From the Publisher
"Where Hope Lives:
What we experience in childhood shapes us forever—and that is especially true for young victims of trauma. It’s a lesson Oprah learned as a child being raised by an abusive grandmother. She developed 'a keen sense of when trouble was brewing'—when she would be subjected to 'whuppings' at times so brutal, the welts left behind would bleed through her clothing.
As a result of this and other abuse she suffered, Oprah has had a lifelong interest in understanding and overcoming the profound effects of early trauma—and helping others do the same. Now, she’s teamed up with neuroscientist and child trauma expert Bruce Perry, MD, PhD, on this essential book. Revealing, intimate, and educational, it’s a testament to the authors’ wish for readers to come to grips with, and let go of, the past—and to move forward into 'post-traumatic wisdom.'"
—Leigh Haber, O Magazine
APRIL 2021 - AudioFile
A psychiatrist and veteran researcher on early abuse and loss combines his clinical knowledge with the personal experiences and observations of a well-known survivor of such trauma: Oprah Winfrey. They are both capable, likable narrators who are sincerely engaged with their subject matter. Their informative audio is an easily digestible blend of sections they have written and spontaneous conversations between them. This casual-sounding format is an effective way for overwhelmed survivors to learn about trauma recovery. It combines the psychiatrist’s light touch with sensitive information and facility explaining neurobiology with the comforting sound of Winfrey's voice, one that is familiar and trusted by millions of people. The performances of these two humanitarians make this a must-hear for anyone recovering from their traumatic past. T.W. 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2021-05-17
A collaborative look at brain trauma and methods to alleviate the potentially lifelong effects.
Child psychiatrist and neuroscientist Perry teams with Winfrey to examine traumatic injury caused by an abusive childhood. The book is formatted in a conversational interview format, with Perry sharing his insights on stress, brain biology, and physiological response, offering new approaches to emotional and psychological pain. Using medical models, Winfrey’s personal experience, and Perry’s years of research, the authors demonstrate the brain’s resilience and ability to adapt to traumatic situations, particularly when paired with psychopharmacological remedies, natural interventions, and behavioral treatments. This process of neural recalibration works wonders in instances of deeply embedded trauma and abuse, allowing people to live better lives through newly invigorated self-worth. Winfrey candidly shares difficult memories of a childhood where regular whippings (as early as age 3) were “accepted practice” and there were expectations of silence and a smile in their aftermath. In addition to this early trauma, she recounts her difficult adult relationship with her mother, which culminates in a powerful scene in a nursing home when Winfrey froze at her mother’s bedside, unable to address her. She admits that while collectively these events manifested into her adult relationships and behavior, she eventually processed and embraced the trauma as an opportunity for healing and a way to move forward. With proactive conviction, the authors help readers to recognize their own internalized trauma and encourage the reshaping of personal paths toward wellness and “to excavate the roots that were put down long before we had the words to articulate what was happening to us.” Through therapeutic frameworks and the curative power of community, belonging, human connection, and mindfulness, the authors show how renewal of mind and spirit is attainable. Though many of these issues have been addressed before, Perry and Winfrey’s partnership is notable, and their book is worthy of attention.
A candid guidebook to exorcising mental trauma.