68 pages • 2 hours read
What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
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Book Brief
304
Book • Nonfiction
2020s
2021
Flatiron Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey explores the impact of childhood adversity and trauma on human behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's past to promote resilience and healing. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, the book delves into brain development, stress responses, and the path to establishing healthy relationships and achieving emotional balance.
Informative
Emotional
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
105,828 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey receives praise for its compassionate approach to trauma, blending scientific insights with personal anecdotes. Critics commend its accessibility and depth. However, some find the conversational style occasionally overshadowing the content. Overall, it’s valued for raising trauma awareness.
Who Should Read What Happened To You??
A reader who would enjoy What Happened To You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey is likely interested in psychology, trauma recovery, and personal growth. Comparable to readers of The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and Untamed by Glennon Doyle, they seek insightful narratives that blend personal stories with scientific understanding.
105,828 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dr. Bruce D. Perry
Dr. Bruce D. Perry
A psychiatrist specializing in childhood mental health and the co-author of the book. He provides insight into the neurological and psychological effects of trauma, using his extensive experience in the field to explain how individuals can heal.
Mike Rosenman
Mike Rosenman
A patient of Dr. Perry's who is a veteran of the Korean War and deals with PTSD. His story is used to illustrate how trauma affects the brain and the persistence of maladaptive associations.
Jesse
Jesse
A patient of Dr. Perry's who experienced severe abuse in his childhood. His story highlights the potential for healing and recovery in a supportive environment, demonstrating the power of positive change.
The book What Happened to You? marks the second collaboration between Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry, following their previous discussions on trauma and healing.
Oprah Winfrey's approach to the narrative is influenced by her own experiences and insights gained from decades of interviewing guests on her talk shows.
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Dr. Bruce Perry is renowned for his expertise in neuroscience and trauma, bringing a scientific perspective that complements Winfrey's empathetic storytelling.
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304
Book • Nonfiction
2020s
2021
Flatiron Books
Adult
18+ years
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