I am among those who LOVED Untamed. Not because I thought she was perfect, but quite the contrary, I found her to be full of contradictions. She highlights life's messiness, and says, "It's okay. I'm messy too.". To me, she comes across as someone who has broken free of the image of being a "nice, put together woman, who is always a 100% authentic and consistent and does what she says". She is not, and that's what makes me see myself in her, although we have nothing in common otherwise.

In this country, women are taught to mistrust themselves and flawed women are completely dismissed.

That's why I think her voice is important. Yes, she is not an expert, but several male authors who go on to publish bestsellers aren't either. She is merely talking about her lived experience, which is not perfect, but it IS hers, and I'm here for it :)

I do agree that women should be wary of considering her a “guru” or “hitch their wagons” to her, but it is a relief to hear from a woman who has gone through shit in life, done bad stuff, had the courage to make a different life for herself, and still managed to stay loveable (sort of) and famous!