The Tranquil Vintessa

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I’m no stranger to self-help books, and this one had been appearing in my recommendations for months. At the time, I was more drawn to fiction, but after finishing my last book, I decided to give it a try.
Women Who Run With the Wolves had been recommended to me time and time again. I could see why, you could say I somewhat embody that image, and if I wanted a deeper understanding of that archetype, this would be the book for me. I was intrigued and thought it would be interesting to lean further into it.

However, once I began reading, the book wasn’t at all what I expected.

What I Liked

I loved the folklore. The author draws fascinating parallels between women in these old stories and the “wild woman” archetype, highlighting the importance of honoring yourself, being patient with yourself and others, and trusting your intuition. These are timeless truths, and the book serves as a gentle reminder of your inner strength.

That really resonated with me because I am on a continuous journey of trusting my inner self and intuition. Hearing stories of other strong women who had to learn the same lessons reminded me that I’m not behind I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

The book also reflects its early 90s context, you can feel it in the writing. It was a time when many women were still discovering themselves and exploring their independence. If you already embody this energy, or are in the process of cultivating it, this book can feel like a soft, affirming companion. It’s a refreshing piece that reminds you that you still have power, even if you don’t always see it.

What Didn’t Work for Me

The connection to wolves felt overdone, it’s something a lot of motivational spaces rely on. Wolves are often used as symbols of freedom and wildness, but the book leans heavily on the idea of them as solitary creatures, which isn’t entirely accurate, they live and hunt in packs.

I found myself wishing for a different metaphor. Something like a lion pride, where women lead even under the shadow of the male “king.” Still wild, still powerful, but with a different kind of structure and presence.

Some sections also felt incomplete or lacked practical application. For example, in one part of the book, the author references “true love’s first kiss” as the resolution of a folktale, but it never fully connects back to the wild woman energy explored throughout the book. I expected deeper guidance and perhaps new heroines who embody this archetype beyond traditional tales. Instead, these moments felt brief rather than fully realized.

The frequent references to Baba Yaga also left me wanting more. While the author expresses curiosity about how the Brothers Grimm portrayed women, it never fully develops into actionable insight or deeper reflection. She is used as a recurring reference point, but without fully showing us why she matters in this context.

Overall, the book doesn’t leave a lasting mark or offer anything particularly new. It feels more like a collection of stories and reflections, telling us about wild women, rather than guiding us toward becoming one.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats.

If you’re a creative, passionate person looking for a gentle reminder of your freedom and inner strength, Women Who Run With the Wolves can be an enjoyable read. If you’re seeking actionable steps to truly embrace your wild side, this isn’t that kind of book.

Embodying wild energy comes from knowing yourself and trusting your intuition, a concept the author touches on but doesn’t fully expand upon. The book remains more inspirational than practical.

Still, it’s a beautiful starting point. A quiet introduction into the idea that wild women exist, and perhaps, that you are already becoming one.

If you’re curious to explore the wild woman archetype for yourself, you can start here Get your copy