4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great trip into myths and stories and how they built our women traditions.

Vikki P. (
vikki322) wrote on 1/28/2007...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
According to Estes, wolves and women share a psychic bond in their fierceness, grace and devotion to mate and community. This comparison defines the archetype of the Wild Woman, a female in touch with her primitive side and able to rely on gut feelings to make choices. The tales here, from various cultures, are not necessarily about wolves; instead, they illuminate fresh perspectives on relationships, self-image, even addiction. An African tale of twins who baffle a man represents the dual nature of woman; from the Middle East, a story about a threadbare but secretly magic carpet shows society's failure to look beyond appearances. Three brief, ribald stories advocate a playful, open sexuality; other examples suggest ways to deal with anger and jealousy. At times, Estes's commentary--in which she urges readers to draw upon and enjoy their Wild Woman aspects--is hyperbolic, but overall her widely researched study offers usable advice for modern women.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really wanted to like this book, and I did read all the way through it, and although the intention the author had did seem interesting ... I just couldn't get into it. It was just too new agey, and few of the stories were ones I had ever heard of or even could identify with. Some of it also seemed quite forced/contrived, I thought
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
According to the author, wolves and women share a psychic bond in their fierceness, grace and devotion to mate and community. The author uses folklore, fairytales and dream symbols to explain her perspectives on relationships and self-image. This book shows women how to cultivate a healing, loving attiude, without becoming a "doormat."

Marci and Duane S. (
flame60) wrote on 6/30/2008...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
The research that the author accomplished is amazing. If you are in any way a feminist, you will like this book. The print was too small for me, so I didn't finish it.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is probably the most influential book I've read. It was given to me by a woman in her late 60s years ago; she referred to it then as her "Bible." Since that time, I've read and re-read this book for its lyric and profound insights -- but also to explore my own reactions to the text. What resonates one year is often not the same in another. The process of reading and thinking about the book becomes a mirror for my inner life. If you give it a chance, your life will likely. That can sometimes be difficult, though, so pick it up when you need courage or you feel like you need change.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this years ago & really liked the symbology. Also really enjoyed the myths & stories included.

John O. (
buzzby) - La Quinta, CA wrote on 7/30/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I'm too scared to read it.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Really a wonderful study of the archetypes of the strong "wild" woman throughout many cultures.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is certainly a must read for "women" of all ages. Clarissa Pinkola Estes takes you on a journey through the DNA of oral history, tapping into elements of your subconscious, awakening not only your imagination but a aspect of your spirit connected to all those stories that have not been lost to us entirely. Reading this book is a vital part of the journey toward self awareness.