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

"[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

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"Dr. Perry and Oprah Winfrey have brought us a breathtaking audiobook that combines the knowledge of a renowned psychiatrist with the wisdom of an incredibly successful media mogul to bring us a compelling story of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The authors provide us with a deep dive into trauma and its effects on both individuals and society, weaving together personal stories from past and present, along with scientific research, to give readers a comprehensive look at how trauma is experienced. This book offers a practical approach for those who are struggling to cope with their own traumatic experiences, as well as providing helpful insights for those looking to support those going through it. The narration of this audiobook is equally excellent – expertly delivered by both authors in their unique voices that made me feel like I was sitting in on a conversation between two people who are deeply invested in making sure readers get the most from the book. The powerful messages behind each chapter come across loud and clear thanks to this thoughtful delivery style. Overall I truly feel this book provides hope for anyone struggling with the challenges associated with facing traumatic experiences and offers helpful strategies for how we can all help one another heal from them. Very insightful!"

— Goldy R (5 out of 5 stars)