'Untamed' by Glennon Doyle: A Reflective Read Worth Discussing

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BOOK SUMMARY & STATS

UNTAMED SUMMARY

Untamed by Glennon Doyle is a memoir and self-help book that explores the author’s journey toward living an authentic, liberated life. Through a series of personal stories and reflections, Doyle shares how she broke free from societal expectations, left an unhappy marriage, embraced her identity, and found love with soccer star Abby Wambach. The book encourages readers—especially women—to trust their inner voice, challenge norms, and stop abandoning themselves for the sake of pleasing others. It’s a powerful call to reclaim one’s true self.

UNTAMED STATS

Title	Untamed
Author	Glennon Doyle
Book Club(s)	Reese’s Book Club #35 in March 2020
Publication Date/Year	March 10, 2020
Page Count	333
Genre(s)	Nonfiction, Memoir, Self Help, Feminism, LGBT
Setting	Florida
Goodreads Rating	3.98
Audience	Adult
Series	No
Translator	N/A
Awards	0; multiple nominations

BOOK RATING & REVIEW

UNTAMED RATING

BCR Rating	5
Availability	4
Format	5
Length	5
Diversity	4
Bechdel Test	Pass
Page Turner	No

UNTAMED REVIEW

I read Untamed as an ebook and I highlighted so many passages. Page after page, Glennon Doyle offers insight, clarity, and truth in a way that’s both refreshing and piercing. It’s a heavier read, yes, but not overwhelmingly so. The writing is fluid and thoughtful, and her vulnerability invites you in rather than weighing you down.

Doyle doesn’t shy away from heartbreak—she leads you straight into it—but she also brings a level of self-reflection and hard-won wisdom that feels genuinely enlightening. The book explores identity, relationships, motherhood, and the importance of not abandoning yourself to meet others’ expectations. It’s the kind of book that lingers long after you’ve finished it.

I wouldn’t call it a traditional page-turner, but it came close for me. I read it on my own and finished it in two weeks, which is pretty quick for me. It wasn’t because of cliffhangers or plot twists—but because I wanted to see what else she had to offer and share.

If your book club is open to memoirs with depth, vulnerability, and a strong feminist undercurrent, Untamed is well worth the read. Be prepared to highlight or make notes of passages for the group discussion.

BOOK CLUB RESOURCES

UNTAMED BCR RECOMMENDATION

If you’re considering Untamed for your book club, I think it would be a good pick. Glennon Doyle has been recognized by some of the best book clubs out there. Love Warrior was selected by Oprah’s Book Club in 2016, and Reese’s Book Club picked Untamed in March 2020. That kind of track record speaks volumes. She is definitely an author that your book club should read.

The length of the book is very manageable, and availability is generally good—though depending on your library system, there might still be a bit of a wait. It’s a good idea to give your group notice if you’re adding it to your reading list both in consideration of the subject matter and format availability. Members will appreciate the heads-up and having time to get their preferred format, whether it’s ebook, audiobook, or print.

This is a book with real discussion potential. It’s reflective, raw, and full of moments that will stay with you. I’d recommend placing it between a couple of lighter reads since it deals with some emotionally heavy topics. Even with the insight and inspiration woven throughout, it’s still a mental lift albeit a worthwhile one I think.

UNTAMED BOOK DISCUSSION

While there isn’t a discussion guide on the publisher’s site—and I don’t recall one included in the back of the book—there is a beautiful and thoughtfully written Reading Group Guide available on the official Untamed website. It’s a great starting point for meaningful conversation, with questions that dig into the themes of identity, truth-telling, and self-liberation.

If you’re looking for something more general, the BCR General Book Discussion Guide is another solid option. It’s simple and can help spark personal reflections and deeper conversations among your group.

Either way, there’s plenty to unpack in Untamed, and these guides can help steer your discussion in a way that’s both thoughtful and impactful.