Book Review
The Path Made Clear
Discovering your Life’s Direction and Purpose
By Oprah Winfrey
Flatiron Books © 2019
Narrated by: Oprah Winfrey, full cast
Macmillan Audio © 2019
“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” — Oprah
Oprah Winfrey is known for beginning each project with intention. Her intention with this book is to provide readers with wisdom from people with whom she has had the opportunity to speak over the years. She leverages this wisdom to help guide readers on their personal journeys. Her consistent message of hope and encouragement provides the you-got-this backdrop you would expect from an Oprah Winfrey publication.
The chapters are set up by life’s “milestones”. Each milestone is equally encouraging to inspire readers to look at challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and to grow, finding their purpose and truest self along the way. Words of wisdom from a diverse group of over 85 leaders like from authors like Mitch Albom, to spiritual leaders Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Joel Osteen. Actors Kerry Washington and Goldie Hawn, comedians Stephen Colbert and Tracy Morgan to author and Ph.D., LMSW Berné Brown and former President Jimmy Carter guide readers with stories of their life experiences and lessons they have learned along the way.
Recommendation
I read the book and I have listened to the audiobook. Both are inspirational, but the audiobook captures actual audio from contributors as they discuss their experiences. I find the audio to provide the right emphasis from each contributor’s conversation. Instead of feeling like this is just a book of quotes, the audio is slice together beautifully to keep the pace of the story Oprah intended to tell. The two versions vary slightly. With the audio version, we are able to enjoy a more whole and complete part of the quote that are left out of the written quote. I found myself losing time, listening to these lessons and words of encouragement.
Whether you are struggling to make a decision about a major life decision or just need encouragement and motivation to stay the course in your current life, this book will help you along the way. It will not tell you how to accomplish your goals, but it will give you the motivation and energy to set and accomplish those goals. You’ve got this!
“What mindfulness is saying to all of us is, Find your own way. Listen to your own heart. Listen to your own longing. Because what we’re really trying to do is live our life as if it really matters.” – Jon Katat-Zinn, scientist, writer and meditation teacher