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The Lion is You: Lessons from The Wild on Coming Alive Again
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 14, 2026
What Are You Trading to Stay Stuck at Average?
This book doesn’t just tell a story; it holds up a mirror. Reading it caused me to pause and examine my own circumstances, my own “cage,” and the quiet compromises that keep life safe, predictable, and comfortably average.
Gerber takes you on a beautiful journey marked by heartbreak, restoration, and ultimately rediscovery. His experiences tracking lions in the African wilderness become a powerful metaphor for finding your way back to yourself. As he explores the wild outside, you’re invited to explore the wild within – that part of you that has been there all along, waiting to be awakened.
One quote from the book captures the heart of his message perfectly: “But once I surrendered to uncertainty, I opened myself to the indescribable joy of surprise, of adventure, of a more rewarding life than I ever could have dreamed of from behind the walls of my old cage!”
This is a book about breaking free. Free from the internal cages that feel stable but quietly hold us back from who we are truly designed to be. It’s raw, vulnerable, and deeply authentic. Gerber doesn’t shy away from raw human emotion, and because of that, the story resonates on a personal level.
I’m not an avid reader, but this book kept me anticipating what would come next and how the story would unfold, both in the tracking of lions across Africa as well as in his life back at home. It’s artfully crafted, deeply moving, and genuinely inspiring. When you finish, you don’t just close the book; you feel stirred to start living with more intention, courage, and wildness.
Stop trading for average and start rediscovering the untamed parts of yourself.
This book doesn’t just tell a story; it holds up a mirror. Reading it caused me to pause and examine my own circumstances, my own “cage,” and the quiet compromises that keep life safe, predictable, and comfortably average.
Gerber takes you on a beautiful journey marked by heartbreak, restoration, and ultimately rediscovery. His experiences tracking lions in the African wilderness become a powerful metaphor for finding your way back to yourself. As he explores the wild outside, you’re invited to explore the wild within – that part of you that has been there all along, waiting to be awakened.
One quote from the book captures the heart of his message perfectly: “But once I surrendered to uncertainty, I opened myself to the indescribable joy of surprise, of adventure, of a more rewarding life than I ever could have dreamed of from behind the walls of my old cage!”
This is a book about breaking free. Free from the internal cages that feel stable but quietly hold us back from who we are truly designed to be. It’s raw, vulnerable, and deeply authentic. Gerber doesn’t shy away from raw human emotion, and because of that, the story resonates on a personal level.
I’m not an avid reader, but this book kept me anticipating what would come next and how the story would unfold, both in the tracking of lions across Africa as well as in his life back at home. It’s artfully crafted, deeply moving, and genuinely inspiring. When you finish, you don’t just close the book; you feel stirred to start living with more intention, courage, and wildness.
Stop trading for average and start rediscovering the untamed parts of yourself.
May 12, 2026
The Lion is You is beautifully written and unbelievably raw with emotions. I could not put the book down. I laughed and cried and took on the feelings of the author (my nephew by the way), and learned that some things, we just need to go through as painful as it is. Thank you David for opening your heart, soul and deep wounds and sharing with us, your come back to a life that goes far beyond a 1-10 scale! The lion IS you and after reading your story, I feel the lion is me too! So incredibly proud! Don’t miss out on this great read…you will not be disappointed.
May 12, 2026
There are some books you read and enjoy, and then there are books that stay with you long after you turn the final page. This is one of those books.
Throughout the pages of this book, David shares his pain in a very deep and profound way. He could have chosen to bury the pain, avoid it, or simply force his way through it. Instead, he chose the harder path—facing it head-on and allowing it to shape him into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
This book tells that story. It is a story of resilience, healing, courage, and transformation.
As you read, you will likely see pieces of your own story reflected in these pages. David’s honesty and vulnerability create space for readers to confront their own pain and begin their own journey toward healing and growth.
This isn’t just a book you read—it’s a book that challenges you to live differently. And for those who choose to work with David as a coach, I believe the impact could be even more profound.
Don’t settle for a life that is less than what you were created for. Follow the thread and discover the Lion within you.
Throughout the pages of this book, David shares his pain in a very deep and profound way. He could have chosen to bury the pain, avoid it, or simply force his way through it. Instead, he chose the harder path—facing it head-on and allowing it to shape him into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
This book tells that story. It is a story of resilience, healing, courage, and transformation.
As you read, you will likely see pieces of your own story reflected in these pages. David’s honesty and vulnerability create space for readers to confront their own pain and begin their own journey toward healing and growth.
This isn’t just a book you read—it’s a book that challenges you to live differently. And for those who choose to work with David as a coach, I believe the impact could be even more profound.
Don’t settle for a life that is less than what you were created for. Follow the thread and discover the Lion within you.
May 12, 2026
I recently read The Lion is You by David Gerber, and it truly left an impression on me. This isn’t just a book you read—it’s one you reflect on.
What I appreciated most is how the message feels both simple and powerful at the same time. Gerber does a great job of breaking down ideas about self-awareness, inner strength, and personal growth in a way that’s easy to understand but still thought-provoking. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause and think about how you see yourself and what you’re capable of.
The writing style is approachable and engaging, which made it easy to stay connected throughout. I found myself highlighting sections and going back to re-read certain parts because they hit differently the second time around.
If you’re someone who enjoys books about mindset, confidence, and becoming the best version of yourself, this is definitely worth picking up. It’s inspiring without feeling overwhelming, and practical without being overly complicated.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh perspective and a little extra motivation.
What I appreciated most is how the message feels both simple and powerful at the same time. Gerber does a great job of breaking down ideas about self-awareness, inner strength, and personal growth in a way that’s easy to understand but still thought-provoking. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause and think about how you see yourself and what you’re capable of.
The writing style is approachable and engaging, which made it easy to stay connected throughout. I found myself highlighting sections and going back to re-read certain parts because they hit differently the second time around.
If you’re someone who enjoys books about mindset, confidence, and becoming the best version of yourself, this is definitely worth picking up. It’s inspiring without feeling overwhelming, and practical without being overly complicated.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh perspective and a little extra motivation.
May 14, 2026
I picked up The Lion Is You expecting a good story, but what I found was something far more personal and applicable to my own life and work. The metaphor of tracking a string hit hard. It mirrors how so many of us move through our careers as we grow. We follow the string in front of us, not always seeing the full picture, but trusting it will lead us to the next edge of who we’re becoming.
What stayed with me most was the author’s willingness to share both the peaks and valleys with complete honesty. There’s no pretending here. Just a steady commitment to keep following the string, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.
That level of vulnerability is rare, and it makes the message land in a way that feels real, not theoretical. This book is a reminder that growth isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying in the pursuit and having the courage to keep going when it would be easier to stop.
What stayed with me most was the author’s willingness to share both the peaks and valleys with complete honesty. There’s no pretending here. Just a steady commitment to keep following the string, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.
That level of vulnerability is rare, and it makes the message land in a way that feels real, not theoretical. This book is a reminder that growth isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying in the pursuit and having the courage to keep going when it would be easier to stop.
May 14, 2026
A Book That Calls You Back to Yourself
David Gerber’s The Lion in You is one of those rare books that doesn’t simply inform you.. it interrupts you in the best possible way. I finished within 72 hours of starting. It was better than any podcast, show (or other book) that I was currently interested in..
As I read it, I found myself returning again and again to a central question woven throughout the book:
Am I truly awake to my life?
This is not a book about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more present to who you already are and more honest about the life you want to live. The Lion is You and David's coaching (!!) will awaken parts of you that you forgot existed, or that haven't been awakened in years...
This book also makes a great gift. Highly recommend for those looking for something raw, real, and deeply relatable.
David Gerber’s The Lion in You is one of those rare books that doesn’t simply inform you.. it interrupts you in the best possible way. I finished within 72 hours of starting. It was better than any podcast, show (or other book) that I was currently interested in..
As I read it, I found myself returning again and again to a central question woven throughout the book:
Am I truly awake to my life?
This is not a book about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more present to who you already are and more honest about the life you want to live. The Lion is You and David's coaching (!!) will awaken parts of you that you forgot existed, or that haven't been awakened in years...
This book also makes a great gift. Highly recommend for those looking for something raw, real, and deeply relatable.
May 17, 2026
David Gerber’s The Lion Is You is a powerful reflection of who he is: vulnerable, kind, resilient, and deeply courageous. Watching his healing and transformation over the years has been incredibly inspiring, and this book beautifully captures that journey.
The wisdom within these pages is profound. It serves as a reminder for anyone who has forgotten how to feel truly alive, and an invitation for those seeking a deeper connection within themselves. David’s teachings, both through this book and beyond, have inspired me to dream bigger, pursue greater goals, and believe in possibilities I once thought were out of reach.
I’m so grateful he chose to put his experiences and insight into words for others to experience. This book will touch your heart and has the power to create real, lasting change in your life. A must-read.
The wisdom within these pages is profound. It serves as a reminder for anyone who has forgotten how to feel truly alive, and an invitation for those seeking a deeper connection within themselves. David’s teachings, both through this book and beyond, have inspired me to dream bigger, pursue greater goals, and believe in possibilities I once thought were out of reach.
I’m so grateful he chose to put his experiences and insight into words for others to experience. This book will touch your heart and has the power to create real, lasting change in your life. A must-read.
May 20, 2026
The Lion Is You is an inspiring and easy-to-connect-with book about finding your courage, waking back up to life, and remembering who you really are. David uses stories and lessons from the wild to explore what it means to live with more purpose, strength, and aliveness.
What makes the book so powerful is the way it blends personal story, spiritual reflection, and practical insight. The book could be especially helpful for readers who feel stuck, restless, or ready for a new chapter. It encourages self-examination without being harsh, and it offers hope that renewal is possible even after grief, fear, or major life changes.
This is one that I will be coming back to and keeping handy near the desk.
What makes the book so powerful is the way it blends personal story, spiritual reflection, and practical insight. The book could be especially helpful for readers who feel stuck, restless, or ready for a new chapter. It encourages self-examination without being harsh, and it offers hope that renewal is possible even after grief, fear, or major life changes.
This is one that I will be coming back to and keeping handy near the desk.
May 27, 2026
As I read The Lion Is You I kept thinking of friends, clients and colleagues who would benefit from this book. I thought of my son—a fresh college graduate—and his friends. Last, but finally, reading David Gerber’s raw honesty I thought of myself. Gerber’s story and life provide a compelling look into the many ways so many of us settle for lives that have tamed to the point of walking around asleep. Gerber wakes us up, inviting every one of us out of the cages we have constructed around our lives to live fully and freely. If you are looking for a great read that can change your life—buy this book. Read this book. Ultimately that lion you see enclosed in the zoo is you. This is the path to freedom like you never imagined.
May 12, 2026
The Lion is You offers a powerful and deeply human exploration of what it means to feel lost…and how that very experience can become part of finding your way again.
What stayed with me most was the reframe: that “losing the track” isn’t failure. It’s part of the process of discovering something deeper and more true. The invitation to slow down, rather than rush back to certainty, felt both challenging and grounding.
This is a book for anyone navigating transition, uncertainty, or the quiet question of “where am I headed?” It doesn’t rush to give answers, but instead creates space for reflection, which may be even more valuable.
Thoughtful, honest, and impactful.
What stayed with me most was the reframe: that “losing the track” isn’t failure. It’s part of the process of discovering something deeper and more true. The invitation to slow down, rather than rush back to certainty, felt both challenging and grounding.
This is a book for anyone navigating transition, uncertainty, or the quiet question of “where am I headed?” It doesn’t rush to give answers, but instead creates space for reflection, which may be even more valuable.
Thoughtful, honest, and impactful.
May 19, 2026
I read 'The Lion Is You' in one sitting—something I rarely do. David Gerber’s journey pulled me in, but what makes this book stand out is how deeply his questions made me pause. As he confronts his own transformation, you’re invited to wrestle with your own assumptions. Few books slow you down like this—it disrupts your thinking in the best way, making you reflect on what you’ve settled for and what’s possible. It’s both an inspiring and practical invitation to reinvent yourself. If you’re ready to reconnect with life at a deeper level, I highly recommend this book.
May 23, 2026
David provides a vision for tracking down our unique, fully alive life by connecting personal stories into a compelling read. Early on, he writes, "This book is about ... finding the way back into the light while realizing that even the darkness is an essential part of your journey" (pg 28). The author's vulnerability in describing his dark times and the way through them inspires hope and courage in readers who have their own traps and tracks to navigate. Plus, we learn major lessons for lion tracking!
May 25, 2026
There are times when see yourself so vividly in someone else’s story that you get to share the emotions of the experiences as they unfold. David’ shares with vulnerability and courage, from the valleys of despair to the redemption of aliveness. This book is not merely therapeutic, inspirational, or comforting, it is a journey of a life lived. Of exploration, sorrow, restoration, and discovery of a posture that we so easily set aside as an impossibility. And of the invitation that each of us can pick up for ourselves.
May 6, 2026
I finished The Lion Is You in just a few hours. It’s a powerful blend of self-help and personal stories that felt raw, honest, and relatable. I especially appreciated the emotional vulnerability from a male perspective—something we don’t often see in today’s world.
The reflection questions at the end of each chapter made me pause and think about my own life instead of simply flying through the book. I’ve already recommended it to several friends and colleagues.
The reflection questions at the end of each chapter made me pause and think about my own life instead of simply flying through the book. I’ve already recommended it to several friends and colleagues.
May 12, 2026
Incredibly easy read! Fastest I’ve read a book in years, maybe ever. Very conversational, full of energy, and as raw as it gets. If you find yourself wanting more joy, peace, and excitement in your life - this first hand account of tracking those things down in the midst of the heartache life has to offer is a must read!
May 14, 2026
This book came into my life at the perfect time. David writes from the heart, and is unflinchingly honest about the ups and downs of his own journey to come alive again. Highly recommend it. Would also be great for a discussion group or book club that's willing to go below the surface with one another.
May 18, 2026
I found myself having trouble putting this book down. David brings you along his journey, both the highs and lows in a way that made me want to know what was going to happen next, and how he was going to bounce back. I love knowing that someone who works with people to help them grow and develop is this committed to his own growth and development.
May 19, 2026
WOW this book is a page turner from the start. I couldn’t put it down - David walks you through two alternating story lines (themes) tied together beautifully. It’s compelling in a way that gives hope, inspires and calls you forward.
May 29, 2026
I was shocked by how much this book hit my core. Raw stories about life and what it is like being out in the wild, seeing eye to eye with lions. This book helped me awaken a new part and keep aliveness at the forefront of what matters in life. A must-read!
May 14, 2026
This book is raw, transformative, and wildly compelling. I feel drawn into freedom. I am impressed and inspired. Highly suggest!
May 14, 2026
Grateful for David and the wildly courageous life he invites leaders into. Can’t wait to get this book into the hands of people in my life I care so deeply about.
May 14, 2026
Great read! Inspirational, challenging, vulnerable, and incredibly hopeful as it invites the reader to explore what they are capable of, and what living fully alive really means! Highly recommend!
May 15, 2026
Fantastic book! Raw, relatable, and transformational. I have used the mental shift in my own life and with coaching clients!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews