Monday, May 17, 2021

Book Review - What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing; Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry MD, PhD


TITLE/AUTHOR What Happened to You?  Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D Perry MD, PhD

PUBLISHER: Macmillan Audio

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

GENRE: Non Fiction / Health & Healing

FORMAT:  audio download LENGTH: 8 hours 27 min.

SOURCE:  library download

SETTING(s):  n/a


ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:  An interesting look at how our earliest experiences shape how we act and react to situations throughout our lives.

BRIEF REVIEW:   Dr Bruce Perry is a trauma therapist and psychiatrist who explains in very understandable terms the medical model for addressing trauma, depression and anxiety disorders.  Stories from trauma victims and how the affects of PTSD, lack of a maternal bond early in life, physical, sexual and emotional abuse impact victims in adulthood. These were just some of areas touched upon this book.  Each of the stories evolve in a conversational style between Dr. Perry and Oprah which helps the reader to understand what the individuals had experienced and how their adult life behaviors took shape as a result.

I debated whether I wanted to listen to this book based on the heavy subject matter but, it was a good book overall and backed by scientific research. Definitely not for every reader but, I was happy that I decided to listen to it. The proceeds from sales of this book will go to the Boys and Girls Clubs in Mississippi.  

RATING:  4/5 stars

11 comments:

  1. I can only imagine how tough a read this was, but based on the topics, very important. For a moment there, I thought this was actually Oprah's actual journey as she talks to her psychiatrist which is a surprise to me, because she seems very private. Lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She tells a little bit about her abusive childhood but, for the most part, she asks questions about the subject Dr Perry is talking about and, in turn, it gives the reader a much better understanding of the particular issue.

      Delete
  2. I'm interested in this one, but I think I'd rather read than listen to it. I'm not certain about why I react differently to reading and listening, maybe I simply feel more in control when reading. Nevertheless, this is a subject that I like learning more about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good point, the only thing I'll mention is that the print copy is harder on imperfect vision so the eBook might be a better option.

      Delete
  3. I can see why it was an interesting book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was very interesting and the way the subjects are addressed never felt too too heavy.

      Delete
  4. It sounds like a really worthy topic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a book that many adults might benefit from especially, individuals who seem to repeat certain patterns in adult life.

      Delete
  5. I can imagine this was not a light read but an important topic for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  6. There is so much talk these days of generational trauma that this book seems very relevant.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is not a book I can pick up right now. Ironic. I totally feel traumatized and anxious from the past year although I didn't notice it at the time. I think this is a good book for these times we are living in.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to visit and double thanks for any comments. If you ask a question in your comments, I will try to reply to it here, or by email if your settings allow me to do so. Thanks again for visiting.