What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

Written by Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry

Narrated by Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry

Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain development and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry discuss the impact of trauma and adverse experiences and how healing must begin with a shift to asking, “what happened to you?” rather than “what’s wrong with you?”

This audio edition is read by the authors.

Through wide-ranging, and often deeply personal conversation, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Perry explore how what happens to us in early childhood – both good and bad - influences the people we become. They challenge us to shift from focusing on, “What’s wrong with you?” or “Why are you behaving that way?,” to asking, “What happened to you?” This simple change in perspective can open up a new and hopeful understanding for millions about why we do the things we do, why we are the way we are, providing a road map for repairing relationships, overcoming what seems insurmountable, and ultimately living better and more fulfilling lives.

Many of us experience adversity and trauma during childhood that has lasting impact on our physical and emotional health. And as we’re beginning to understand, we are more sensitive to developmental trauma as children than we are as adults. ‘What happened to us’ in childhood is a powerful predictor of our risk for physical and mental health problems down the road, and offers scientific insights in to the patterns of behaviors so many struggle to understand.

A survivor of multiple childhood challenges herself, Oprah Winfrey shares portions of her own harrowing experiences because she understands the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma at a young age. Throughout her career, Oprah has teamed up with Dr. Bruce Perry, one of the world’s leading experts on childhood trauma. He has treated thousands of children, youth, and adults and has been called on for decades to support individuals and communities following high-profile traumatic events. Now, Oprah joins forces with Dr. Perry to marry the power of storytelling with the science and clinical experience to better understand and overcome the effects of trauma.

In conversation throughout the audiobook, the two focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves in the context of personal experiences. They remove blame and self-shaming, and open up a space for healing and understanding. 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.

Grounded in the latest brain science and brought to life through compelling narratives, this audiobook shines a light on a much-needed path to recovery – showing us our incredible capacity to transform after adversity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Release date: Apr 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781529068498

Oprah Winfrey

Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As host and supervising producer of the history-making The Oprah Winfrey Show, editorial director of O, The Oprah Magazine, and the CEO of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, she has entertained, enlightened, and uplifted millions of viewers for more than twenty-five years. Her accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today. She is the author of What I Know For Sure, a collection of her contributions to her widely popular column in O, The Oprah Magazine.

Reviews for What Happened to You?

[mihaela bura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it. One of the best trauma books !

[Mofolusade Sonaike · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A deep eye opener for me. Our lives are all a result of our experiences and circumstances, however the brain is malleable and we can change the trajectory of our lives by addressing these traumas that we experienced. I'll be reading and re reading this book.

[Shanique Lee-Lounds · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am so happy I read this book. It has opened my eyes to many possible explanations for the challenges I've had in some of my relationships.

Powerful book!

[Leah Hawker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was exactly the knowledge I needed to know right now.

[Ly Karume · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Even now I regret not saying what I wanted to say when my estranged father passed away, but now as I process my grief over what could have been this book helped me accept who he was and see that it’s not too late to heal from the trauma of our relationship and subsequently turn what happened to both of us into my power. This is a book that everyone needs to read.

[Greta Moodie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So insightful and liberating! Listen, you will not regret it.

[wendy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful discovery about ourselves at a very poignant moment in my life

[mary.mashao · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the book can now use better words "What happened to you? Than" What's wrong with you? "

[Quaneisha Mcleod · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book. It’s a must add resource to your healing journey. In my community it’s not uncommon to hear people talk about breaking generational curses (trauma) but what does that mean? What does doing the work look like? This book gives you a deeper understanding of how the brain works with processing & remembering traumatic events. Examples of real life situations & there journey to healing. I was able to walk away with great gems.

[Claire Cumberland Albutt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely incredible read. Will recommend this book to everyone I meet.

[Kuhle Mtirara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A powerful book that helps you understand the human mind.

[Kamal El Oualid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Must read ? incredible explanation to what we went and going through. God bless ??.

[Pinky Mokemane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I cried throughout this book.

I felt a whole lot of relief. A whole lot.

[Liliana Gomes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a good slap in the face for me. It presented examples of trauma in people and what it did to them. The only thing missing, for me, was ways to deal with it. But otherwise amazing! Thank you!

[Portia tsoaledi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent must read for almost all ages from teenagers to senior citizens. Great way to breakdown the legacy of abuse if not dealt properly.

[Carole Kelly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beyond amazing from start to finish. Triggering at times but, good to listen to whilst taking the recommended breaks as advised by Oprah and Dr. Perry.

[Dunn Host · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book had me crying in so many sections. It was a therapy session I neither expected or thought I needed. Thank you to the authors for writing and reading this book.

[Motlomelo Thato · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I appreciate how Oprah I’d so aware of her influence. How she became vulnerable. This was a truly great listen.
I also love how the audiobook was directed, kept me engaged from beginning to end. Thank you to everyone ?

[Bojana Rajic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So truth and wisdom comes in this honest conversation between these two wonderfull souls. Thank you

[lamar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

God this book was amazing, didn’t know how much I needed this

[Thandeka Mtshali · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

3rd time trying this book, definitely worth a read. The time was right and I finished it.

So much wisdom and insights

[Munga01 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I feel deeply touched with the book. I know now that to be traumatised is not something you should feel ashamed or shy away from talking about it because it vary from person to person.

[s206016395 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very powerful. Thank you. This was much needed. Evette Merrington

[Tülin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Are you a human being? Then you need to read this book. I thought at first, well I have no major trauma, this won't apply to me, but we are completely misinformed on what this means. It has helped me reshape how I see myself, those around me, and society at large. This is the education every child and adult needs, the most important kind. A beautiful, necessary, important book.