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O's Little Guide to the Big Questions
What truly matters?
What is my purpose?
When is the right time to make a change?
Who is most important to me?
A thoughtful and provocative collection of personal essays, O’s Little Guide to the Big Questions highlights the wisdom to be gained from engaging with life’s deepest mysteries.
Award-winning and bestselling writers for O, The Oprah Magazine have been tackling these and other crucial questions since the magazine’s inception. Here, they share their eye-opening, soul-expanding insights. Among the many jewels in the collection, Terry Tempest Williams describes the utter shock of opening her late mother’s journals—and the lessons she gleaned from what she found inside; Thich Nhat Hanh finds compassion in the midst of anger; JulieOrringer reveals how we can know when we’ve found “the one.”
Offering valuable perspective to anyone feeling lost or in need of a reset, O’s Little Guide to the Big Questions is proof that while the search for meaning can be daunting, it’s also clarifying, motivating, empowering, and the surest path to becoming the person you were meant to be.
What is my purpose?
When is the right time to make a change?
Who is most important to me?
A thoughtful and provocative collection of personal essays, O’s Little Guide to the Big Questions highlights the wisdom to be gained from engaging with life’s deepest mysteries.
Award-winning and bestselling writers for O, The Oprah Magazine have been tackling these and other crucial questions since the magazine’s inception. Here, they share their eye-opening, soul-expanding insights. Among the many jewels in the collection, Terry Tempest Williams describes the utter shock of opening her late mother’s journals—and the lessons she gleaned from what she found inside; Thich Nhat Hanh finds compassion in the midst of anger; JulieOrringer reveals how we can know when we’ve found “the one.”
Offering valuable perspective to anyone feeling lost or in need of a reset, O’s Little Guide to the Big Questions is proof that while the search for meaning can be daunting, it’s also clarifying, motivating, empowering, and the surest path to becoming the person you were meant to be.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
33 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 23, 2019
I really liked it and those short essays had a lot of insight. I gave it a four stars because of the lack of diversity in the religion section representation. Everyone has their believes and truths of course and I deeply respect that, I just wish they included an essay or a short story from any Muslim respected or esteemed individual.
January 31, 2018
Review first published on my blog: http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
O's Little Guide to the Big Questions is an extremely well-curated collection of empowering non-fiction essays, short stories and quotes that have previously appeared in O, the Oprah Magazine. They cover topics such as life and death, religion and spirituality, loss and love, and finding happiness and fulfillment, in raw and evocative ways.
An eclectic mix of authors have contributed to this stunning book, each with their own unique voice and story to tell, creating a hugely varied collection of stories. Though they all work really well-together, complimenting each other in unexpected ways. Some are thought provoking, others are inspiring and yet others extremely moving in their brazen honesty, especially in those moments where the author shares a personal tragedy.
Yet despite the sheer variety of writers and subjects present within this little tome, each of the contributions felt hugely relatable. It's a testament to the incredible authors for turning their experiences into words that will not only make the reader think, but that also create a beautiful connection. This is especially admirable considering the short length of most of the stories; each word and each sentence carefully selected to leave a powerful impact upon their recipient.
It is impossible to pick a favourite from all of these beautiful contributors as I loved each one for different reasons and there wasn't a single one I did not feel some sort of a connection with. However, there are some sentences throughout that were particularly memorable to me, including:
"You can't discount how hard it'll be to leave your bad marriage or stop writing your bad book, but if you're unhappy, nothing can get better as long as the status quo stays the status quo." – Walk Away by Elissa Schappell
"The art of being helpful is behaving as if everything we do matters – because we never know which things might." – Helpfulness by Gloria Steinem
"Once I stopped wasting energy on things I didn't want to do, I suddenly had head space for all the things I used to say I didn't have time for." – Give Yourself a Happiness Raise by Margarita Bertsos
Even on their own, disconnected from their respective stories, these quotes leave a powerful impact. Needless to say the full essays and shorts they're taken from are even more excellent and will most definitely provide plenty of inspiring food for thought.
The big questions discussed within this book aren't things that feel beyond comprehension for the average person, such as 'What truly happened to the dinosaurs?' or 'How much time do we have left on earth?'. Instead they're far more important questions for you as an individual that force you to think and ask yourself: 'What do I believe in?', 'What is truly important in my life?' and 'What makes me happy?
These are questions that are perhaps difficult – almost impossible – to answer, but this beautiful little book filled with inspiration and wisdom will provide some guidance to empower you and help you on this never-ending journey.
O's Little Guide to the Big Questions is an extremely well-curated collection of empowering non-fiction essays, short stories and quotes that have previously appeared in O, the Oprah Magazine. They cover topics such as life and death, religion and spirituality, loss and love, and finding happiness and fulfillment, in raw and evocative ways.
An eclectic mix of authors have contributed to this stunning book, each with their own unique voice and story to tell, creating a hugely varied collection of stories. Though they all work really well-together, complimenting each other in unexpected ways. Some are thought provoking, others are inspiring and yet others extremely moving in their brazen honesty, especially in those moments where the author shares a personal tragedy.
Yet despite the sheer variety of writers and subjects present within this little tome, each of the contributions felt hugely relatable. It's a testament to the incredible authors for turning their experiences into words that will not only make the reader think, but that also create a beautiful connection. This is especially admirable considering the short length of most of the stories; each word and each sentence carefully selected to leave a powerful impact upon their recipient.
It is impossible to pick a favourite from all of these beautiful contributors as I loved each one for different reasons and there wasn't a single one I did not feel some sort of a connection with. However, there are some sentences throughout that were particularly memorable to me, including:
"You can't discount how hard it'll be to leave your bad marriage or stop writing your bad book, but if you're unhappy, nothing can get better as long as the status quo stays the status quo." – Walk Away by Elissa Schappell
"The art of being helpful is behaving as if everything we do matters – because we never know which things might." – Helpfulness by Gloria Steinem
"Once I stopped wasting energy on things I didn't want to do, I suddenly had head space for all the things I used to say I didn't have time for." – Give Yourself a Happiness Raise by Margarita Bertsos
Even on their own, disconnected from their respective stories, these quotes leave a powerful impact. Needless to say the full essays and shorts they're taken from are even more excellent and will most definitely provide plenty of inspiring food for thought.
The big questions discussed within this book aren't things that feel beyond comprehension for the average person, such as 'What truly happened to the dinosaurs?' or 'How much time do we have left on earth?'. Instead they're far more important questions for you as an individual that force you to think and ask yourself: 'What do I believe in?', 'What is truly important in my life?' and 'What makes me happy?
These are questions that are perhaps difficult – almost impossible – to answer, but this beautiful little book filled with inspiration and wisdom will provide some guidance to empower you and help you on this never-ending journey.
November 9, 2020
The kind of books you relate to and are just amazed by how common are some thoughts and that you're never that alone thinking what you're thinking.
It's always a sense of belonging that comes after reading the O's Little Series. Not exclusively for women, but that's a spaciauous safe place where you read about someone's struggle and learn more about yourself curieusement...
And then I wonder if there was anything similar in Arabic, or it's only American to voice the monologs of one's own thoughts?
La pudeur d'ouvrir the Pandora box of your life... I don't know... Would definitely give it a try if not in the coming decade maybe after... Hhhh
It's always a sense of belonging that comes after reading the O's Little Series. Not exclusively for women, but that's a spaciauous safe place where you read about someone's struggle and learn more about yourself curieusement...
And then I wonder if there was anything similar in Arabic, or it's only American to voice the monologs of one's own thoughts?
La pudeur d'ouvrir the Pandora box of your life... I don't know... Would definitely give it a try if not in the coming decade maybe after... Hhhh
January 10, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
A random collection of life experiences... although is it random when they are such huge personal moments recounted in such a considered way by all. Some beautifully written pieces showing the true vulnerability fights lived in life
A random collection of life experiences... although is it random when they are such huge personal moments recounted in such a considered way by all. Some beautifully written pieces showing the true vulnerability fights lived in life
January 16, 2021
O's Little Guide to the Big Questions is a book of essays that each takes on an important question in life. Some of the big questions include love, personal meaning, difficulties, the most important things, and life purpose.
July 26, 2025
A collection of philosophical short stories. Very easy and quick read.
May 21, 2019
"We learn to live not with a loss, as if we accept or welcome it, but alongside it." -
Michelle Wildgren.
Great collection of short essays.
"Cooper's Heart" by Rebecca Gummere is harrowing but absolutely incredible writing.
Michelle Wildgren.
Great collection of short essays.
"Cooper's Heart" by Rebecca Gummere is harrowing but absolutely incredible writing.
February 7, 2019
مقالات لكتاب مختلفين متفاوتة اساليبهم، كلها تستحق القراءة. أكثر مقال عجبني (انبهار البصر) بقلم مارثا بك. المقال يتناول مفاهيم مثل التدين و الدين و الروحانية، جميل، بسيط و عميق جدا في نفس الوقت
March 14, 2018
Meant O's ...Big Questions book to be just a quick read. But I marked nine! memorable parts in the various passages then had to mark special parts in each of those individual authors mini biographies in the back.
Gloria Steinem! is one of the final contributors. I was not actually expecting wisdom, but there it was. On the page. Several pages. Good job, The Editors of O.
These are a few brief lines to remind me of what I read:
Amy Maclin "Living suddenly seemed more conditional than it had the year before."
Michelle Wildgen "...but that some of it has, and here we are still. You do not self destruct when your fears come to pass."
David McGlynn "Their hands were in the air, grins on their faces. And it hit me: The house that I had yearned for wasn't necessary."
Katherine Russell Rich "When you are swamped by fear, ask yourself "How are you right now? Right now, are you in the hospital? Right now,...?"
Bonnie Jo Campbell "You might say I made it my business not to be helpless,..." "her new challenge is learning how to let them."
Gloria Steinem "Before I spoke to them, if you'd asked me how to stop sex trafficking in this village, never would I have said, Find a way to keep elephants out of their gardens."
Gloria Steinem! is one of the final contributors. I was not actually expecting wisdom, but there it was. On the page. Several pages. Good job, The Editors of O.
These are a few brief lines to remind me of what I read:
Amy Maclin "Living suddenly seemed more conditional than it had the year before."
Michelle Wildgen "...but that some of it has, and here we are still. You do not self destruct when your fears come to pass."
David McGlynn "Their hands were in the air, grins on their faces. And it hit me: The house that I had yearned for wasn't necessary."
Katherine Russell Rich "When you are swamped by fear, ask yourself "How are you right now? Right now, are you in the hospital? Right now,...?"
Bonnie Jo Campbell "You might say I made it my business not to be helpless,..." "her new challenge is learning how to let them."
Gloria Steinem "Before I spoke to them, if you'd asked me how to stop sex trafficking in this village, never would I have said, Find a way to keep elephants out of their gardens."
October 25, 2018
3.5. I generally really like Oprah and her last book I read I loved enough that I will for add it to the very small list of books I will surely re read. My list is so small, not because I don’t have many books that I love, but I generally have so many new books to read that I don’t do repeats. However her other book lifted me up and inspired me. This one a lot less so. So as a result this was good, some of the stories really enjoyable and a few I could have skipped altogether.
August 20, 2023
Let me start by saying, I would never have chosen to read this because it was an "O" book - but was looking up what was available via audio by Julie Orringer and she had a story in this collection. Some of these were excellent - truly heartfelt, engaging and relevant. A few were annoying - one in particular for stating that atheists are not capable of spirituality. The one by Terry Tempest Williams I had read previously but liked it just as much the 2nd time.
December 31, 2024
To be honest I can only find 5 out of 25 stories (still, very well written by various authors) that I'd humbly say inspiring while the others were either not that relate or didn't make me think about all over again. The "big questions" here mostly defined by heartfelt narratives of loss and separation. But if you're in attempt to find variety of writing styles in one little book, this will probably suit you.
May 26, 2018
A short collection of short essays. Under 200 pages. It can be read in a few hours. Although short the essays are written by excellent writers with unique points of views. They attempt to provide answers to some of life's most difficult questions. I enjoy this format, particularly because it introduces me to so many authors, whose books I will seek out.
I read a library copy of this book.
I read a library copy of this book.
August 7, 2020
"I believe in getting some sleep once you arrive, so that in the morning you can see the view you could not see in the dark." ~Oprah Winfrey
A book that reflects on life experience and places the reader in observed realities,
offering an opportunistic perspective presented by the author in taste and subtle manner.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
A book that reflects on life experience and places the reader in observed realities,
offering an opportunistic perspective presented by the author in taste and subtle manner.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
September 24, 2018
After reading the other 'O' book which I thought was fantastic, this one was really disappointing, there were only a couple of inspirational stories and the rest was rather mindless ramblings. Perhaps someone else might find them interesting, but I was sadly not taken by the stories. Such a shame.
April 1, 2018
Short essay by various people on life, love, death, and difficult times. Interesting and quick to read.
June 17, 2018
Always a joy reading one of O's Little Guides. Inspiring, enlightening, funny, honest.
June 29, 2018
Loved 90% of these thoughtful, honest essays about “real” topics. Quick and easy read and great gift book.
July 8, 2018
I enjoyed reading the essay by Julie Orringer titled "meant to be"
November 14, 2018
A quick, inspirational read. You'll want to pick it up and read it again and again.
February 2, 2019
Interesting questions.
February 12, 2019
3.5 I listened to it and it was just the right pick me up for a dreary February day.
February 12, 2019
Short, straightforward, emotional messages about life and loss.
February 24, 2019
This was a lovely collection of memoir mostly that I enjoyed listening to so much that I am repeating them again.
March 7, 2019
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The essays were engaging, poignant, and beautifully written. Pretty gems throughout.
May 29, 2019
Some great parts, but most essays are average.
September 7, 2019
It's a good, quick read. However, I couldn't relate as I feel it's for a certain age group.
November 23, 2019
Bunch of stories by different authors about their lives and things with their lives. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but don't have any big take aways. Kind of a meh book for me.
January 12, 2020
An anthology of short stories. I think this is one of the weaker in the series.
January 21, 2020
Good compilation of short stories written from various points of view. Enjoyed reading the different view points.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews