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[Hoda Kotb] I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live by - Hardcover
From New York Times bestselling author and beloved Today show anchor Hoda Kotb comes an inspiring collection of quotes--drawn from her own personal favorites featured on her 1 million+ Instagram account--that offer wisdom, courage, and hope.
Every morning, viewers around the country wake up to hear from, and connect with, Hoda Kotb. Beyond her day-to-day reporting, her honesty, humor, and endless supply of generosity have inspired millions and have brought audiences into the folds of her remarkable life. Now, she is ready to share the very ideas and lessons she carries with her each day, the reflections that have pushed her to challenge boundaries, embrace change, and explore relationships to their fullest.
This book gathers more than 250 of Hoda's favorite quotes--mantras and reflections that urge us to seek out connection and partnership in our daily lives--augmented by her thoughts on each quotation and why it's so meaningful to her. Too often we believe we are alone in our feelings, our grief, and our joy, when in reality those around us are feeling the exact same way. With quotes covering the emotional life-cycle of a year, I Really Needed That Today is a perfect, portable pick-me-up--a companion guide to the wide range of compassion, empathy, and community needed in our lives.
Every morning, viewers around the country wake up to hear from, and connect with, Hoda Kotb. Beyond her day-to-day reporting, her honesty, humor, and endless supply of generosity have inspired millions and have brought audiences into the folds of her remarkable life. Now, she is ready to share the very ideas and lessons she carries with her each day, the reflections that have pushed her to challenge boundaries, embrace change, and explore relationships to their fullest.
This book gathers more than 250 of Hoda's favorite quotes--mantras and reflections that urge us to seek out connection and partnership in our daily lives--augmented by her thoughts on each quotation and why it's so meaningful to her. Too often we believe we are alone in our feelings, our grief, and our joy, when in reality those around us are feeling the exact same way. With quotes covering the emotional life-cycle of a year, I Really Needed That Today is a perfect, portable pick-me-up--a companion guide to the wide range of compassion, empathy, and community needed in our lives.
Unknown Binding
First published October 15, 2019
765 people are currently reading
5028 people want to read
About the author
Hoda Kotb
14 books287 followersHoda Kotb is an American television news anchor. Both of Kotb's parents are from Egypt. Along with her parents, she has also lived in Nigeria.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
October 1, 2019
First my thanks go to Penguin Random House for selecting me in the Goodreads giveaway. The "you've won" email came on a day I truly "I really needed this today" day. I, like so many others, follow Hoda on Instagram and would often find myself nodding my head in agreement over her daily quotes. Needless to say I was so excited to have won the book ahead of the publishing date.
Having said all that, I'm so disappointed to say I didn't love this book. Yes, there were quotes that would certainly pick you up, and I enjoyed the little explanations for why she picked those. However, more often than not the quotes were just filler. It felt as though Hoda's Editor realized how popular she is and hurried to get a book out before said popularity faded. That sounds much harsher than I intend, as I truly adore Hoda, this was just a miss with me.
Having said all that, I'm so disappointed to say I didn't love this book. Yes, there were quotes that would certainly pick you up, and I enjoyed the little explanations for why she picked those. However, more often than not the quotes were just filler. It felt as though Hoda's Editor realized how popular she is and hurried to get a book out before said popularity faded. That sounds much harsher than I intend, as I truly adore Hoda, this was just a miss with me.
April 6, 2020
So every morning I get up, get myself a cup of coffee and sit down at my computer to go through my emails. As a blogger, I get quite a few. But there is one which I look forward to each morning. My fellow blogger, Susanlovesbooks delivers an inspirational quote each morning. It’s truly a great way to start my day.
With that said when I saw I Really Need This Today by Hoda Kotb I first thought of Susan and then decided to purchase the book. And my friends, I am so glad I did!
The book is filled with a daily quote, 365 of them with Hoda’s comments about what each quote means to her and perhaps what it could mean to her reader as well. There are inspiring quotes, funny quotes and some extremely profound quotes. I believe the book itself is a love story to her friends, family, her children and fiancé, as well as an uplifting read to her devoted fans, some who have been with her as she journeyed through cancer, divorce, messy breakups, finding love and children.
One touching example is “Sisters mean you always have back-up”. Hoda goes on to explain that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer she had to undergo an MRI. Being scared and overwhelmed and a bit claustrophobic, she didn’t think she would be able to do this. Her sister Hala who had taken her to the appointment saw the distress she was in. She told the technician to start the machine. She was then told she needed to leave the room due to the radiation. She pulled up a chair next to Hoda and said, “Nope, start the machine, I’m staying right here.”
Another quote which stuck with me is “Do more of what makes you happy”. Hoda explains, first, figure out what that is and second, just do it! So simple, yet so wise! And I now find myself thinking this each time I need to make a decision.
There are also funny little inspirational takeaways as well as extremely heartfelt thoughts. If you only read one of these inspirations a day, I guarantee your life will change for the better.
Just as mine does each morning while checking emails and drinking coffee…
With that said when I saw I Really Need This Today by Hoda Kotb I first thought of Susan and then decided to purchase the book. And my friends, I am so glad I did!
The book is filled with a daily quote, 365 of them with Hoda’s comments about what each quote means to her and perhaps what it could mean to her reader as well. There are inspiring quotes, funny quotes and some extremely profound quotes. I believe the book itself is a love story to her friends, family, her children and fiancé, as well as an uplifting read to her devoted fans, some who have been with her as she journeyed through cancer, divorce, messy breakups, finding love and children.
One touching example is “Sisters mean you always have back-up”. Hoda goes on to explain that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer she had to undergo an MRI. Being scared and overwhelmed and a bit claustrophobic, she didn’t think she would be able to do this. Her sister Hala who had taken her to the appointment saw the distress she was in. She told the technician to start the machine. She was then told she needed to leave the room due to the radiation. She pulled up a chair next to Hoda and said, “Nope, start the machine, I’m staying right here.”
Another quote which stuck with me is “Do more of what makes you happy”. Hoda explains, first, figure out what that is and second, just do it! So simple, yet so wise! And I now find myself thinking this each time I need to make a decision.
There are also funny little inspirational takeaways as well as extremely heartfelt thoughts. If you only read one of these inspirations a day, I guarantee your life will change for the better.
Just as mine does each morning while checking emails and drinking coffee…
December 29, 2019
Amazing and Inspirational book of quotes that can keep you inspired and motivated on a daily basis! Love me this one and I keep it right at my bedside table! Full of aphorism that will guide you through every day of the year!!
October 20, 2019
I won this through a Good Reads giveaway, and I am grateful for the opportunity to receive a book written by Hoda Kotb because I like her.
Unfortunately, I'm disappointed. I really enjoy quote a day books or an inspirational message a day. However, this book is physically thick, but emotionally thin. I had expected so much more from Honda Kotb. It really seems like a money grab.
When the passages are good, they are excellent. Had the author and publisher spent more time on the book, it could have been excellent. As it is, it's mediocre. Borrow it from the library or wait until it's in the remaindered book.
Unfortunately, I'm disappointed. I really enjoy quote a day books or an inspirational message a day. However, this book is physically thick, but emotionally thin. I had expected so much more from Honda Kotb. It really seems like a money grab.
When the passages are good, they are excellent. Had the author and publisher spent more time on the book, it could have been excellent. As it is, it's mediocre. Borrow it from the library or wait until it's in the remaindered book.
October 1, 2019
I read this in one day last week. Could not put it down. I laughed i cried and i felt so happy reading it. So many wise wonderful words .bravo ms. Kotb
October 12, 2019
I Really Needed This Today is a collection of quotes from the Today show's Hoda Kotb. It’s a quote a day for a full year. She also gives her own personal anecdotes after each quote, mentioning celebrities, coworkers, family and friends. Her voice shines throughout. It’s sweet, funny and heartwarming at the same time. This would make a great gift for anyone. I loved it, and I really needed this today!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
January 16, 2021
I stumbled across the audiobook of this book completely by chance, I am so glad I did.
This is an amazing collection of inspiring words and phrases and pure wisdom from across the globe.
A few minutes in and I stopped and ordered a hardback copy.
This is one of those books everyone needs a copy of, to pick up and browse, to read a page each day, to share with friends and to lean on in times of need.
Truly uplifting and thought provoking.
A complete pleasure to read and own.
This is an amazing collection of inspiring words and phrases and pure wisdom from across the globe.
A few minutes in and I stopped and ordered a hardback copy.
This is one of those books everyone needs a copy of, to pick up and browse, to read a page each day, to share with friends and to lean on in times of need.
Truly uplifting and thought provoking.
A complete pleasure to read and own.
Read
December 31, 2021Thank you, Rita, for this gift that helped me get through this year.
December 11, 2019
I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By
I Picked Up This Book Because: Curiosity
This book is a series of quotes that Ms Kotb has come across in her life and small stories or musings on how they have affected herself and others she has come across. Many stories are tied to her family and her journey to create it. Some are about friendships or listeners and viewers. This is probably better read in bits and pieces over time then smushed all together as an audiobook. It would make an excellent coffee table book or morning devotional. It gave me quite a few things to think about.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
4 Stars
I Picked Up This Book Because: Curiosity
This book is a series of quotes that Ms Kotb has come across in her life and small stories or musings on how they have affected herself and others she has come across. Many stories are tied to her family and her journey to create it. Some are about friendships or listeners and viewers. This is probably better read in bits and pieces over time then smushed all together as an audiobook. It would make an excellent coffee table book or morning devotional. It gave me quite a few things to think about.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
4 Stars
November 20, 2019
This is a good collection of quotes, some nice personal anecdotes. Can’t blame hosts of shows using their platform to sell products, and I appreciate this is a 'feel good' book. It didn’t really grab me though, and I wouldn’t want to own it or give it as a gift. It reminded me of a page-a-day calendar, it might be better in that format instead of a hardcover. Easy read.
December 31, 2020
I love Hoda and I love quotes, so this was perfect for me! I lost my mom a couple of years ago and the quote on the day she died is “In French you don’t really say “I miss you.” You say, “Tu me manques” which is closer to “Ypu are missing from me”. On her birthday the quote was Smiling does not necessarily mean you’re happy. Sometimes it just means you’re strong.
November 16, 2019
Not my jam, each day there is a quote; the quotes are good. But then there are a line or two of seeminly irrelavent thoughts by the author. They aren't long enough or general enough to offer addtional insight; except perhaps to the author themselves and/or people who live for her words.
January 10, 2022
I definitely needed this today!
This little gem of a book had been on my radar for a long time. I’ve been trying to limit my spending and not buy so many books (because although I hate to admit it- I may be what you call a book hoarder…). Lucky for me Amazon had a special price for this book to start off the new year, and Happy New Year to me! 🎉
I am more than happy with this book! It is everything that I expected and more! I LOVED all the quotes, and especially Hoda Kotb’s explanations and stories afterwards. Yes, if you are on social media you have probably seen these same quotes several times- but having Hoda’s words after them give these quotes that much more meaning. I have been a fan of Hoda Kotb for quite some time, but now I am a forever fan!
I highly recommend reading this book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on her latest book of quotes titled This Just Speaks To Me.
This little gem of a book had been on my radar for a long time. I’ve been trying to limit my spending and not buy so many books (because although I hate to admit it- I may be what you call a book hoarder…). Lucky for me Amazon had a special price for this book to start off the new year, and Happy New Year to me! 🎉
I am more than happy with this book! It is everything that I expected and more! I LOVED all the quotes, and especially Hoda Kotb’s explanations and stories afterwards. Yes, if you are on social media you have probably seen these same quotes several times- but having Hoda’s words after them give these quotes that much more meaning. I have been a fan of Hoda Kotb for quite some time, but now I am a forever fan!
I highly recommend reading this book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on her latest book of quotes titled This Just Speaks To Me.
May 6, 2022
I love Hoda and could almost hear her voice reading the quiet affirmations to me. I read it a bit at the time, and more than once the piece I was reading spoke perfectly to me for the moment I was in. Highly recommended.
This unbiased review is based on a copy won through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
This unbiased review is based on a copy won through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
December 15, 2020
I finished early because I’m borrowing it to a friend for next year but it’s one page every morning with an inspirational quote and personal story from Hoda Kotb. Was the sweetest and simplest way to start my mornings, can’t wait to do it again with her new one next year!
December 31, 2020
When I started this book on Jan 1st I had no idea how impactful these little nuggets would become in navigating the challenges of 2020.
March 1, 2020
I picked this up at the library, I really need to buy my own copy. Great book of inspirational quotes.
February 24, 2025
A lovely little book of aphorisms. Here are a few I saved:
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” ― Saint Teresa of Calcutta
“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” ― Steven Furtick
“Happiness is available. Please help yourself to it.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
“Breathe, darling. This is just a chapter. It's not your whole story.” ― S. C. Lourie
“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” -Pooh’s Grand Adventure
“Love the people God gave you because He will need them back one day.”
― Becky Kinder
“One day or day one. You decide.” ― Paulo Coelho
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” ― Saint Teresa of Calcutta
“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” ― Steven Furtick
“Happiness is available. Please help yourself to it.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
“Breathe, darling. This is just a chapter. It's not your whole story.” ― S. C. Lourie
“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” -Pooh’s Grand Adventure
“Love the people God gave you because He will need them back one day.”
― Becky Kinder
“One day or day one. You decide.” ― Paulo Coelho
January 21, 2021
This is a quick read, because it's a book of inspiring quotes and the author's commentary on them. The commentary at times is less than ten words, at other times it's a more than page. Nothing very certain. Are they inspiring? Yes. Some are very much needed and liked too, and the author's thoughts on them are inspiring at times as well. Did I really need this today? Perhaps not all of them. Just reading a quote rarely has an impact if not for the state of mind of the reader. It's a good book with a lovely cover but not WOW for me at present at least.
December 23, 2019
I rarelt write reviews for books but I truly loved everything about this one. I know others have said "oh it's just a book of quotes" but it's much more than that. Every hand picked quote spoke to me. It also inspired me to look up the original poems, listen to the songs again, put more books on my Goodreads list and it lead to introspection. I can't tell you how many quotes I book marked. I'll definitely buy this for others and pick up a copy I can keep for myself.
February 14, 2021
Lots of fluff here and less substance, imo. Some pages only have a few words or a sentence. I like Hoda a lot so I guess I expected more unique and poignant thoughts instead of the typical positivity/hardwork/ cliché inspiring anecdote type remarks.
October 24, 2019
Love Hoda!!
November 22, 2019
Yet another wanna be Oprah book about/of inspiration, positive motivation, or gratitude.
To me, it comes across as a holiday season money grab or advert for Hoda and her morning show.
To me, it comes across as a holiday season money grab or advert for Hoda and her morning show.
December 31, 2019
Yes, I really needed that this week. What a great book and way to end the year!
March 9, 2020
I’ve been reading this book a little bit before bed every night. It’s filled with really lovely quotes and inspirational blurbs from the author
December 20, 2020
First of all Thank you Hoda Kotb for writing such a great inspirational book.
I was lucky enough to meet Her when this book came out and get it personally autographed. This book is a page a day read as it is broken down to a inspirational quote a day, that Hoda likes and adds some words of her own about it. I read it as such a page a day but wanted to keep reading it so that's why I didn't wait until Dec 31st to finish. a definite keeper and a read again book. I have even gifted this book to some of my beloved friends.
This book is also the last book to complete my 75 book challenge for the year 2020!
I was lucky enough to meet Her when this book came out and get it personally autographed. This book is a page a day read as it is broken down to a inspirational quote a day, that Hoda likes and adds some words of her own about it. I read it as such a page a day but wanted to keep reading it so that's why I didn't wait until Dec 31st to finish. a definite keeper and a read again book. I have even gifted this book to some of my beloved friends.
This book is also the last book to complete my 75 book challenge for the year 2020!
December 31, 2021
I used this book as a guide for my gratefulness journaling in 2021. After reading each day's quote or passage, I wrote my interpretation of it and then wrote what I was grateful for that day. The book provided perspective and introspection. It helped me to live in the present. With the gratitude practice, I feel I was able to worry less (most of the time!) and to appreciate the simple things that truly bring me joy.
My daughter gifted me with Hoda's book This Just Speaks to Me for Christmas. I plan to do something similar with it for 2022!
My daughter gifted me with Hoda's book This Just Speaks to Me for Christmas. I plan to do something similar with it for 2022!
August 4, 2021
I loved this book. It’s a very easy read, quotes for each day of the year. It will definitely be given as Christmas gifts this year- Jessica, pretend you didn’t see that! 🙂 This book is inspiring and helpful and it makes you feel good about yourself and your life; or it inspires you to change your life.
November 24, 2020
I gobbled all of the wonderful inspirations, and mind benders in a couple of days.... (it was a library book).... this would be a a good book to look at every morning to help set the day.
Highly recommend the read.
Highly recommend the read.
December 29, 2020
I have not ever been able to stick to a daily reflection book...until now. This, I am thrilled to say, was the exception! Each morning I found myself wondering each morning what aphorism (that's a quote for us laymen) Hoda picked for that day and excited to read about what her thoughts or experiences around the quote were. I really liked it, and have purchased her next one for the upcoming year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews