Reviews - Women Who Run With The Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman

1.97k reviews for:

Women Who Run With The Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman

I had high expectations for this book's content, but it seems very speculative— I have to agree with the criticism stating that it was repetitive and over-written. Upon reading the 'analysis' for women, I thought that it carried the same weight as a horoscope reading: though it may seem fun to follow, an ounce of critical application would disintegrate the logic behind the book's meaning.

The wording and overly-flowery 'metaphors' were entirely too pretentious as well, it felt like trying to read through someone's lucid dream where they reached a sort of enlightenment while you can't really comprehend what they're saying at all. If the writing was more succinct and straight forward, I would give more leeway to enjoying this book. However, I think the pretentious writing backtracked on its aim to empower women—why can't we use straightforward language to get the point across?

Honestly, I think that the tenets of empowerment were washed out by the 'fluffed up' anecdotes/tangents, and it felt infantilizing—as if the book's foundation for female empowerment relies on tall tales and mystical buzzwords instead of substantial logic and reasoning.

sarahjonesdasilva's review against another edition

3.0

Some 5 star passages but also some 2-3 star passages. Averages out at 3.5.

erikayp's review against another edition

3.0

An interesting Jungian & feminist analysis of different myths and fairytales—yet often overwritten and repetitive, and disappointingly steeped in heteronormativity and gender essentialism. It took me quite a bit of time to wade through this book; it’s perhaps best read in bits and pieces, when stories and their accompanying analyses feel most relevant.

rachbartolo's review against another edition

2.0

This is on my list of books that everyone loves but I hated

natysarchives's review against another edition

4.0

Did I finish the book or did it finish me?

This story, and the endless analyses, have truly found a place in my heart to settle. The book reflects numerous truths: both heartbreaking and hopeful. Aligned with that, it contains several quotes I know I will forever be repeating and rereading as a reminder never to forget again. I’m not a spiritual or religious person, and this book explores several topics I felt I couldn’t precisely resonate with, yet this seems irrelevant. Somehow, it still conveys a truth that applies to everyone’s reality. I don’t know how she does it, but I believe it’s a book for all — regardless of background, beliefs, or ideologies.

[3,7 stars]