What Happened to You?

Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

By: Oprah Winfrey, Bruce D. Perry

Narrated by: Bruce D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey

"[Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry] are both capable, likable narrators who are sincerely engaged with their subject matter...The performances of these two humanitarians make this a must-hear for anyone recovering from their traumatic past." —AudioFile

This program is read by the authors.

Our earliest experiences shape our lives far down the road, and What Happened to You? provides powerful scientific and emotional insights into the behavioral patterns so many of us struggle to understand.

“Through this lens we can build a renewed sense of personal self-worth and ultimately recalibrate our responses to circumstances, situations, and relationships. It is, in other words, the key to reshaping our very lives.”—Oprah Winfrey

This audiobook is going to change the way you see your life.

Have you ever wondered "Why did I do that?" or "Why can't I just control my behavior?" Others may judge our reactions and think, "What's wrong with that person?" When questioning our emotions, it's easy to place the blame on ourselves; holding ourselves and those around us to an impossible standard. It's time we started asking a different question.

Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

Here, Winfrey shares stories from her own past, understanding through experience the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity at a young age. In conversation throughout the audiobook, she and Dr. Perry focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma, and it’s one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future—opening the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

Life Changing

This is a beautiful book. I’m so glad I happened upon it. I had an idea of what I needed to hear but wasn’t certain I’d hear it. This book, this conversation, this intimate retelling of the truth of trauma and how it affects you in ways you seldom realize was an awakening and could be a real catalyst for change. I encourage everyone to give it an opportunity to speak to you and open yourself to the possibilities of healing, of acknowledging your own hurt and endeavoring to be kind to yourself and others while recapturing your power and reconciling your spirit with the knowledge of What Happened to You!

An important book

This is one of the most important books of our time. Every person who has had trauma or is around children or loves someone who has had trauma needs to read it. Well done, Oprah and Dr. Perry.

My favorite book of all times!!!!!

I want to start out by saying thank you to Oprah and Dr. Perry for taking the time to write this book, share their knowledge and stories because for the first time in my life I can now say I understand!!!!! I believe every human being should read this book. Every parent, grandparent, aunt uncle, sister brother and cousin should read this book!!!! If you are a first time parent and or soon to be a parent, read this book! If you know someone that is expecting a child have them read this book, because it will literally save their save and possibly prevent lots of pain from happening with in the family! READ THIS BOOK!!!! Again thank you Oprah, and Oprah I can not wait for the day that we will have our face to face conversation, I’m looking forward to that, thank you!

-Tangela Wynne

Life-changing

As an educator and survivor of trauma, this book was life-changing. It has positively impacted the way I view my students, my children, and myself. I can’t wait to read it again!

Excellent for anyone with a family or not

Incredible book - especially just the neuro science shared even if you can’t relate to the traumatic stories shared.