Product Description

A candid, heartfelt and inspirational book for seekers of all ages. Inspired by a speech she gave, Maria Shriver's message is that what people do in their lives isn't what matters, it's who they are. Just Who Will You Be? reminds readers that the answers to many of life's questions lie within and that it's never too late for people to become the person they really want to be.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #196745 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 112 pages

Customer Reviews

A Masterpiece
Maria Shriver's creative and unique book inspires and reminds me that life
is full of possibilities. It is so great that a speech she prepared for
her nephew's high school graduation became a best selling book! There is
beauty in her writing as she shares her wisdom in poetry. I love this verse:

"Cause when I feel lousy
Or lost or I'm nervous
I feel better about me
When I am of service"

With humor and grace she has written a masterpiece with few words.

Another masterpiece of writing, which inspires me, is Ariel & Shya Kanes' "Being Here, Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment". This is a book that I read and reread because within the pages I find myself feeling well, centered, and comfortable in my own skin. As Marie Shriver's book asks the question "Just Who Will You Be?", I have found my answers by learning how "to be" in books written by the Kanes.

It touched me deeply!
I didn't know too much about Maria Shriver before reading this book except for the fact that she is the famous Kennedy-Mrs. Schwarzenegger-First lady of California that you see in the headlines from time to time. Then one day the title of her book "Just Who Will You Be" caught my eye. Umm, why would she be interested in who she is? Doesn't she have all the fame in the world already? So I picked it up and read it; more than one time actually. I am so glad I did! She writes very honestly & directly and it is truly inspiring!

Maria had been living a life of privilege, power and fame gained from her background as a Kennedy, profession as a renowned journalist, and from her marriage to movie-star-turned-governor husband Arnold Schwarzenegger. Being a public figure with a historical legacy, Maria identified herself as a professional- this was all she wanted to be when she grew up and she worked hard to succeed in her work life.

She then became a stay-at-home mom bringing up four kids; however she did not approve of herself for not "working as a professional Maria Shriver". I imagine it was frightening when she quit journalism to become a full-time mother, based on her high profile past that equated self-worth with personal achievement. With a sense of humor, Maria shares with readers the journey of discovering who she is and who she wants to be. She is not at all afraid of admitting she felt lost at times, when she'd been answering her quest with a resume, not what her heart truly desired.

Maria inspired me to be true to myself. It reminds me of two awesome books by Ariel and Shya Kane, "Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment" and "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Can Instantaneously Transform Your Life" that I love very much! Instead of "doing" and trying to figure out how I can fix circumstances that are not my preferences, I can simply just "be" me- and feel no need to define myself by certain roles. I can be gentle and kind to myself and others, be open and let go of some beliefs that may have served me along the way, but just don't work for me anymore. Life can be magical if we allow it to be, and it's up to us! What an awakening! I highly recommend these three authors!

Straight from the Heart
When I saw Just Who Will You Be? Big Question. Little Book. Answer Within, I grabbed it and read it on the spot in Barnes and Noble. I still bought the book and a copy for my friend's daughter, who is graduating college in May and is terrified of the prospect of "being in the real world."

Maria Shriver spoke at the high school graduating class of her nephew and the students and parents asked her to write a book based on the speech so they could more clearly remember what she said.

I'm glad she listened.

She discusses how a recent study found that kids today want fame more than anything else. (I read the survey and they overwhelmingly want to be actors or sports figures.) She tells the class that: "fame isn't a goal worthy of your life." Shriver describes why fame shouldn't be a goal, that fame can't give you meaning and purpose.

Instead, Shriver advises to follow your heart, discover who you are, who your authentic me really is.

The poem she read to the class is in the book and is powerful and true. Here is one stanza I really enjoyed:

You can be girly and strong
Have careers and go far
And when you get married
Not lose who you are

The stanza for the boys is equally as good.

Shriver acknowledges that we keep changing, growing and evolving as we age and that this is a good thing. She tells the reader about her experiences with growing and changing and they come straight from her heart and were very inspiring to me.

Ultimately, who you will be is based on getting in touch with your feelings and discovering your authentic self.

Finally, I related to this book because I've been feeling stuck lately. I published my first book a year ago. Ask most authors and they will tell you it's like giving birth and the first year like raising a child. To add to the excitement, the book won awards!

But now, a it's year later and it's like the kid moved out of the house! I've had my moments (ask my husband,) and reading this book has finally inspired me to move on. I will always be an author, but I am also uniquely me and now its time for my next step.

Thank you for inspiring me, Maria!

By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.