This is a book that I am talking about often, will not forget reading, and will continue talking about and recommending it loudly (though I note that I’m a little late to the game, as it came out in March 2020. Upon reflection, it’s a wonder it did so well because had I tried to read this raw emotional novel in 2020 I think I might have gone off the deep end, or ran into the woods never to return). As I was saying, I’m talking about this book on the regular. Here is how every conversation about it has gone.
Me: Have you read Untamed?
Person who has: Yes! Effusive praise and sharing commence as both of us enjoyed the book and got something out of it.
I’m sure there will be people who do not enjoy this book, but if you are a woman between the ages of 25 and still alive, I think you could find value in it. In a way, this book broke my brain. It cracked me open to ideas about how the world works, and what it means to be a woman navigating the modern world. Though I have not had any of the same hardships that Doyle went through (bulimia, alcoholism, drugs, unfulfilling marriage, divorce) the lessons she has learned and the new path she has chosen resonated with me in a deep and meaningful way. Through a deep examination of her own life, Doyle identifies the foundations of many of her problematic behaviors and attitudes, examining the impact of patriarchal standards, her own privilege, and why she will no longer shrink herself down to fit into a palatable person but will work to live true to her beliefs and values. And her love story with Abby Wambach? Wow. Talk about love at first sight! This book is bold, authentic, and one of my picks for best book of the year.
My only con is that as a budding writer, this book is intimidating as hell. It is the kind of gripping and good writing that makes you want to throw your hands up and ask yourself why do I even bother?? But, as Doyle would say, we bother because we know that we should, and “we can do hard things.”