Shell M

Some good parts. Some parts that claim to be novel ideas (finding god within her Inner Knowing) are really just repackaged concepts of secure attachment to self and others, internal family systems, and congruence - that sounded more like they were just trying to be a rebellious "take that" to her old faith. Telling women they "should be full of themselves," too, felt gross. I get that her point was that we should fully embody ourselves without apology, which is true but, but no - no human, man or woman, should go around being full of themselves to such a degree. That's called narcissism. Also, I was frustrated that her portrayal of Christianity was so surfacey and uncritical. She pretends not to realize that most of that faith's beliefs are based in Scripture, not men's ideas from 1960's political parties that want to control women and make them not trust themselves. Drawing that particular conclusion from the pastor's reminder that God doesn't think the way humans do is a MASSIVE jump that made zero sense. I'm just really disappointed. I wanted to love this book, but I came away feeling that she wants humans to worship themselves like deities and screw if anyone gets in the way... it felt gross. I'm happy for her, absolutely, but if being full of myself is what I'd have to do to be Untamed then no thank you. I can love myself and live in congruence without being narcissistic and uncritical, thanks.