it blends vulnerability with empowerment. It challenges readers to examine where they have been silenced or constrained and to imagine what life could look like if they lived more courageously. At its core, the book is a call to stop pleasing others and start living authentically, even when that path feels uncertain or disruptive.
5 Key Takeaways
Trust Your Inner Knowing
Doyle emphasises that each person has an inner voice—a deep intuition she calls the “Knowing.” Many of us have been taught to ignore it in favour of outside approval. A central lesson of Untamed is to pause, listen inward, and trust that voice, even when it leads us in directions others may not understand.
We Are Conditioned to Be Tamed
Through the metaphor of the cheetah in captivity, Doyle illustrates how women, in particular, are socialised to live within narrow boundaries of acceptability—quiet, selfless, and accommodating. The book invites readers to notice these cultural cages and choose to live beyond them.
Permission to Disrupt Expectations
Doyle shares her own decision to leave her marriage and pursue a new life with Abby Wambach. This story demonstrates that breaking free from prescribed roles—whether as spouse, parent, or professional—can be disruptive but ultimately leads to greater fulfilment. The takeaway is that it’s okay to dismantle a life that doesn’t feel true.
Pain is a Teacher, Not Something to Avoid
Instead of numbing or escaping discomfort, Doyle urges readers to feel their pain fully. She frames pain as a guide that points us toward growth and truth. By facing it, rather than denying it, we can uncover clarity about who we are and what we want.
Living Authentically Inspires Others
Doyle highlights that when one person chooses authenticity, it creates space for others to do the same. By refusing to shrink or conform, we not only liberate ourselves but also model freedom and courage for our children, partners, and the communities we belong to.