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Ten Things I Wish I'd Known--Before I Went Out Into the Real World
“I wrote this book so that you might be spared. Not from having to learn the lessons I had to learn. No one can spare you that, because learning is experiential, and you have to do it yourself. As a wise person once told me: If I could spare you the pain you’re experiencing, I wouldn’t–because I wouldn’t want to deprive you of the strength and wisdom you’ll gain from having gone through it and come out the other side.”
“Each and every one of you is a powerful, resilient human being capable of living the life you design for yourself. I wish all of you the faith and the courage to pinpoint your passion.”
(back cover)
“Each and every one of you is a powerful, resilient human being capable of living the life you design for yourself. I wish all of you the faith and the courage to pinpoint your passion.”
(back cover)
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2000
34 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Maria Shriver
63 books263 followersMaria Owings Shriver is an American journalist, activist, author of six best-selling books, and former First Lady of California.
-Wikipedia
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
November 24, 2014
My mom gets me these impulse buy books all the time. You know the ones: you’re waiting in the check-out line at Barnes and Noble and they’re on the turnstile right next to you. They’re usually uplifting or inspirational. Sometimes they have cute pictures of animals in them or they’re filled with jokes. Well I’ve amassed a small collection of them thanks to my mom over the years and I’ve just now started reading them (bad daughter, I know). While I’m convinced my mom’s trying to tell me something with one of the religious ones she gave me (she said she had no idea), they do carry some nice, short reads. Most of them are just the types of things you read, go ‘oh, that’s nice’ and tuck away on your shelf.
This one, though, this one’s different. Same size and shape as the other impulse books but the message is much more resounding, poignant and literal, regardless of the fact it’s told by a Kennedy (for those that don't like the family). My mom bugged me for the longest time (we’re talking years here) to read this book because she thought I’d get some use out of it. And for years I just kind of brushed it aside and let it collect dust. Why read it now, you ask? Well, I cleaned off my bookshelves because I’m short on space and said ‘why not?’
What Maria states in this book was originally a commencement speech she’d given at a college. She was approached afterwards to turn it into a book and I can definitely see why. Each and every one of the points she’d made in this book (even the ones about marriage and kids, which I’m further from than anything) hit home. A lot of the lessons she’s trying to teach I’ve already learned and some I need to be reminded about again, even though I didn’t want to hear about it.
In case you’re interested, here are her ten things–
First and Foremost, Pinpoint Your Passion
No Job is Beneath You
Who You Work for and With is as Important as What You Do
Your Behavior has Consequences
Be Willing to Fail
Superwoman is Dead . . . and Superman May Be Taking Viagra
Children Do Change Your Career (Not to Mention Your Entire Life)
Marriage is a Hell of a Lot of Work
Don’t Expect Anyone Else to Support Your Financially
Laughter
Really, they’re very simple points and I just don’t think I can do them justice by highlighting what I think about them. I think reading this information from a Kennedy, a woman born into privilege, who could have rightly had everything handed to her, and chose not to, makes it that much more humbling and hard hitting. The fact that a Kennedy isn’t above learning these life lessons, neither should you be.
In the same breath I wish I’d listened to my mom sooner about this book and at the same time I’m glad I didn’t. At twenty-five I’ve experienced a lot more than many people my own age and, in turn, I know many people my age and younger that are doing things (namely starting families) that I haven’t even considered yet. I do consider myself wise beyond my years (it’s the old soul thing) but I don’t know it all and I certainly haven’t experienced it all either. I don’t know if I could have appreciated this book when I first got it as I do now. I don’t know if I would have just said ‘yeah, whatever’ and tossed it aside or if I would have been as enlightened then as I am now. I guess I’ll never know.
Everyone needs a humbling and everyone still has lessons to learn. Go grab this book and read it. I’m sure you’ve learned some of these things already and have yet to experience others (like I have). And even if you know them, you might not want to admit to yourself that you should be doing them (like being willing to fail) but need a reminder that it is OK to do it (like everyone, myself included, should). This is definitely one of those impulse buys worth grabbing for.
This one, though, this one’s different. Same size and shape as the other impulse books but the message is much more resounding, poignant and literal, regardless of the fact it’s told by a Kennedy (for those that don't like the family). My mom bugged me for the longest time (we’re talking years here) to read this book because she thought I’d get some use out of it. And for years I just kind of brushed it aside and let it collect dust. Why read it now, you ask? Well, I cleaned off my bookshelves because I’m short on space and said ‘why not?’
What Maria states in this book was originally a commencement speech she’d given at a college. She was approached afterwards to turn it into a book and I can definitely see why. Each and every one of the points she’d made in this book (even the ones about marriage and kids, which I’m further from than anything) hit home. A lot of the lessons she’s trying to teach I’ve already learned and some I need to be reminded about again, even though I didn’t want to hear about it.
In case you’re interested, here are her ten things–
First and Foremost, Pinpoint Your Passion
No Job is Beneath You
Who You Work for and With is as Important as What You Do
Your Behavior has Consequences
Be Willing to Fail
Superwoman is Dead . . . and Superman May Be Taking Viagra
Children Do Change Your Career (Not to Mention Your Entire Life)
Marriage is a Hell of a Lot of Work
Don’t Expect Anyone Else to Support Your Financially
Laughter
Really, they’re very simple points and I just don’t think I can do them justice by highlighting what I think about them. I think reading this information from a Kennedy, a woman born into privilege, who could have rightly had everything handed to her, and chose not to, makes it that much more humbling and hard hitting. The fact that a Kennedy isn’t above learning these life lessons, neither should you be.
In the same breath I wish I’d listened to my mom sooner about this book and at the same time I’m glad I didn’t. At twenty-five I’ve experienced a lot more than many people my own age and, in turn, I know many people my age and younger that are doing things (namely starting families) that I haven’t even considered yet. I do consider myself wise beyond my years (it’s the old soul thing) but I don’t know it all and I certainly haven’t experienced it all either. I don’t know if I could have appreciated this book when I first got it as I do now. I don’t know if I would have just said ‘yeah, whatever’ and tossed it aside or if I would have been as enlightened then as I am now. I guess I’ll never know.
Everyone needs a humbling and everyone still has lessons to learn. Go grab this book and read it. I’m sure you’ve learned some of these things already and have yet to experience others (like I have). And even if you know them, you might not want to admit to yourself that you should be doing them (like being willing to fail) but need a reminder that it is OK to do it (like everyone, myself included, should). This is definitely one of those impulse buys worth grabbing for.
March 4, 2017
Oh my god z, you can't expect me to write a book?
Z
I mean, will anxiety. I can't be the one to write a book.
Self deprecation works.
Everyone loves a commencement speech.
I was treated like a regular kid.
Mentorship is about having access.
I can live big city life on 12000 a year. START AT THE BOTTTOM.
Don't cry at work (Ed Note: get all your cries at work. That's when they are the most satisfying. If someone is going to make you cry, cry while getting paid).
I have fire in my belly.
Philly and Baltimore! Not New York! Dammit!
Know I'm a mother.
It gets worse. *
* That was my editorial note. Don't read this.
Z
I mean, will anxiety. I can't be the one to write a book.
Self deprecation works.
Everyone loves a commencement speech.
I was treated like a regular kid.
Mentorship is about having access.
I can live big city life on 12000 a year. START AT THE BOTTTOM.
Don't cry at work (Ed Note: get all your cries at work. That's when they are the most satisfying. If someone is going to make you cry, cry while getting paid).
I have fire in my belly.
Philly and Baltimore! Not New York! Dammit!
Know I'm a mother.
It gets worse. *
* That was my editorial note. Don't read this.
November 7, 2010
OK, but nothing inspired me.
July 6, 2022
Very good advice! Gunna need to look back on some of it to fully remember tho.
March 3, 2013
Overall, this was a pretty good book. It was written simplistically and to the point about what Maria had wish she had learned about the work force before entering it.
I learned some important advice about working in the real world, and some of Maria's Ten Things: to pinpoint your passion, no job is beneath you, who you work for and with is as important as what you do, your behavior has consequences, be willing to fail, perfection doesn't make you perfect, children do change your career,to be independent financially and laughter is important. Throughout the beginning of the book, Maria was talking about how to achieve your dream career you must work hard to get it and to not stop trying even though it gets difficult. Towards the end she talks about how important your personal life is to. She, and I, believe, that family and friends are important as a career if not more. So you need to focus on them as well as a career.
This is valuable advice for later in my life because a career will make up a lot of it. But it can also apply right now. In the first couple chapters, Maria tells you to pinpoint your passion and go after it. I am going to be a senior and I am thinking about what I plan on studying in college and what I would like to do for a majority of my life. This is a bit scary but I know I need to do something I enjoy and am passionate about.
I agreed with what Maria said for the most part in this book. But she brings up that she's a Kennedy kind of often and how that has impacted what kind of jobs she gets. Sometimes I don't think her advice could apply to every Average Joe but for the most part it does. It gives the book a small bias when she says that all things are possible with hard work (which i do agree with, but...) because she does have a lot of connections through her name and family.
It can relate to a lot of people in different stages of life. If it's teenagers like me just about to start directing myself down a path or someone who has a career. There is something to be learned about both a career and personal life and how both are important. I enjoyed the book overall because of its good advice accompanied by stories of how the author has applied it to her life.
I learned some important advice about working in the real world, and some of Maria's Ten Things: to pinpoint your passion, no job is beneath you, who you work for and with is as important as what you do, your behavior has consequences, be willing to fail, perfection doesn't make you perfect, children do change your career,to be independent financially and laughter is important. Throughout the beginning of the book, Maria was talking about how to achieve your dream career you must work hard to get it and to not stop trying even though it gets difficult. Towards the end she talks about how important your personal life is to. She, and I, believe, that family and friends are important as a career if not more. So you need to focus on them as well as a career.
This is valuable advice for later in my life because a career will make up a lot of it. But it can also apply right now. In the first couple chapters, Maria tells you to pinpoint your passion and go after it. I am going to be a senior and I am thinking about what I plan on studying in college and what I would like to do for a majority of my life. This is a bit scary but I know I need to do something I enjoy and am passionate about.
I agreed with what Maria said for the most part in this book. But she brings up that she's a Kennedy kind of often and how that has impacted what kind of jobs she gets. Sometimes I don't think her advice could apply to every Average Joe but for the most part it does. It gives the book a small bias when she says that all things are possible with hard work (which i do agree with, but...) because she does have a lot of connections through her name and family.
It can relate to a lot of people in different stages of life. If it's teenagers like me just about to start directing myself down a path or someone who has a career. There is something to be learned about both a career and personal life and how both are important. I enjoyed the book overall because of its good advice accompanied by stories of how the author has applied it to her life.
February 1, 2012
I found this book is more on the story of the author’s life and what the lessons she drew from her life experiences. There are 10 lessons, which actually a series of simple truths we ourselves can learned from daily relationships and experiences. But having the author told us her stories and lessons will somehow simplify our learning process. A saying once told that you can learn also from somebody else’s experience, because learning from your own will be tough (yet I’m sure, the most remembered lessons are the one you have experienced). So, I think this book is for those who want to learn more about life, from somebody else’s perspective.
May 9, 2016
I was given this book when I graduated from high school and have read it half a dozen times since. I picked it up again just ahead of starting grad school. I love Shriver's outlook - she's honest, hilarious, and hard-working. Her life is unconventional, and yet she's completely down to earth. Just to give you an idea of Shriver's wit, one of her chapters is called "Super Woman is Dead and Super Man may be Taking Viagra." What she says is nothing earth shattering - just solid, heartfelt advice.
April 21, 2009
Seriously? Maria Shriver was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, so to read this list of things she wished she knew before she went out into the "real world" was a slap in the face.
First of all, she started her television career in Philadelphia! No one STARTS there career there. Then, her next job was at CBS News in New York.
I find it amusing she wants to give advice to the rest of us about the "real" world.
First of all, she started her television career in Philadelphia! No one STARTS there career there. Then, her next job was at CBS News in New York.
I find it amusing she wants to give advice to the rest of us about the "real" world.
February 3, 2016
Inspiring in a lot of ways, terribly dry to read in others. Though, I will say that per her advice on the importance of spending time with family before launching into your own adult life I dared to move home and get to know my parents and family in a whole new way. One of the best years I ever spent and I wouldn't have made that move without her touchingly portrayed/sage advice.
October 13, 2018
These are all good things to know moving forward in life. I am one of the millions of people who wanted to know all of this when I was also young...but I doubt that I would've listened to it like most people. Reading these things now, I have to agree with all of them. These are definitely all of the things that we all reflect on as we age. It was a super quick read and overall I didn't mind it.
April 9, 2009
I honestly hope she didn't use all these swear words in her commencement speech at a Catholic university. I would have admired her more if she and the publisher had kept it dignified. But she shared sweet advice.
January 17, 2019
I read this book while in college for a class. The funny thing was that I didn’t know she was married to Arnold Schwarzenegger until halfway through the book. I was quite surprised. Lol
June 4, 2021
3,50
Lo leí en español y no me gustó la traducción de esta edición. El mensaje y todo lo que enseña igual me llenó el alma ❤️ más aún porque estoy súper cerca de graduarme de la universidad.
Lo leí en español y no me gustó la traducción de esta edición. El mensaje y todo lo que enseña igual me llenó el alma ❤️ más aún porque estoy súper cerca de graduarme de la universidad.
March 24, 2013
So down to earth. Great gift to a college grad.
June 3, 2025
I found this little used book free and enjoyed her enthusiasm and energy. It's not a great book but a few of the chapters toward the end did resonate with me.
I felt sad, seeing the section on marriage, knowing they ended up divorced after over 30 years due to his fathering a child with a household employee.
Her love for him was all over this book.
My mom used to like watching her on TV and used to be quite the fan of the Kennedys and I wish she was still around to read this and hear what she had to say.
I felt sad, seeing the section on marriage, knowing they ended up divorced after over 30 years due to his fathering a child with a household employee.
Her love for him was all over this book.
My mom used to like watching her on TV and used to be quite the fan of the Kennedys and I wish she was still around to read this and hear what she had to say.
February 20, 2024
I read this when I was hoping to become a broadcast journalist and found it to be sincere. She seems to have a really good work ethic and it inspired me way back when I was a baby reporter.
January 21, 2025
A great book for all ages! Sheds light on the nonsense we all delve into and gives sage advice on how to get out of it and stay out!
November 19, 2015
The book ,,Ten Things I Wish I´d Known” was written by Maria Shriver, the wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger and a member of the Kennedy family. She writes about her speech in Holy Cross College which is about Ten things she wished she would have known when before she got out into the real world business. It is a very informative book, which is in my opinion worth to read.
The whole book is about these ten things which are very closely described. These topics are all very important for the real world. It´s more for an audience which is interested in becoming a successful person in their jobs, or for people who want to know how the way is for the person who wants to become successful. Which I think is a very great topic to talk about, because there are many teenagers out there which have no idea what will happen when we drop out of school. That´s why I chose the book and I´m really happy that I red it, because I learned much from it, I will surely read it before I drop out of school again.The book is really focused on the topic Job/ Working, but it´s also focused about the private life, so it deals with both at once. For example: ,,No Job Is Beneath You” is more for the topic job and working, ,,Your Behavior Has Consequences” is for both and ,,Marriage Is a Hell of a Lot of Hard Work” is only for private life.
So this book gives you tips for your whole life and shows that you´re not the only one with a hard job, with argues in your marriages or mean people around you, because she tells a lot of stories about her private- or job life. It also encourages someone who has a lot of work or has experienced many loses, because she explains the beginning of her career detailed and explains that she often started again at the bottom, but she never gave up and became a good news reporter. I think it is very interesting how she explains even the bad times of her life, because the most authors only tell the best of their lives, that it looks like they have the perfect live, but in her book you got the truth of the hard work and failures ,,I went home to Los Angeles defeated, demoralized, and depressed-taking a bath in a all of self-pity. But as I´ve said, I´ve learned that when you fail, it´s important to grow from the experience. Use it.”
I can recommend this book for Teenagers, workers or for little children, it is a very good book which can teach you very much. I think older people can't do anything with these tips, because they got already all these experiences. All in one, I really can recommend this book for everyone who is interested in the real world and in good written books.
The whole book is about these ten things which are very closely described. These topics are all very important for the real world. It´s more for an audience which is interested in becoming a successful person in their jobs, or for people who want to know how the way is for the person who wants to become successful. Which I think is a very great topic to talk about, because there are many teenagers out there which have no idea what will happen when we drop out of school. That´s why I chose the book and I´m really happy that I red it, because I learned much from it, I will surely read it before I drop out of school again.The book is really focused on the topic Job/ Working, but it´s also focused about the private life, so it deals with both at once. For example: ,,No Job Is Beneath You” is more for the topic job and working, ,,Your Behavior Has Consequences” is for both and ,,Marriage Is a Hell of a Lot of Hard Work” is only for private life.
So this book gives you tips for your whole life and shows that you´re not the only one with a hard job, with argues in your marriages or mean people around you, because she tells a lot of stories about her private- or job life. It also encourages someone who has a lot of work or has experienced many loses, because she explains the beginning of her career detailed and explains that she often started again at the bottom, but she never gave up and became a good news reporter. I think it is very interesting how she explains even the bad times of her life, because the most authors only tell the best of their lives, that it looks like they have the perfect live, but in her book you got the truth of the hard work and failures ,,I went home to Los Angeles defeated, demoralized, and depressed-taking a bath in a all of self-pity. But as I´ve said, I´ve learned that when you fail, it´s important to grow from the experience. Use it.”
I can recommend this book for Teenagers, workers or for little children, it is a very good book which can teach you very much. I think older people can't do anything with these tips, because they got already all these experiences. All in one, I really can recommend this book for everyone who is interested in the real world and in good written books.
November 4, 2019
Một quyển sách mỏng tình cờ mua hơn 1 chục năm trước, đặt lên kệ sau khi đọc và highlight chi tiết những con chữ tâm đắc, và cứ nấn ná không muốn tặng lại ai sau từng đó năm.
Ngày trước khi đọc không hề có khái niệm Maria Shriver là ai. Càng không hiểu được mảng miếng hài hước bà viết về cách phát âm cái họ Schwarzegger hay mường tượng được tí gì cuộc hôn nhân hạnh phúc của bà với Arnold.
Chỉ biết sách đầy những lời khuyên hay ho thú vị và súc tích mà dù theo năm tháng mình thực sự đã không còn nhớ nhưng khi đọc lại thì thấy có hơn quá nửa những điều bà viết mình đã khắc cốt ghi tâm và góp phần hình thành nên tính cách của mình bây giờ.
Đọc sách có thể là một việc giải trí tuyệt vời. Nhưng thực hành những điều sách viết chưa bao giờ là đơn giản, vì nó bắt ta đặt mình ngoài vùng an toàn và đôi khi là phải thay đổi hoàn toàn. Chính vì thế mà có nhiều lời khuyên tuyệt vời của Maria mình qua nhiều năm vẫn chưa thực hiện được.
Cuốn sách dù nói khá ít về cuộc hôn nhân của Maria, vì vốn dĩ nó chỉ là một phần của một quyển cẩm nang mỏng dính, nhưng lại đem lại cho người phụ nữ cái nhìn hết sức hay ho về hôn nhân gia đình. Chính quyển sách này đã xoay chuyển hoàn toàn thái độ của mình về khía cạnh này và trở thành một người hay ho hơn.
Tuy nhiên khi kết hợp đọc những thông tin online về cuộc sống riêng tư của bà và biết được bà đã đệ đơn ly hôn người chồng và là người yêu đầu đời tuyệt vời của bà chỉ và năm sau khi quyển cẩm nang này ra đời, mình lại học thêm được một bài học về thái độ đối với cuộc sống.
Không gì tốt đẹp là vĩnh hằng và đừng trông chờ vào nó để rồi những trải nghiệm tốt đẹp của cuộc đời bị ảnh hưởng. Thay đổi là một phần của cuộc sống. Vận vật không bất biến và con người cũng vậy.
Cuốn sách mỏng này vốn mỏng thế đấy nhưng phiên bản ebook gốc của nó trên Kobo đến tận hơn $12 cơ. Nhỏ mà có võ là nó đấy, nên mình cứ giữ mang theo để đọc lại đi cho thấm nhuần mới thôi.
Ngày trước khi đọc không hề có khái niệm Maria Shriver là ai. Càng không hiểu được mảng miếng hài hước bà viết về cách phát âm cái họ Schwarzegger hay mường tượng được tí gì cuộc hôn nhân hạnh phúc của bà với Arnold.
Chỉ biết sách đầy những lời khuyên hay ho thú vị và súc tích mà dù theo năm tháng mình thực sự đã không còn nhớ nhưng khi đọc lại thì thấy có hơn quá nửa những điều bà viết mình đã khắc cốt ghi tâm và góp phần hình thành nên tính cách của mình bây giờ.
Đọc sách có thể là một việc giải trí tuyệt vời. Nhưng thực hành những điều sách viết chưa bao giờ là đơn giản, vì nó bắt ta đặt mình ngoài vùng an toàn và đôi khi là phải thay đổi hoàn toàn. Chính vì thế mà có nhiều lời khuyên tuyệt vời của Maria mình qua nhiều năm vẫn chưa thực hiện được.
Cuốn sách dù nói khá ít về cuộc hôn nhân của Maria, vì vốn dĩ nó chỉ là một phần của một quyển cẩm nang mỏng dính, nhưng lại đem lại cho người phụ nữ cái nhìn hết sức hay ho về hôn nhân gia đình. Chính quyển sách này đã xoay chuyển hoàn toàn thái độ của mình về khía cạnh này và trở thành một người hay ho hơn.
Tuy nhiên khi kết hợp đọc những thông tin online về cuộc sống riêng tư của bà và biết được bà đã đệ đơn ly hôn người chồng và là người yêu đầu đời tuyệt vời của bà chỉ và năm sau khi quyển cẩm nang này ra đời, mình lại học thêm được một bài học về thái độ đối với cuộc sống.
Không gì tốt đẹp là vĩnh hằng và đừng trông chờ vào nó để rồi những trải nghiệm tốt đẹp của cuộc đời bị ảnh hưởng. Thay đổi là một phần của cuộc sống. Vận vật không bất biến và con người cũng vậy.
Cuốn sách mỏng này vốn mỏng thế đấy nhưng phiên bản ebook gốc của nó trên Kobo đến tận hơn $12 cơ. Nhỏ mà có võ là nó đấy, nên mình cứ giữ mang theo để đọc lại đi cho thấm nhuần mới thôi.
July 17, 2013
Following the success of her 1999 bestseller What's Heaven?, in which she explained death to children, the NBC anchor woman expands on a commencement speech she delivered two years ago at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., to share some of her life lessons with young people starting their careers. Although this slim gift book is positioned as a graduation gift, Shriver's natural audience is more likely to be busy working mothers like herself, and celebrity watchers who are curious about her thoughts on managing marriage, motherhood and career (Shriver and husband Arnold Schwarzenegger have four children). In lessons that are mostly about work and character, she shares simple notions that are fundamentally sound and that many adults will agree with: pursue your passion; consider no job to be beneath you; be willing to fail; realize that behavior has consequences; find a mentor. Unfortunately, the warmth and humor Shriver may have projected in person are forced on the page. Although she tries to build rapport with amusing stories of early faux pas and setbacks in her journalism career, readers may have trouble relating to her main predicamentAlack of appreciation from people who might have wondered if a beautiful, rich kid actually wanted a jobAas well as her idea of disappointment: not being as successful as Oprah or Diane Sawyer. Even so, Shriver's strength of character, her genuine admiration for her parents and her love for her family shine through. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
May 14, 2008
I truely did enjoy reading Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out into the Real World. I feel as though I read it at the perfect time in my life, about to graduate high school, becuase the lessons she was attempting to portray came across bery clearly and were quite meaningful. I love the style of writing she used. She took what used to be a speech, and due to the raving responses to it, she expanded it out and turned it into a book she felt could affect many people.
She started the book off explaing how she came about haing to give this speech as a commencement adress at a university graduation, and how she never wanted to. She then goes on to explain how once she finally did give this speech and spoke about all the tings she wished someone had told her at that point in her life. Shriver got amazing reviews with many many people asking for copies of the speech, which was was influence her to expand her ideas into a book and share the thoughts with more people.
Shriver did a very good job conveying her message through the book, and I feel the ideas she was sharing are very important and very relevnt to the audience. I would recommend this book to anyone who is starting a new stage in their life, or someone who is just looking for a little bit of a new out look on certain things.
She started the book off explaing how she came about haing to give this speech as a commencement adress at a university graduation, and how she never wanted to. She then goes on to explain how once she finally did give this speech and spoke about all the tings she wished someone had told her at that point in her life. Shriver got amazing reviews with many many people asking for copies of the speech, which was was influence her to expand her ideas into a book and share the thoughts with more people.
Shriver did a very good job conveying her message through the book, and I feel the ideas she was sharing are very important and very relevnt to the audience. I would recommend this book to anyone who is starting a new stage in their life, or someone who is just looking for a little bit of a new out look on certain things.
January 14, 2011
I read a couple of chapters of this book each night before bed and found it a nice reflective read before bedtime.
Maria's writing style is easy and to the point -- and she makes some pretty good points in this book. The book is basically an extended version of a convocation speech she gave at a university. Out of all the 10 lessons, I liked her wisdom in regards to marriage, an area I have not ventured into yet. Also, I enjoyed reading about her career-related failures and successes, especially since she is a renowned journalist (and I'm trying to make it in the field, so I can relate!)
Normally I give books away after I read them, but sometimes with these inspirational types of books, they are good "primers" (that's social psych jargon if you don't know what I'm talking about) to have around when you need some advice or assurance. My mom gave this book to me years ago and said I should read it. I'm glad I finally did!
On a final note, Maria spends a lot of time talking about how she had to fight twice as hard to get past the belief that she became famous because of her hubby & Kennedy background. The story where she completely blew an anchor audition and got the job anyway, pretty much illustrates the fact that she got the job based on her position vs. talent. I'm sure she worked hard though, as TV journalism is not an easy field.
Maria's writing style is easy and to the point -- and she makes some pretty good points in this book. The book is basically an extended version of a convocation speech she gave at a university. Out of all the 10 lessons, I liked her wisdom in regards to marriage, an area I have not ventured into yet. Also, I enjoyed reading about her career-related failures and successes, especially since she is a renowned journalist (and I'm trying to make it in the field, so I can relate!)
Normally I give books away after I read them, but sometimes with these inspirational types of books, they are good "primers" (that's social psych jargon if you don't know what I'm talking about) to have around when you need some advice or assurance. My mom gave this book to me years ago and said I should read it. I'm glad I finally did!
On a final note, Maria spends a lot of time talking about how she had to fight twice as hard to get past the belief that she became famous because of her hubby & Kennedy background. The story where she completely blew an anchor audition and got the job anyway, pretty much illustrates the fact that she got the job based on her position vs. talent. I'm sure she worked hard though, as TV journalism is not an easy field.
June 7, 2012
My mom suggested to me that I read this...and as it turns out, she had an ulterior motive. Ms. Shriver's list, expanded from her commencement speech at the College of the Holy Cross (but you've probably heard that little detail before), is built up of everything both Mom and Dad have been trying to drum into my head for several years now. Let me pause to reflect on the perversity of the situation when you're more apt to listen to anyone but your parents, even if they're all saying the same thing...
This was short, direct, bright, and at times rather funny. Ms. Shriver shares her own anecdotes along with her advice throughout the chapters--in fact, she spends quite a bit of time talking about herself. But she does it in such a cheery, almost sardonic way that you appreciate how she's laughing at herself to drive her point home. This might originally have been a speech aimed at graduates, but I think everyone could benefit from reading it at least once. I for one plan on rereading it in the future.
Short review? Well, heck! It was a short book!
This was short, direct, bright, and at times rather funny. Ms. Shriver shares her own anecdotes along with her advice throughout the chapters--in fact, she spends quite a bit of time talking about herself. But she does it in such a cheery, almost sardonic way that you appreciate how she's laughing at herself to drive her point home. This might originally have been a speech aimed at graduates, but I think everyone could benefit from reading it at least once. I for one plan on rereading it in the future.
Short review? Well, heck! It was a short book!
September 21, 2012
I admire Maria Shriver. I think she is a class act. But after listening to this little audiobook, my opinion of her has risen higher. Her words of wisdom, written over ten years ago, still ring true today. I felt it was very inspiring and honest advice built on her own experience, reflections and memories. Most of her advice deals with women in the workforce who feel they have to be "superwomen" and be able to balance work, marriage and child rearing (which is a near impossible task). Maria is able to put all that in perspective in order to help others reach their goals, bounce back from failure but also realize their limitations and make adjustments when hard, life altering decisions are needed. A book that should be read by high school and college students as well as those of us in the "real world".
May 24, 2013
The book is short, her advice is concise, and her personal examples were incredibly helpful.
She has beauty, brains, a family name that opens doors, and built her career while part of a power couple - and still she faced the struggles that no amount of hired help can resolve, mainly how to be at two places at once (work/ home - in her case, located on opposite coasts) and how to be completely present to two different callings simultaneously (career accomplishments/ family relationships). I also credit the writer for noting where her advantages (wealth, etc.) allowed her more leeway and tampered the anxiety down from the do-or-die level.
I was impressed to see that her advice was so level-headed (not given through rose-colored glasses) that it holds up even in the aftermath of her divorce.
She has beauty, brains, a family name that opens doors, and built her career while part of a power couple - and still she faced the struggles that no amount of hired help can resolve, mainly how to be at two places at once (work/ home - in her case, located on opposite coasts) and how to be completely present to two different callings simultaneously (career accomplishments/ family relationships). I also credit the writer for noting where her advantages (wealth, etc.) allowed her more leeway and tampered the anxiety down from the do-or-die level.
I was impressed to see that her advice was so level-headed (not given through rose-colored glasses) that it holds up even in the aftermath of her divorce.
September 15, 2015
My mom recommended this book. Told me to read it. I'm so glad i did. Ended it in tears. It's actually so helpful and grounding. The part that struck me the most by the end was the parents, it was just one sentence in the entire book but it reminded me to be kind to my parents when i've been treating them badly w/o meaning to/ realizing the extent. The rest of the book was amazing and helpful since the very beginning.
the job/mentor part really helped me in even my first week at my first job, reminding me to listen to my mentor and respect him/her and it really opened up a mental door for me in respect to my mentor. & it's making me look at different aspects of my life differently. I folded so many pages i want to go back to and would want to read this many times again through life.
Recommended for sure
the job/mentor part really helped me in even my first week at my first job, reminding me to listen to my mentor and respect him/her and it really opened up a mental door for me in respect to my mentor. & it's making me look at different aspects of my life differently. I folded so many pages i want to go back to and would want to read this many times again through life.
Recommended for sure
May 9, 2016
There's a reason this speech got so much publicity when she delivered it at a college commencement -- it's darn good advice! And, more than that, it's about time someone said it all outloud to just the people who need to hear it. Twenty-one year old kids have no clue what they're up against and, if they'll pay attention, this just might save them some time and heartache down the line.
Not to say that anyone and everyone won't benefit from this book. I'm 40-something now and I'm happy to say that I've learned most of these lessons and am comfortable with the results. However, number four hit me just right on the day that I listened to it -- and really altered my perspective for the better. Thank you, Maria!
Not to say that anyone and everyone won't benefit from this book. I'm 40-something now and I'm happy to say that I've learned most of these lessons and am comfortable with the results. However, number four hit me just right on the day that I listened to it -- and really altered my perspective for the better. Thank you, Maria!
May 31, 2019
This book hit me at the exact right time as so many friends and family are graduating. I loved hearing about her career and how hard she worked to get where she is and what her priorities are and were. It was a little sad hearing her talk about Arnold knowing what we know now but it just adds to my admiration of her...and more than once when talking about him she said "as of now" this is how I feel. I also love the Make Your Bed by William McRaven which was also a commencement speech that I have given as a gift. This one focuses slightly more for women but should be equally valuable for men. Plus it's super short, so a new grad would plow through it pretty quickly.
May 21, 2008
When I began reading this book in school, honestly I thought Great! another boring self-help book to help students on their path to self discovery and true meaning in life. But quite honestly it was quite a good book and by that I mean that it wasn't boring or at all dull like some of these books tend to be or ill-advised. It gives one a better understanding of lifes crazy lessons that we are faced with and how to become more equipped and ready to handle them as they come. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to high school seniors preparing to enter the real world.
December 20, 2018
I took this book out of the library because I was curious what she had to say about work and marriage. Yes, who you work for and with is as important as what you do, and marriage (or a long term relationship that resembles it) is a lot of work.
I'm at the age where I already learned all of these lessons. This book might be worthwhile for a new graduate, although they may be skeptical about some of it.
Based on a talk Shriver gave to a graduating class, it skims the topics but does not go into depth. More depth would make it more worthwhile.
It's an easy, entertaining read.
I'm at the age where I already learned all of these lessons. This book might be worthwhile for a new graduate, although they may be skeptical about some of it.
Based on a talk Shriver gave to a graduating class, it skims the topics but does not go into depth. More depth would make it more worthwhile.
It's an easy, entertaining read.
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