If you are a regular reader, you know that I occasionally write book reviews. Sometimes I review books that I have chosen and sometimes I review books that authors send me. Today I am reviewing Maria Shriver's new book called Just Who Will You Be? Maria's book PR firm sent me a free copy of the book to read and review. I do not get any money for the review or for sales that come from this review.
This is a short, easy, and enjoyable read. While it didn't take long to read, it has a powerful and positive message. The heart of this book is a poem that Maria wrote for a graduation speech that she gave at her nephew's high school graduation. When her nephew asked her to give the speech, Maria went into a panic because she was in the midst of a life/identity crises. She wondered what she could possibly offer these high school grads when she was feeling so lost herself. After Maria's husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was elected Governor of California, she was pushed out of her job at NBC news. She had always identified herself by her role as a news journalist and suddenly was forced to do some soul searching. Who was she if she wasn't Maria Shriver - newswoman and journalist?
As Maria prepared for the graduation speech, she realized that what you do in life is not as important as who you are. Her message to the high school grads and to those who read the book, is that we should all be focusing on who we want to be in life, rather than simply striving for fame and fortune. While this message is not new, this book is a personal, heart-felt, and honest look at creating a life of meaning. I think this book would make a great gift for recent grads or anyone who is in the process of figuring out who they want to be in life.
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