Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You're Going Through

I began reading this book during a pivotal point in my life when it seemed as if the broken pieces of my life were scattered and incapable of being put back together. Now that I've finished this book, even after putting it down for a while, I realize that I'm in a completely different space. I'm experiencing wholeness for the first time, and I absolutely love it. My worth isn't attached to anyone or anything except God.Thank you, Ms. Iyanla, for being a mirror to our souls. Thank you for helping me to see that I didn't do anything wrong, that my life is exactly the way it should be.

I became interested in reading Iyanla's book after her appearance on the Oprah show earlier this year. I had never read any of Ms. Vanzant's books but I was interested in her story after that appearance. If you are interested enough to read reviews, I say get the book and read it, whatever your opinion I don't think you will feel you wasted your time.As I read this book, I began to wonder why anyone would take advice from this woman. I became curious as to what type of teachings did she give to other people. How can a woman who gave her body so freely looking for love tell someone else what they need to do. How can a woman who consistently placed men before her children give someone advice on how to sustain a relationship. I was lost and felt that Ms. Vanzant may have been a good mouth hustler, she made people believe that she was something that she was not. Or did she? As I continued reading, I recognized that I was being judgmental towards Ms. Vanzant, because as we all know it's easier to recognize what others should do to clean up their mess than it is for us to implement those same principles to clean up ours. The fact of the matter is whether Iyanla was living what she was preaching or not, it does not take away from her message. Iyanla helped thousands of people with her books, lectures, classes, and television appearances. She researched her topics and delivered advice and spiritual principles that she believed one should live by to make a relationship work. Her own personal failures do not take away from what she had to give and the lessons she could teach.Now, the book itself did seem to jump all over the place, but I didn't find this too distracting. However, there were many gaps in the story that left me wondering. I'm not sure if she left certain things out to protect the privacy of the people involved, but in any case there were gaps. For instance, she is raising her grandson Oluwa, yet no explanation is given as to why. She mentions her daughter Gemmia on just about every other page, yet her children Damon and Nisa barely get honorable mentions. I think she should have provided more detail about her relationship or lack thereof with her other children. Damon and Nisa just pop up in the book the day Gemmia died, there was no mention of them for several chapters. I just feel like if you're going to tell the story, tell the story, the gaps were distracting because I found myself wondering about what wasn't said.But the message at the core of the book was about pathologies, and how they are passed down through generations. She lived a life similar to her mother although her mother died when she was just 3 years old. And her daughters had endured some of the same things she went through. Iyanla speaks frequently about conversations with God, voices speaking to her, and several other spiritual encounters. I'm not sure I believe all this, but it is not for me to believe, it is her truth. The bottom line to me is regardless of your pathology, you should know that no man comes before your children, you were not pathologically destined to be that way, that is who you chose to be, because you knew the choice you were making when you made it. I hate the fact that Iyanla acted as if paying taxes was something that no ordinary Joe would know. With the level of education that she has, I find it downright insulting that she acts as if paying taxes on the money you earn was some new age idea. You cannot paint yourself as an intelligent, well studied woman one minute and an ignorant black girl the next; that is unacceptable. The minute you got a check with 6 zero's on it, you should have known to contact an accountant to figure out the IRS's cut. So claiming ignorance is just not acceptable.All in all, I did like the book, it took me about 3 days to read just because of time constraints otherwise it wouldn't have taken as long. It was an interesting read and would be great for a book club discussion, because everyone is sure to have different and strong opinions of Ms. Vanzant and issues that she discusses after reading this book. I have respect for Ms. Vanzant as a professional. Although I don't respect decisions she has made in her personal life and how the book pretty much ignores her other two children and apparently 6 grandchildren; her decisions are not mine to judge and just because someone is not practicing what they preach doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to the sermon. Her words may still invoke positive change within you and in the end that is what matters. I wish Ms. Vanzant the best as that is what everyone deserves.

I read this on my Kindle app on my phone. I have followed Iyanla since seeing her on Oprah many years ago. I always thought maybe Oprah had helped her out over the years when seeing her on different things or seeing her books mentioned on TV. After seeing Oprah and Iyanla's amazing discussion on the Oprah show earlier in 2011, I was amazed that these two people had drifted apart and here the were, talking to each other open and honestly ( as you can on TV). I had to know what happened so I bought this book. All I can say is, if you think your life is rough, read this book! READ IT!! It's so good. If you think your story is hard to explain to someone, or you can't tell someone something. READ THIS BOOK! It will change your life as far as knowing what lies do to families, what hurt does to families, what having bad relationships do to your children who watch you suffer and how it shapes their lives into what they become. Iyanla goes there. She talks about her struggle to feel worthy of something. To feel worthy of just being here, on this planet at all. THIS effected her mindset so much that she could not embrace the success she had. She couldn't see it because to her, she was not good enough to receive it. It explains quite simply how you can have lots of money, and still not be happy. She thought she was not good enough. Before she was born, she was not wanted, when she was a child she felt unwanted, and as an adult, she just wanted to be wanted. Do you see how this pattern can cause problems? This book made me laugh and cry.. Mostly cry, it was just so honest and so open. If you get this book, please be patient with it. Do not expect to understand everything right away, just read it. Do not be afraid of the religious words you hear or things that sound hokey to you, just read it. Find some piece of yourself in it. Find strength within yourself to see that being honest, being open, and knowing how to forgive, and how to move forward after any hurt has been done to you. You will find courage in her truth and courage within yourself. All you have to do is take the first step. Read this, if you just don't understand how anger, resentment, hurt, and other negative things can destroy yourself, and others. Until you let go.. until you forgive yourself and other people around you. you will not know how beautiful your life can be. THAT is what i think this book is about. Acknowledging the past, and moving forward from that which was not perfect, but just what was. If you take nothing from this book, know that YOU are enough, and her story, your story, it all makes you stronger than you can ever imagine. :)

I'm a non fiction lover - now this book is a look back on what things transpired in Iyanla's life and what generational behaviours she began to notice kept repeating in her family and how she couldn't always see but when she did she still found herself caught up in the same rat race and deduced that these things contributed to the results of her life's struggles.She speaks about how those very behaviours effected her children but also shares a great love story about her relationship with her daughter who had a struggle with cancer -Iyanla has mixed religious spiritual interests and has a blend of Christianity along with being a euroba priestess - now if you happen to be Christian you will certainly need to omit some things and understand what is the practice of your faith and more than certainly If you are a young Christian take time to pray and read your word ahead of this - but it isn't preachy as such, only one part I found to be so, Iyanla tells of what she did according to her faith and belief system - it's a gentle readAll in all a great book that I would recommend not just if you're trying to find answers but to inspire - happy reading

I only discovered Iyania on an Oprah show where both ladies were mending fences after an apparent tiff. Anyway I thought I would find out what all the fuss was about (as I think she has a new show now - sadly not shown in the UK as yet) - and am glad I did. The book takes the reader through her life and is a very readable account of how she got through various parts through prayer and meditation. Her best quote for me was ' how do you know when you are healed?' and she answers ' when you no longer feel emotion when you retell the story' - I paraphrase - anyway really really enjoyed it!

The majority of this book was emotional, honest and raw - it made you think hard about your own choices and recognising, in your own life, certain things that can be changed, or tweaked; few elements were a little far-fetched, but because the persona of the story allowed you to feel both her joy and pain - you just had to run with it.A poignant read. Thank you.

Iyanla's books always have a way of falling into your lap when you need it most. This book seeped into my soul. It's more than worth the read and if you open it, you will understand that it serves a purpose

I loved reading this book. It was insightful, heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. Miss Iyanla is amazing with a true gift for healing others and helping them overcome trauma.