This book is like reading your girl friend’s diary. Except, I don’t know anything about Oprah so I keep wondering why I’m reading it. What I Know for Sure feels like an elaboration on every kitschy catchphrase you’ve seen on Instagram. Each lesson is summarized by one of the quotes on your mum’s refrigerator magnet. You will not uncover any revolutionary ideas or uncharted territory here.

“my most essential goal in life is to remain connected to the world of spirit; everything else will take care of itself.” Ah, when I read this, I instantly know I am not the right audience for this book and again wonder what I am doing reading it. I picked it up on a whim and I guess I thought it would be more of a rags-to-riches, work ethic, business savvy kind of story.

Sign number 2 that this book isn’t for me – her mantra is the bible verse “Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart”. I always feel like this kind of attitude, particularly coming from rich people, makes it seem like - don't you see? If you just gave grace to God as well as I do your life wouldn't suck. It makes it seem like celebrity is religiously ordained (eye roll).

I get it’s the theme but the repeated use of “What I know for sure” felt super redundant. Oprah undoubtedly experienced hardships, but you couldn’t understand the weight of them because the next sentence would be rushing to turn the episode into a Hallmark line. There’s no in-depth exploration or somber reflection.

"You don't live your life, life lives you." Ok, ok, I'm out - DNF @ 70%.
I’m glad many people took heart from this book, but I wasn’t one of them.