Just Who Will You Be?: Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within.
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"Maria Shriver is wise, funny and caring--and it all comes through in her winning guide to life, JUST WHO WILL YOU BE? We're lucky to have her show us the way."
-- Tom Brokaw "Maria teaches all of us in the graduate program of life to seek meaning through the joy of following your heart. Just the kind of advice a heart surgeon cherishes." "Everything Maria Shriver does is a testament to how deeply she respects and cares about people; all people, all over the world. She really does. She is as charming and funny as she is brilliant and profoundly humane." "Maria Shriver is real, vulnerable, humble, honest (just like her book) and not afraid to say so. A lovely book by a lovely person." "This honest, straight-talking, profound little book is worth a lifetime of reflection. It calls readers of all ages to think again-and differently-about who they've been in the past and who they want to be now. This book is a life-stopper, a truly universal piece. It's a must for everyone-of any age." "Every graduate (of anything) ought to be given a copy of this book along with their diploma. There's wisdom, compassion and truth between these covers. For anyone -- at any age." "I've learned that asking ourselves not just what we want to be, but who we want to be is important at every stage of our lives, not just when we're starting out in the world. That's because in a way, we're starting out fresh in the world every single day." Just Who Will You Be? is a candid, heartfelt, and inspirational book for seekers of all ages. Inspired by a speech she gave, Maria Shriver's message is that what you do in your life isn't what matters. It's who you are. It's an important lesson that will appeal to anyone of any age looking for a life of meaning. In her own life, Shriver always walked straight down her own distinctive path, achieving her childhood goal of becoming "award-winning network newswoman Maria Shriver". But when her husband was elected California's Governor and she suddenly had to leave her job at NBC News, Maria was thrown for a loop. Right about then, her nephew asked her to speak at his high school graduation. She resisted, wondering how she could possibly give advice to kids, when she was feeling so lost herself. But in the end she relented and decided to dig down and dig deep, and the result is this little jewel. Just Who Will You Be? reminds us that the answer to many of life's question lie within -- and that we're all works in progress. That means it's never too late to become the person you want to be. Now the question for you is this: Just who will you be? |
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| 07-09-08 | 5 | 12\12 |
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There are two ideas in this book that I absolutely love -
First, Shriver suggests that WHO you are - all the little ways, the so-called insignificant ways, you can be of service to the world, like smiling at the bus driver - matters MORE than your job description. And that it is WHO you will be in life that is exciting, what you do being a part of that greater, richer whole of the person you are. This may sound obvious, but frankly its not what I was taught, nor what I experience in the world at large. Like she says, she was Maria Shriver-Anchorwoman, until she was forced to become Maria Shriver, and discovered what a gift that truly was. Second, she suggests that each day "we are starting out fresh in the world." What a profound point of view! And it is in fact TRUE. There is nothing at all that holds us to our past other than our point of view that it somehow matters. What Shriver suggests is that each new moment is a completely new opportunity - not a linear progression from the past - but a chance to look and see who you are in THIS moment. Thank you Ms. Shriver for a very lovely book - Two other books that I love and which also discuss being of service and living in the moment, offering astonishing shifts in perspective about life, are Ariel and Shya Kane's Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment and How to Create a Magical Relationship. Check them out! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-12 01:45:05 EST)
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| 07-08-08 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This is a wonderful book and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's inspiring and thought provoking, taking you beyond "me" to "we" and then back to "me" again in a fascinating study of how none of us are ever finished growing and developing. Its words empower you to change and grow no matter what your age or situation. It's short and sweet, but full of wisdom. I read it in under an hour (so no excuses that you are too busy!), and I know I will refer to it again and again. If you are experiencing change in your life (and who isn't these days?) this is definitely the book for you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-12 01:45:05 EST)
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| 07-06-08 | 5 | 23\23 |
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Maria Shriver's creative and unique book inspires and reminds me that life is full of possibilities. It is so great that a speech she prepared for her nephew's high school graduation became a best selling book! There is beauty in her writing as she shares her wisdom in poetry. I love this verse:
"Cause when I feel lousy Or lost or I'm nervous I feel better about me When I am of service" With humor and grace she has written a masterpiece with few words. Another masterpiece of writing, which inspires me, is Ariel & Shya Kanes' Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment. This is a book that I read and reread because within the pages I find myself feeling well, centered, and comfortable in my own skin. As Marie Shriver's book asks the question "Just Who Will You Be?", I have found my answers by learning how "to be" in books written by the Kanes. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-09 01:00:47 EST)
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| 07-06-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I enjoyed reading this book. It was surprising to me that we all go through the same struggles in life whether we are rich or poor. I will recommend this book to any woman struggling with personal issues or identity issues.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-09 01:00:47 EST)
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| 07-05-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I was hoping this book would be a little longer but it had a lot of good information and advise for how short it was.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-09 01:00:47 EST)
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| 06-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I gave this book to a high school graduate. She loved it and it also gave her something to think about. Thank you again.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-05 02:04:00 EST)
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| 06-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Great book idea for graduation gift! Not politicaly motivated, but wonderful ways of thinking to enter a new stage of you life, or the rest of your life. Small book to read which lets you digest the information.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-05 02:04:00 EST)
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| 06-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I enjoyed this book because it was like having coffee and conversation with a treasured friend. As always, Maria writes with warmth, caring and honesty. She lets down her hair and tells it like it really is--her doubts, confusion, and need to redefine herself as changes occur in her life. I like the conclusion she comes to--that you don't have to 'be' a certain thing, play a particular role, you can just get in touch with the person you are and let your actions and your personality flow from that. It's not what you are, but who you are that's important. I look forward to her next book in which she promises to explain more fully where her new journey is taking her.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-26 02:36:45 EST)
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| 06-13-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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Hi This book was just ok probably a good gift for a graduation. I saw
her on Oprah and because of her age thought it would be earth shattering for any age. Just tells one to follow their own heart not everyones expectations. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-19 00:12:55 EST)
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| 06-13-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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I gave this book to my nephew for his high school graduation. Great insights by Maria Shriver!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-19 00:12:55 EST)
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| 06-13-08 | 3 | (NA) |
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I thought it was a bit laboring, I suppose if you are a member of the Kennedy family, you have to keep reminding yourself who you really are.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-19 00:12:55 EST)
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| 06-07-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I really loved this book. Maria Shriver is a real person and she shines through with total understanding and the "awareness factor" of what real life is. Just because one has fame and fortune does not a happy person make. I'm not saying she is unhappy. Anything but. She simply points out that we all have the power of choice and she has figured that out. She also writes at any level, very easy to understand.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 00:11:27 EST)
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| 06-07-08 | 1 | 1\1 |
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This is ridiculous - a speech has been reprinted and they call it a book? Waste of money, pure and simple. The "book" is a word-for-word speech that Shriver gave at her nephew's high school graduation, and it doesn't even qualify as a speech! It's a really lame poem that rhymes and seems like a 2nd grader wrote it, seriously. Awful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-14 00:11:27 EST)
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| 06-05-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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I am sorry I spent $15 on something that is no more than a short essay of the same old thing that you have heard over and over again. Nothing new and interesting. The same old "go for it" that we all heard since we were in kindergarten. Nothing insightful. Really an embarrassment that she made this into a book. Should have been a free essay or newspaper article.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:11:07 EST)
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| 06-05-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I read the book before I gave it to my best friend's daughter upon her high school graduation. It was funny, upbeat, and honest. I felt like the advice it provided was especially helpful for young women starting out in the world. It had lessons for boys as well; the book just seemed like it would appeal more to a female audience.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-08 01:11:07 EST)
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| 06-02-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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When I saw the book I wondered if its length justified the price. I bought it for my teenage son but read it myself. She sends the right message about worrying less about your career, especially when you are young.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-06 01:11:11 EST)
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| 06-02-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I'm not much for the "Self Help" category of books, but this one is a bit different; one must get over the reality that the writer comes from a very priveleged and public family; but, that once done, Ms. Shriver's self analysis comes across as aware of herself, aware of her family's almost self-imposed HUGE regard for public service and the role of herself as First Lady of California. She also understands that all that is not enough as far as defining herself. How she goes about that task is wonderfully endearing and absorbing...GOOD READ!!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-06 01:11:11 EST)
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| 05-31-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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For the reader who is reinventing themselves, should be reinventing themselves:) or in the process of defining themselves, Maria's book was a great short "read". This book would make a great graduation gift or for anyone going through an identity crisis. I wish it was written when I first left my career to stay home with my babies. Well done!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-02 01:12:50 EST)
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| 05-30-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I've never read any of Maria Shriver's other books and after reading this little gem of hers I think I'll re-consider and pick one up. This is an amazing book for young people and even older people who are questioning their future. The speech she gave at her nephews graduation was the basis for this book and it was terrific! I wasn't expecting so much openess from her. I really feel like I saw a glimpse of who she really is. And I like what I saw. This is the perfect graduation or birthday gift to someone who is about to set out on a new path. It may be a little book, but it says a whole lot!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-02 01:12:50 EST)
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| 05-29-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Such a good reminder of what is important. I gave this as a gift to all the women (very young to old) in my life!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-01 01:10:48 EST)
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| 05-28-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Maria's book begins with a identity crisis of oneself which is very similar to all age 40 something adults go through and slowly morphs into universal identity crisis which is relevant for every individual. It is a soul searching book which begs us to ask the simple question " Who am I? and what I will be ? Couldn't stop reading the book!. I really wanted to know the solution and Maria's elegantly addressed the issue, provided the answer.
Great book! Everyone will love the pledges! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-31 01:12:41 EST)
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| 05-28-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This was an excellent quick read for a busy week! Inspiring, Refreshing and Genuine! Worth picking it up and only takes about an hour to enjoy!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-31 01:12:41 EST)
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| 05-27-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Exceptional easy read for all ages..Gave a copy to some family members. Really appreciate Maria's willingness to share her struggles and perceptions and decisions....
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-30 00:05:05 EST)
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| 05-27-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I bought this book for my 20-something daughter after I saw Maria Shriver on either The Daily Show or The Colbert Report - can't remember which now. The book is written to a slightly younger audience than I had understood. But it is a very nice book. My daughter says she has skimmed it; it didn't really grab her. . . but she's not a reader anyway.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-30 00:05:05 EST)
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| 05-27-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Never heard of this book before seeing it at the supermarket, then based on its title, I assumed it was fluff. I picked it up anyway, and read the entire book right there in the store. It's a very quick read, yet it delivered a very powerful message that reached me on many levels. It's not a simple "I'm ok, you're ok" book, it's much more than that. And, it made me smile, tear up, and feel at peace all within 20 minutes.
I bought it mainly for my son who will be a high school senior next year and the length is perfect. It's short enough that he will actually read it and it's substantive enough that he'll get something out of it. It's an important read for folks of every age because, as Maria points out, life is about evolving and changing. Just because we may not be who we'd like to be, or we may have hit a dead end, that does not mean we can't turn around and try an entirely new path and become who we truly strive to be. I've tried to instill in my kids that WHO they are is much more important than WHAT they are, and it's always so nice when someone else says what your mom says! But beyond that, the author shares a lot of herself, including her own inability to always know the answer to the question she asks. I was especially pleased to read her discussion on how the #1 goal of youth today is to become famous just for the sake of fame, especially when she hammered home how vapid a goal that is. In this over-exposed, fame-obsessed world, this inspirational and thought provoking book is a pocket guide on how to be the best person you can be, and it should be read over and over throughout your life. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-30 00:05:05 EST)
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| 05-25-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a must read for everyone, a truly inspirational book for everyone not just high school seniors. A truly gifted writer shows us that we are never to old to change our lives and the lives of those around us. As Maria says it we are never "cooked"! I bought 3 and sent one to my sister and daughter.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-28 01:12:21 EST)
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| 05-23-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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After seeing Maria Shriver promote the book on Oprah and Today show I was looking forward to it. To give you an idea of it, some of these reviews are longer than the book -- and frankly maybe even more insightful than the book. Most of the book is a motivational speech that she gave at a high school graduation. While some of Ms Shriver's words are inspirational, this whole thing should have "just" been a 4 minute YouTube video.
From some of the things that she touched on, it sounds like she does have a good book in her ready to come out. But this wasn't it. (BTW, I loved the review who said that she read it at the check out. So true. It's about 88 pages triple spaced.) I think that this is a chapter in her next book. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-26 01:11:47 EST)
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| 05-22-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book was very easy to read. I was able to read it in an hour. It is uplifting and has a simple approach on how to live your life to its best. I would recommend this book to anyone. And again, Amazon, you are wonderful. It is so easy to order from your website. You always have the best prices and I can order exactly what I want from my computer. Thank you!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-26 01:11:47 EST)
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| 05-22-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I bought this book for my daughter-in-law's birthday. It can be read in no time and kept for inspiration. With so much negativity today it's nice to have a well written positive reference to reflect on.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-26 01:11:47 EST)
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| 05-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This little book is filled with insight and thought-provoking statements. It challenges us all to be true to ourselves above all no matter what stage of life we are in. It's short and uplifting and I really enjoyed reading it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-24 01:09:46 EST)
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| 05-21-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Thought provoking and interesting to read for an over 75, widower, who was told that he could live to be 100.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-24 01:09:46 EST)
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| 05-21-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This tiny book is filled with a little care, a little love, a little advise, a little hint of how the real world looks. Buy it for a graduating high school senior to encourage them to take life for its goodness and for its surprises.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-24 01:09:46 EST)
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| 05-20-08 | 3 | 1\1 |
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This is a quick read. Like the title of this review - I found it interesting but not wonderful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-23 01:12:45 EST)
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| 05-19-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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Although the book was short and easy reading it made a very good point. Even as a parent with grown children, I felt it was inspirational to me. I also bought the book for my children.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-22 01:08:55 EST)
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| 05-19-08 | 3 | 1\1 |
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I saw this book being discussed on the Oprah show and thought it sounded great. I ordered a book for both myself and my sister. We are both successful career women in our early 40's who are seriously questioning who we want to be in the second half of our lives. The book sounded perfect for us. I was quite disappointed. The bulk of the book is the actual speech that Maria wrote for a high school graduation class which includes a light-hearted, 25-page poem that definitlely seems targeted toward children. The Oprah interview was more substantive than the book itself!! I think this might be a good graduation gift for a high-schooler - but I don't think will hold the interest of someone older in life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-22 01:08:55 EST)
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| 05-19-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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I am 60 years old this Saturday and when I saw this book announced and explained on Oprah it peeked my interest for myself and all my daughters and daughter-in-laws (who are like daughters to me). I read it in less than an hour and felt so good about my family covering decision. It is an uplifting, touching, to grow by read, which we all need to progress, as we all should be doing continually. I support this read wholeheartedly.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-22 01:08:55 EST)
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| 05-19-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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A very big waste of time reading this book. A Maria Shriver excuse to promote herself as a writer and thinker. I remember when she first appeared as a "journalist" on TV. Everyone knew it was because of her Kennedy connection. This book is about nothing but Maria. Don't waste time reading it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-22 01:08:55 EST)
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| 05-19-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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The book was a quick read. It didn't necessarily offer the answers I seek, but clarified the questions I should ask. Based on what my friend said about the book I expected more than it had to offer, but if I had to do it over I would buy the book and spend the hour to read it again.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-22 01:08:55 EST)
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| 05-18-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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I FOUND THE BOOK TO BE SMALL AND COULD BE READ IN ONE SETTING. IT WAS VERY INTERESTING AND HELPFUL TIPS ON HOW TO PLAN WHAT YOU WILL DO WITH YOUR LIFE AND BE MORE SUCCESSFUL.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-21 01:10:15 EST)
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| 05-14-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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to be herself. I can recommend another wonderful book by a remarkable woman whose courage to find herself AND to be herself is inspirational:
That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist by Susan Rako, M.D. The title comes from a song by Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Rako's book is also wonderfully well-written and a pleasure to read. The writing simply flows. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:32:30 EST)
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| 05-07-08 | 5 | 3\3 |
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I was feeling very lost in my life and this book helped me realize that I was still identifying with my Corporate job that I had left 5 years earlier. This book has shown me the way to look internally and identify who I am. The message in this book has given me the courage to stop living up to society's definitions and standards, to stop identifying with things or a job. This book brought me to tears as I realized why I was stuck in fear in my life and lost. Maria bares her soul and it is helping men and women around the world stop living in fear and find the courage to follow their dreams. Thank you Maria for having the courage to share your struggles along your journey! I am no longer living a life of quiet desperation!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:32:30 EST)
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| 05-07-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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It is true everyone wants fame because of American Idol and youtube. But I was very disappointed in this book. Can't believe she tried to be Dr. Seuss with that poem in the middle.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:32:30 EST)
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| 04-27-08 | 5 | 4\4 |
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I saw Maria on the Oprah show and immediately added her book to my list to look it over on my next visit to the bookstore. Well, I did just that and found myself sitting down to read it right in the store. I enjoyed it very much...wanted my adult children and recently widowed sister to read it, too, so I bought it. This small little book is based on the speech Maria gave at her nephew's college graduation, but I think the message is very important to anyone from junior high school and up. If you love a teenager or have an active grandmother with a birthday coming up...or anyone in between, BUY THE BOOK! Yes, it's a quick read, but the message is an important one.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:32:31 EST)
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| 04-27-08 | 4 | 8\8 |
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Honestly, I did not expect Ms. Shriver's book to be more than a light read. I did not consider changing my mind until I passed page ten. My first impressions were about the genuine openness of Ms. Shriver's commentary about herself and the wonderful humor that pops-up unexpectedly. As I read further, I found her comments and descriptions related to her topic to be quite insightful. I believe most people ask similar questions about who they really are; what they want to do with their lives; why they are here on earth; and so many more deeply personal queries. Ms. Shriver's question as to who she really was, and not what she does in this world, will probably resonate with many. I found the speech Ms. Shriver gave to her nephew's high school graduation class to be excellent. I rather suspect no one in that audience was bored or unmoved by her speech--unusual for graduation speakers! I do recommend this little book of ninety-five pages to everyone (men included). However, the primary readership may be limited to women and grandparents. I hope not. This is an excellent book to be shared with daughters, sons, grandchildren, and others outside the family circle. The book's brevity may work to its advantage when given as a gift to young adults with the attention span of a thirty-second commercial. Personally I would not wait until high school graduation to give a copy of this book to a young adult--I think the book should be given at the start of high school, or sooner if you have a smart young adult in your family. Life is hard enough, and this thoughtful little book can provide anyone a logical starting point from which to ponder those profound personal questions we all have. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Thank you, Ms. Shriver, for helping to make those personal journeys just a little easier to navigate.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-20 01:32:30 EST)
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| 04-23-08 | 1 | 5\6 |
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I am very disappointed in the book. It is a small book with large type and widely spaced. In short the book was very repetitive, stating the obvious, and could have been written on 3 pages.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-28 01:11:50 EST)
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| 04-21-08 | 5 | 14\17 |
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This little book will give an inspirational boost to almost any new high school, or middle school, graduate.
Though its advice might be too lightweight for college grads, and a little too sunny for kids from deprived backgrounds, the book is still a terrific gift for any reader who is open to it. In other words, Shriver makes no attempt to be Maya Angelou, but she does have something to say. An example: "The only way you can come to feel worthy, and really good about yourself is to find your own voice, find your own path, follow your own heart and live your own life." Another benefit: the recipient of this book might actually read it. Just 100 pages, it takes less than 30 minutes to get through, as each page has only five or six sentences and is set with wide margins and lots of white space. It's a very easy read. The book is divided into three sections. A 20-page introduction is about Shriver herself, as the author recounts her dreams as a young girl. The next 40 pages reprint a speech Shriver recently gave (titled "Just Who Will You Be?") at a high school graduation ceremony. The last third of the book offers more reflective thoughts from Shriver, and includes a nifty list of Ten Things I Pledge to Myself -- including "I pledge to show up in life as myself, not as an imitation of anyone else" and "I pledge to use my voice to connect my dreams to my actions." Shriver has used this concept before, reprinting another of her high school grad speeches in 2005's And One More Thing Before You Go.... Ragged pages add a timeless touch. Underneath the blue dust jacket is a plain hardback cover in the same blue color. Want to make your gift more substantial? For middle schoolers I'd pair it up with Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Classic Seuss). For high schoolers I'd add The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-24 01:10:53 EST)
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