Untamed

Stop Pleasing, Start Living

by Glennon Doyle

4.6(66,743 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book is an invitation to leave behind the scripts and expectations that keep us small. It uses one woman's journey toward trust in her own instincts to show how setting ourselves free is the path to deeper relationships and greater peace. By letting go of the urge to please, you discover that the life you crave is within you.

Introduction

The journey begins with a deep restlessness, an inner feeling that life could be fuller and more genuine. In these opening parts, the author hits a personal crisis that forces her to pause and reflect on everything she has been taught about love, faith, and worthiness.

She stumbles upon an idea: “Be still and know.” It is more than a simple verse; it becomes a directive to stop seeking validation in the outside world and instead sink inward to find the truth.

In the quiet, she senses what she later calls the “Knowing,” an intuition beyond doubt. At first, it feels like magic or nonsense, but desperation leads her to test it out. After repeated moments of silence, she recognizes that clarity comes from settling within, not from crowdsourcing opinions.

When you calm the chaos of life and go inward, you unlock the guiding truth already inside you.

Cheetah and the Idea of Freedom

At a zoo, the author experiences a pivotal moment: she watches a caged cheetah chase a stuffed animal. The cheetah seems to perform well, yet afterward appears restless, pacing the perimeter as if recalling her wild instincts.

This cheetah scene becomes an emblem of how many people live: caged by cultural expectations, going through the motions but yearning for something beyond. We too race after empty targets, losing sight of our original, untamed nature.

The question becomes: Are we living as we were bred to live, or in a safe but stifling enclosure? This restless feeling is a call to examine areas where we may be conforming to narrow definitions of success, femininity, or even spirituality.

Just like the cheetah, we can become reacquainted with our instinctual drives rather than waiting for external permission. With each step, we realize we’re built for more than pleasing onlookers.

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What is Untamed about?

Untamed: Stop Pleasing, Start Living by Glennon Doyle explores what happens when we stop following everyone else’s expectations and start honoring our own deeper truth. Drawing on her own turning points and candid reflections, Doyle shows how old beliefs can keep us caged and how reconnecting with our instincts opens a path toward genuine freedom. She emphasizes that developing a solid trust in ourselves can help us navigate everything from relationships to spiritual questions.

By highlighting the importance of listening to our own inner Knowing, this book offers a practical, soul-searching approach to self-discovery. Readers will learn how setting boundaries, embracing anger as a signal for growth, and revisiting long-held social scripts can lead to more fulfilling experiences. Through relatable stories, Doyle sheds light on why we often ignore what we truly want—and how making a shift can bring real peace.

Review of Untamed

Untamed stands out for its heartfelt storytelling and direct honesty. One of its strengths is how it guides readers to look inward for clarity, rather than waiting for external approval. It also provides practical ideas for rethinking everything from how we parent to how we show up in conversation, all with a focus on respecting our own needs. The writing style is personal and inviting, making it accessible to anyone who wants a clear, encouraging voice on their road to personal transformation.

Filled with stories and insights, this book is relevant to anyone seeking a more authentic path. Doyle brings depth to topics like self-trust, boundaries, and breaking away from confining beliefs. Her conversational tone makes tough subjects feel approachable, leaving readers with concrete ways to rewrite their own limiting scripts. If you’re looking for fresh perspectives on living freely and staying true to what matters, Untamed is worth adding to your reading list.

Who should read Untamed?

Working professionals who sense there is more to life than endless productivity
Parents looking to foster empathy, creativity, and honest expression in their children
Individuals exploring faith or spirituality who feel held back by rigid social constructs
Men or women striving to release social pressures and build healthier relationships

About the author

Glennon Doyle is an American author and queer activist known for her empowering works. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison University and has written several bestselling books, including "Love Warrior" and "Carry On, Warrior." Doyle is also the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit organization that has raised over $25 million for women, families, and children in crisis. Her book "Untamed" has sold over one million copies and has been a #1 New York Times bestseller.