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Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way
From New York Times bestselling author and beloved Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb—inspiring stories of people who find their life’s purpose in unexpected ways, often surprising themselves and the ones they love.
Most of us wonder what we’re doing. We float around in the glass half-empty, gaze out into the world of possibilities, and wonder if we should get off of our raft and climb out. Maybe even today you asked yourself: Is it too late to do that thing that made me so happy when I was young? Could what matters most to me finally be the center of my life? Can I really trust this yearning voice in my head and longing in my heart? Do I feel like I’m where I belong?
In this incredible collection of stories, Hoda Kotb writes about individuals who realized their path in life was either veering off in a completely new direction or was getting too far off course from where they knew they belonged. By following their passions, their gut, and their heart, these people learned how fulfilling life could truly feel. From the investment banker who became a minister after years of working on Wall Street, to the young woman from a blue-collar background whose passion took her to Harvard Medical School, to the high-powered PR exec who found herself drawn to a pioneering residential community, to a “no-kids” guy who now helps children all over the world, the stories in Where They Belong come from an array of ordinary individuals who have discovered the power of embracing change or fighting for a dream. Hoda also interviews celebrities, such as producer Mark Burnett and actress/producer Roma Downey, comedienne Margaret Cho, and former boxer Laila Ali, all who’ve pursued their passions to find fulfillment.
With examples of perseverance, self-reflection, and new attitudes on life, Where They Belong is a motivating and inspirational look at exploring and finding the right path for your personal journey.
Most of us wonder what we’re doing. We float around in the glass half-empty, gaze out into the world of possibilities, and wonder if we should get off of our raft and climb out. Maybe even today you asked yourself: Is it too late to do that thing that made me so happy when I was young? Could what matters most to me finally be the center of my life? Can I really trust this yearning voice in my head and longing in my heart? Do I feel like I’m where I belong?
In this incredible collection of stories, Hoda Kotb writes about individuals who realized their path in life was either veering off in a completely new direction or was getting too far off course from where they knew they belonged. By following their passions, their gut, and their heart, these people learned how fulfilling life could truly feel. From the investment banker who became a minister after years of working on Wall Street, to the young woman from a blue-collar background whose passion took her to Harvard Medical School, to the high-powered PR exec who found herself drawn to a pioneering residential community, to a “no-kids” guy who now helps children all over the world, the stories in Where They Belong come from an array of ordinary individuals who have discovered the power of embracing change or fighting for a dream. Hoda also interviews celebrities, such as producer Mark Burnett and actress/producer Roma Downey, comedienne Margaret Cho, and former boxer Laila Ali, all who’ve pursued their passions to find fulfillment.
With examples of perseverance, self-reflection, and new attitudes on life, Where They Belong is a motivating and inspirational look at exploring and finding the right path for your personal journey.
252 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
About the author
Hoda Kotb
13 books308 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 78 reviews
March 17, 2016
This Book Is Loaded With Stories and Insights
Are you in the right occupation or place in your life? How do you find the place where you belong? Journalist Hoda Kotb tells a series of well-told stories in this audio version. I heard it cover to cover.
The exact path for every person is different and you will find a variety of paths detailed in these stories. The information provides terrific insights for anyone who feels like they have not hit the right place where they belong. I loved hearing these stories and highly recommend this book.
Are you in the right occupation or place in your life? How do you find the place where you belong? Journalist Hoda Kotb tells a series of well-told stories in this audio version. I heard it cover to cover.
The exact path for every person is different and you will find a variety of paths detailed in these stories. The information provides terrific insights for anyone who feels like they have not hit the right place where they belong. I loved hearing these stories and highly recommend this book.
November 6, 2016
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way is an a book filled with an inspiring compilation of stories that follow extraordinary people who found their true purpose in life. Kotb shares the stories of those who often had everything going for them or nothing at all and drastically changed the way they looked at themselves.
She shares the stories of: Michelle Hauser, Lalia Ali, Craig and Kathi Juntynen, Roma Downey, and Margret Cho. Some of the people she writes about knew their purpose at a young age and worked diligently to materialize them. Others thought they had their lives all figured out, but their lives took a complete 180 to find where they belonged. Young or old, it is never too late to figure out your purpose in life.
This is a book I would recommend to all high school seniors who are applying to college because it shows them that it is okay not to have it all figured out just yet. This book will show them that everyone in life has a unique purpose and passion and it might take time to discover it.
She shares the stories of: Michelle Hauser, Lalia Ali, Craig and Kathi Juntynen, Roma Downey, and Margret Cho. Some of the people she writes about knew their purpose at a young age and worked diligently to materialize them. Others thought they had their lives all figured out, but their lives took a complete 180 to find where they belonged. Young or old, it is never too late to figure out your purpose in life.
This is a book I would recommend to all high school seniors who are applying to college because it shows them that it is okay not to have it all figured out just yet. This book will show them that everyone in life has a unique purpose and passion and it might take time to discover it.
January 28, 2018
I did not like the book's opening remark. I almost didn't keep reading. Some of the stories were interesting. I especially enjoyed the turn in Craig and Kathy's life as they decided to become parents and then turned to helping orphanages and children that need adopting by starting and running several charitable foundations.
My favorite quote was, "When you look back at your life, it's really who you loved and who loved you, and how you spent your time with those you're close with...love is the value that matters most at the end of your life." by Kay (Nashama) Abraham. Her story was also interesting.
My favorite quote was, "When you look back at your life, it's really who you loved and who loved you, and how you spent your time with those you're close with...love is the value that matters most at the end of your life." by Kay (Nashama) Abraham. Her story was also interesting.
April 22, 2018
I was hoping for a little bit more with this book, but then again, if you're feeling lost and frazzled in life, you probably need more than a book. :-) Some of the stories were interesting, and yes, most showed that you can overcome adversity and changes, and turn your life into something meaningful. I admired the story about the retired rich couple who got bored of sleeping in, golfing and shopping every day. They ended up adopting several orphans and went on to help other couples in the adoption process. Some of the stories are way too long, and you begin to feel that you are reading someone's personal diary. In some instances, it was ok; but in others, it dragged on and was boring. I did enjoy the quotes between chapters, so I'll leave you with one of those, "A long marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos at the same time. -Anne Taylor Fleming"
March 18, 2016
Hoda Kotb has been around on television for quite awhile, but she really came to my notice when I started watching the fourth hour of The Today Show with Kathy Lee (a celebrity I've followed since her days with Regis). Kathy Lee and Hoda developed into an entertaining, cohesive team which is why I was interested in reading the book - Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way, the third publication Hoda has written with Jane Lorenzini. This book explores seven inspirational accounts of various individuals who have overcome a wide range of adversities in order to achieve success in their lives. The first story features Michelle Hauser who, despite a rough childhood and some poor life choices, attended Harvard Medical School and combined her love of medicine with her culinary talents to promote healthy eating habits as a way to combat various illnesses. The second story is about Laila Ali who worked hard to become a successful boxer following in her famous father's footsteps. Then we are introduced to power couple, Craig and Kathi Juntunen, who were able to devote their energies into providing for orphans in Haiti, first by adopting two children, then by starting a foundation to assist the others who remained, especially those effected by the devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake. They discovered that while there are many orphans throughout the world in need of parents and there are plenty of potential families in the United States who are more than willing to adopt these children, there is no direct pipeline available to facilitate the adoption process due to a myriad of rules and procedures with no follow up to clinch the deal. Four other bio shorts round out the seven tales.
While I thought the writing style was a bit over the top and at times a little wordy, this short, skimable book is perfect for readers who like true stories focusing on people who persevere despite obstacles. These narratives remind me of those vignettes I used to read in the magazines at the Beauty Parlor while waiting for my mother to have her hair done back when I was a child in the sixties.
Three stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this title.
Sent from my iPad
While I thought the writing style was a bit over the top and at times a little wordy, this short, skimable book is perfect for readers who like true stories focusing on people who persevere despite obstacles. These narratives remind me of those vignettes I used to read in the magazines at the Beauty Parlor while waiting for my mother to have her hair done back when I was a child in the sixties.
Three stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this title.
Sent from my iPad
July 26, 2016
Kotb has "written" some good books before but this one is terribly trite and uninspired. Supposedly filled with inspirational tales from people who changed direction to fulfill their dreams, the stories sound like long People magazine articles and seem to be chosen to make sure there's diversity represented instead of for how they match the theme. Of the millions of people in America that have interesting life stories, none of the subjects in the book seem anything special. Magaret Cho? Seriously? She is one of the most depressing, negative comics in history. Mark Burnett? This PR piece does nothing to dig into what the TV producer is really like and instead tries to make him sound like a religious freedom fighter. An Iowa girl who becomes a doctor after being told she might not even get through community college? Okay, it's an example of tenacity but not an example of what they claim the book's theme is (she never changes her goal--it's always to be a doctor!). Even when the story does match the theme it's poorly told or doesn't touch the reader--it's hard to feel sorry for the New York banker who decides to become a minister in midlife when he has to sell his Mercedes to pay for seminary.
One major problem is that many of the people in the book are still in the early or middle stages of their careers, so the authors have no idea how the stories will really end. Instead they make us think everything has turned out great, ignoring the devastation left behind through divorces and ignored family members.
How much Kotb had to do with this book is up to debate. It appears (I'm just guessing) that she "wrote" the opening and closing few pages. Then the co-author did all of the chapter work. No matter what Kotb's involvement, the book is a failure and she should certainly not have her photo on the front of it. As a journalist she should know better--this book really has nothing to do with her. Don't let the publishers trick you into thinking this is similar to her earlier books that had much stronger content.
One major problem is that many of the people in the book are still in the early or middle stages of their careers, so the authors have no idea how the stories will really end. Instead they make us think everything has turned out great, ignoring the devastation left behind through divorces and ignored family members.
How much Kotb had to do with this book is up to debate. It appears (I'm just guessing) that she "wrote" the opening and closing few pages. Then the co-author did all of the chapter work. No matter what Kotb's involvement, the book is a failure and she should certainly not have her photo on the front of it. As a journalist she should know better--this book really has nothing to do with her. Don't let the publishers trick you into thinking this is similar to her earlier books that had much stronger content.
January 6, 2016
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us The Way by Hoda Kotb with co-author and long-time friend Jane Lorenzini is no ordinary book. It is an extraordinary book about ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary triumph and success in life. The attainments and measures of success scaled by these people were realized when they ultimately heeded to the voice in their hearts and were willing to risk failure with a leap of faith to pursue a fulfilling career path. The stories are meant to inspire you
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way is Kotb’s third book following her earlier two books – “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee” and “Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives.” This book is a celebration of lives that have been transformed beyond measures, of people who’ve traversed life’s capricious and fickle, and often bumpy road.
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way tells the stories of Michelle Hauser, Laila Ali, Craig and Kathi Juntunen, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, Neshama Abraham and Zev Paiss, Margaret Cho, and Lindley Degarmo and Sarah Finlayson. Michelle knew where she belonged, but because of her upbringing, she meandered for several years. Decades passed before Craig and Kathi embraced a change. Neshama was lonely as a child but when she allowed herself a walk of faith it healed old wounds and redefined her. A yearning to belong nearly cost Lindley and Sarah their marriage but when they responded to their inner voice they emerged a stronger couple.
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way by Hoda Kotb and Jane Lorenzini is a rich story to tell, one that inspires and offers hope to any of us who wonder if we too can identify where we belong and take the first step in that direction. Happy endings don’t just happen. Every one of us has to work for it, including the people in the pages of this inspiring book.
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way is Kotb’s third book following her earlier two books – “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee” and “Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives.” This book is a celebration of lives that have been transformed beyond measures, of people who’ve traversed life’s capricious and fickle, and often bumpy road.
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way tells the stories of Michelle Hauser, Laila Ali, Craig and Kathi Juntunen, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, Neshama Abraham and Zev Paiss, Margaret Cho, and Lindley Degarmo and Sarah Finlayson. Michelle knew where she belonged, but because of her upbringing, she meandered for several years. Decades passed before Craig and Kathi embraced a change. Neshama was lonely as a child but when she allowed herself a walk of faith it healed old wounds and redefined her. A yearning to belong nearly cost Lindley and Sarah their marriage but when they responded to their inner voice they emerged a stronger couple.
Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way by Hoda Kotb and Jane Lorenzini is a rich story to tell, one that inspires and offers hope to any of us who wonder if we too can identify where we belong and take the first step in that direction. Happy endings don’t just happen. Every one of us has to work for it, including the people in the pages of this inspiring book.
January 7, 2017
In this incredible collection of stories, Hoda Kotb writes about individuals who realized their path in life was either veering off in a completely new direction or was getting too far off course from where they knew they belonged. By following their passions, their gut, and their heart, these people learned how fulfilling life could truly feel. From the investment banker who became a minister after years of working on Wall Street, to the young woman from a blue-collar background whose passion took her to Harvard Medical School, to the high-powered PR exec who found herself drawn to a pioneering residential community, to a “no-kids” guy who now helps children all over the world, the stories in Where They Belong come from an array of ordinary individuals who have discovered the power of embracing change or fighting for a dream. Hoda also interviews celebrities, such as producer Mark Burnett and actress/producer Roma Downey, comedienne Margaret Cho, and former boxer Laila Ali, all who’ve pursued their passions to find fulfillment.
With examples of perseverance, self-reflection, and new attitudes on life, Where They Belong is a motivating and inspirational look at exploring and finding the right path for your personal journey.
With examples of perseverance, self-reflection, and new attitudes on life, Where They Belong is a motivating and inspirational look at exploring and finding the right path for your personal journey.
February 8, 2016
Hoda Kotb's (and Jane Lorenzini's) new book,"Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way" contains seven stories about people that "found their true calling in life". Some after many bumps in the road. The introduction phrases the course of the book as following four words: "Should. Would. Could. Did." I was eagerly ready to read about some inspirational life journeys, but was disappointed in the short discourse of some of the seven stories. The most inspirational was the first story about Dr. Michelle Hauser, a young woman from a blue collar background whose passion to become a doctor was always her life goal through many side journeys. The stories of a few celebrities (Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, Margaret Cho and Laila Ali) are included. Some very briefly. These stories were meant to inspire the reader which I feel it did not live up to its promise. Not one of Kotb's best.
January 18, 2016
This was a good read for a snowy winter morn and holiday from work. Honda shares seven stories or journeys of people finding where they "belong. There stories are each different yet each person found their happy place in the work and home environment. They ended up doing what "they" wanted to do and needed to do to be happy. I particularly enjoyed the story of Lialia Alia, the youngest daughter go Muhmmad Ali. These four words are stressed at the beginning and end of the book-
Should, Could, Would, Did. The reader will surely think about where they are in life and if they are in a good place and have arrived.
Should, Could, Would, Did. The reader will surely think about where they are in life and if they are in a good place and have arrived.
January 16, 2016
In the introduction, Hoda says : These four words will lead the way: should, would , could and did. This is such an inspirational book as she tells the stories of individuals who overcame devastating obstacles to make something of their lives. Each story was remarkable and I found myself admiring everyone whose story is told in the book. In the story of Neshama and Zev, I learned about "co-housing" which was a concept of which I had never known. This is a quick book and you will finish the book and wish there were more stories of amazing individuals in the book.
February 14, 2016
A quick and easy read. Each story tells how a person or couple of people worked hard to discover where they belong in life. To find their calling so to speak or in some cases just become ok with who they already were. I found some of the stories to be too religious for my comfort level. Those stories at times crossed the line between being inspiring and overly preachy. Overall a great book for someone looking to read the types of inspirational stories they see on the Today Show.
January 31, 2016
It is a book of the stories of life journey's. Not all that interesting. It comes from a bias perspective. It is funny how some journey's are a series of dysfunctional life decisions and all of them just seem to be life with the author but when you hit her bias it is a huge negative from others that the person had to break free from. Not really worth the lead, she got two stars because I am a soft touch for rating books.
February 29, 2016
I love this kind of book, especially to listen to in the car. Four true stories about lives who developed and changed in unexpected ways. My favorite was the couple who never wanted children and worked all the time to be able to retire early when they turned 40. After finding retirement unfulfilling, fate led them to an orphanage in Haiti and their lives were forever enriched and changed by a new mission.
January 30, 2018
My husband gave this book to me as a “just because” gift because he knows that Ms. Kotb is one of my role models. Where We Belong tells nice little stories and gave me some food for thought. Hoda has a co-author here, and it is her voice that you hear when you read, not Hoda’s. It’s a nice,quick little book, though, and I don’t feel like I wasted my time reading it because some of the stories will stay with me.
January 22, 2016
While I enjoy Hoda Kotb, this book was incredibly boring and quite disappointing. I think the idea was great, but the 'journeys' highlighted in the book were not particularly relate-able and/or they were over-written. Some stories were way too long and I lost interest, others too short.
I don't recommend this book.
I don't recommend this book.
January 26, 2016
While these stories were all incredible, this book lacked warmth and color. I watch Hoda on the Today show on a regular basis, and she has so much compassion and color. This book has her brilliance for ideas and people, but sadly lacked her passion that typically infuses everything with color, compassion, and warmth. A good book, but it could definitely have been better.
July 4, 2016
Several good stories showing that where you start does not have to determine where you end up and that there is nothing wrong with continuing to search and work toward being in the place where you belong, or doing what you feel is your life's work.
Some stories are full bios going 30+ pages, others are short 5 - 10 pages.
Some stories are full bios going 30+ pages, others are short 5 - 10 pages.
February 11, 2017
Super easy read (I finished in about 2 hours) would be great for an airplane ride or something similar. It was mildly inspiring but not a self help book in that there is no real lesson to learn. It is basically a collection of stories about people who are in one profession and find their "calling" so they change.
December 15, 2017
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a friend who I think will enjoy it too.
January 24, 2016
I'm so bummed I didn't enjoy this. I love Hoda, I loved hearing her speak at the book signing I went to, and I love the idea of the book, but I didn't love the book. I read it thinking I would be really inspired and motivated, but it felt more like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.
February 13, 2016
Some interesting profiles of married couples of longstanding that have made significant life changes midstream in order to follow their calling, and found greater happiness, richness and fulfillment for having done it.
January 29, 2016
This is a quick and enjoyable read. Its main strength is that it focuses on a few case studies, and goes into depth on each one. This allows readers to see the evolution of people's decisions and actions over many years.
February 19, 2016
This was a quick read with vignettes of the famous and not so famous who have changed what they were doing to chart a new course in life. It sort of reminded me of the "feel - good" stories they do at the end of a newscast.
May 18, 2016
This collection and short biographies emphasis the need for reassessment of goals and determine what you are going to do about it. Many deal with the money success not being what they thought and finding their right place in giving and making a difference. Loved it and an easy read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2016
I liked this book. It tells several stories of people who found themselves and their "callings" -- some in a fairly straightforward way but most through a circuitous path that often confused or inconvenienced their families. I read this in one sitting and enjoyed the honest voice.
May 7, 2017
I received this book as a First Read. It's a profile of the lives of 7 people/couples. The bios of people following their dreams and finding their calling was nice but could have been more inspiring.
January 29, 2016
I was so excited to read this book based on an interview, but it didn't live up to my expectations. I thought it would be more inspiring. Nice idea, just didn't hit the mark for me.
January 26, 2016
Very inspiring book full of stories of ordinary people finding where they belong.
February 1, 2016
This is a lovely little inspiring book. It is very upbeat and encourages people to look at what brings them happiness and then to go after it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews