This Just Speaks to Me: Words to Live By Every Day

by Hoda Kotb

In this all-new collection of beloved quotes, This Just Speaks to Me, #1 New York Times bestselling author Hoda Kotb offers inspiration, wisdom, and hope 365 days a year.

When her first collection of quotes, I Really Needed This Today, was published in 2019, Hoda never imagined how deeply her favorite words, stories, and memories would resonate with readers. People across the country were connected not only by the book's positive message, but through their generosity in sharing it with friends and family who needed a daily burst of inspiration. Hoda was truly touched by fans who shared "their quote" with her, the one that most moved them or someone they love.

Now, to follow that remarkable experience, Hoda is back, with 365 new quotes and stories to share with her beloved readers. In This Just Speaks to Me, she writes about the people and moments that have enriched her life, discussing everything from motherhood and friendship to love and loss. The book also celebrates the countless acts of kindness that unfolded during these uniquely challenging times. Told with the same warmth, humor, and generosity that infused I Really Needed This Today, This Just Speaks to Me promises to be the next great companion book, each day elevated by Hoda's sparkle at a time when we may need it the most.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Inspirational, Audiobook, Devotional, Adult

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2020

About the author

Hoda 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.

Reviews

[Just Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, concerning Hoda Kotb's book "This speaks to me: Words to live by" this book did NOT speak to me. Ms. Kotb began writing this book just before the pandemic began and is more a personal journal for and to her friends and family. Far from being inspirational, I found her quotes and reflections to be juvenile, dated and sycophantic. Do yourself a favor, skip this book. Read a well-loved book of poetry or the bible instead.

[Taylor Theissen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in honor of Hoda’s last week on the today show. Hoda girly, you are such a bright light! I liked the audiobook more than the physical copy because she read it.

[Dawn (dawndevoursbooks)]

I enjoyed reading this book one day at a time over the 2022 year. I lifted certain quotes to write down and fill my own personal notebook.

[Robin Berman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book all at once instead of throughout the year, because I got it from the library.

The book is mainly about the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic (she even jokes about the awful toilet paper shortage, saying you can go on an adventure looking for toilet paper!) and also stories about her own family and celebrities and people Hoda knows and works with. She talks openly and honestly about herself and her life, especially about adoption. She talks about parenting and being a mom a lot. Since I'm a mom too, I could relate.

She chose a different quote for each day, and a few are her own thoughts.

She references some online videos and music, so to accompany reading it helps to Google as needed. For example, she mentioned a heartwarming video of a dad's excitement when his son hits a home run.

Occasionally she will mention something new to me that I didn't know about. For example, she and Jenna are fans of the country group Little Big Town. I never heard of them before reading about them in this book. So looked them up on You Tube. I never heard of Rabbi Steve Leder, who she looks up to. Never heard of the amazing singer Wintley Phipps, who does a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.

Hoda is a very special, charismatic person. Her warmth and happy attitude is wonderful, and is captured within this pleasant, funny, inspirational book.

I gave it 4 stars because a lot of the content is not original, and a lot of the anecdotes are from her Today TV show. So 3 stars plus an extra star 🌟 because I just love Hoda and her extremely charismatic happy personality.

[May-Ling · Rating 2 out of 5]

if you are a parent (even more if you're a mom), religious, middle to upper class, a fan of the today show and/or celebrities and craving reflection, then you may be in the target demographic for this book. i am not, although i appreciate the concept of powerful quotes to return to, illustrated by stories. some quotes feel reflective and others are downright silly. ones missing attribution either have none or maybe they are hers? i did find 3 quotes that resonated with me, so i'll share them here so i can come back to them:

march 15: "whatever you are not changing, you are choosing. read that again."
april 6: "feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -william arthur ward
june 16: "happiness, knowledge, not in another place but this place, not for another hour but this hour." -walt whitman

the weirdest thing about this book is that it's very COVID-19 focused and has a couple of strange related perspectives: 1) that we're having some kind of common experience - one that didn't totally resonate with me about all the amazing lazy snuggling family time and returning to what's important, blah blah and 2) this pandemic experience is told like it's in the past. i know i'm reading this close to the publication date, but it feels presumptuous to assume that the worst is behind us and that COVID-19 will be a wrap shortly. what a strange editorial choice as opposed to placing her book in the context of a moment in time with uncertainty ahead.

[Lisa Klenke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book of daily quotes and reflections….good start to each day.! This book was written during the coronavirus pandemic so sometimes the perspective comes from a place of dealing with a world turned upside down.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Loved hearing Hoda narrate. This book really was amazing 🤩. I wish i had it as a hardcover vs audio bc i found myself stopping and rewinding to write down MANY quotes that spoke to ME!
The only thing I did Not care for is approx every other quote Hoda references the global pandemic/covid 19/ coronavirus. Having lived thru such a scary time once I personally did not care to re-live it. I know Hoda was writing this during that time and really pointing out all the GOOD that came from the difficult time (and there WAS a lot of greatness) i wish there had been a filter on the audio that was able to sweep over all those different words and just tell the great example of human kindness. Not possible I know. And sure, you need 1 to have the other. Having shared my annoyance with the repeat reminders, I still gave it 5 stars bc I loved it so much. I appreciate Hodas honesty, wisdom, positive outlook on life, gratitude and kindness. I am planning on getting her book that was written in 2019 (no covid 19 references there). Thank you Hoda. Loved it. 🥰

[Kate R · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing book of quotes from Hoda Kotb. So many quotes I highlighted

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Quick, easy to pick up / put down but not as thought provoking or meaningful as I hoped.

[Samfreene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Just Speaks to Me: Hoda Kotb
In a world that is filled with despair, uncertainty and so much strife we need something to take ourselves out of the fears, trials and sadness and bring the sunshine back in our lives. We need something to help take us through the hard times, sad times, a created a positive new beginning and help you realize that you can do it, never give up on you.
Hoda Kotb’s book This Just Speaks to Me, will speak to every reader in different ways. The inspirational quotes, the descriptions of times that impacted her life and that of her close friends and family will help you the reader get motivated to look closer at the sunshine and push away the dark clouds. Told in 365 days of quotes each one followed by a special meeting with a friend, family event, broadcast on the Today Show, interview or just something that hit home, Hoda will take you into another world as you decide as I did which sayings and quotes reflect part of what I am going through and how reading this book made the world seem like a much brighter and hopeful place.
January 1 the first quote is perfect for starting the new year: “Get Back Up. Begin Again.” The quote is by Brent Brown. All too often after the holidays we feel down, families are back to doing their own things, celebrations are over and you need a reason to start over again and create new memories and great things for the new year. Do not be afraid to say you are hurting instead acknowledge it, own your fears, grief and disappointment and then put them aside and start over again and achieve things.
January 12 really says it all: Be the best version of yourself; Nellie Biles. On the Today Show Nellie stated that her mother Simone told her to be the best version of herself. So wise and a great way to explain that everyone needs to be who they are, and everyone gets that version, so we all win in the end. The best version of me is who I am as a reviewer, talk show host, educator, aunt, sister, wife and just being me.
After losing my sister I felt and still do at times that the weight of the world is on my shoulders and that I must protect and make sure my nieces and nephews are okay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love. So true a as the author relates her feelings about the death of Kobe Bryant I can relate how I feel about the unexpected death of my sister, Marcia,
Making a difference in life and helping others is what my mother instilled in me. The quote on February 6, sums it up.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter, to be productive, be useful, to have to make a difference that you lived at all. : Leo Rosten. Well said and so true. Teaching my students and working with those with reading difficulties was my passion and giving them the gift of success my dream.
Everyone needs a friend that will call and say, “Get dressed we’re going on an adventure.” That was my sister. Her adventure as so many of us experienced was to search for toilet paper.
Sometimes when you are in a dark place you think you have been buried, but you have been planted. Be patient.. your time to grow is coming. Christine Caine.
Dark places are scary, and she writes I love how this quote shines a bright light in the corners, redefining the space. Things happen in your life that make you wonder if you can overcome your fears so , never give up, deal with the unknown and maybe we’re a spring crocus instead of a tree root as the author states.
There are so many quotes I can go on forever. The two things you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort. So true. As the author states that a big component of stress is feeling like life is out of control. What’s Happening? This quote is great because working hard with a smile on your face is something we can control. Other quotes I found inspiring: There is always Hope, don’t’ be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.
When things get tough I realize that to make a new start, you cannot go back but you can start right now and make a brand-new ending. Profound. Important for adults, kids, teens and young adults: Do not base your decisions on the advice of people who do not have to deal with the results. All too often we listen to the thoughts of others who just attempt to give us their advice, might think they are helping us, but you must deal with the result.
The best thing about telling the truth is that you do not have to remember what you said. Life is not about finding yourself; life is about creating yourself. Why waste time searching. Take time today to create an even better version of yourself.
There are so many quotes I could go on forever but the final three sum it up perfectly but each one of you will find the ones that stand out in your mind, your heart and bring the sunshine out and make those dark clouds pass. With this horrible virus in the news every day we forget about the positives that still exist. You are a diamond, dear, they cannot break you. Stay close to people who feel like the sunshine. They are the ones who will be there for you on the rainy days. Cherish them, I do.
There are no goodbyes for us. Where you are, you will always be in my heart. Mahatma Gandhi. This quote made the author thing of a tiny phot tucked inside a gold locket. It makes me think of my new book Sisters: Two sisters from the Bronx dedicated to her memory and stories we wrote together that will keep her alive in in my heart now and forever.
This book is a gem. The quotes and sayings are inspiring, meaningful and inspirational as both authors share them with readers and the moments in time that made them all special. Thank you for bringing back the sunshine and making the world so much more beautiful.
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Thomas Edison. You are right. Just when things seem out of sorts I realize one more time, never falter, never give up.
Sometimes miracles are people with kind hearts. I hope that I am one of them. This is a great book and sayings and quotes and more: This just speaks to me. Thank you Hoda and thank you Jane.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews

[Amrita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did speak to me. Loved all the quotes and her thoughts to go with it. One quote for each day. Some were news pieces, some her perspective, some were funny, sad, happy...it was a good variety. A good book to read when the mood needs a boost! Can be read in bits and pieces.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoda is like you’re favorite aunt with the best advice. I so enjoy her positive outlook that is evident in this book. I recommend listening to the audiobook!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this for over a year, but committed to reading one page a day. It brought back my own memories of covid years. There were a lot of negatives that happened for my family and others and there were also some wonderful things that happened for us. I think the best thing for me was the slowing down. As I get ready to embark on a new calendar year. I plan to use this book’s reminder of a slower calendar as I re-prioritize my calendar.

[Bookish With Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s a book of quotes with Hoda’s thoughts written underneath. Some made me laugh, some made me tear up and others made me really think. She wrote this in 2019 during the pandemic so there are some very good quotes about being able to pause/breathe and slow down.

Here are some of of my favorites:
~ Everything worth doing starts with being scared - Art Garfunkel

~ A book is a dream that you hold in your hand - Neil Gaiman

~ One minute you’re young and fun….the next minute you’re turning down the radio in the car to see better - Yes! I do this!

~ Whatever you must do today, do it with the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman cape

~ Billion dollar idea: A smoke alarm that shuts off when you yell “I’M JUST COOKING!” Oh wouldn’t that be nice!

Books like this are not something I used to gravitate towards, but I really enjoyed this one so now I’ll start taking a second look! Thank you for the gifted book, @putnamBooks

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know we always wish we could hear some good news? Well, This Just Speaks to Me is exactly that. An inspiring quote. A story that will pump you up and help you face all the obstacles of life, especially those of the pandemic. And there’s one of each for every day of the year.

Some of my favorites:

“Trust the magic of new beginnings.” ---Meister Eckhart

“I didn’t lose the gold. I won the silver.” ---Michelle Kwan

“We never get over great losses; we absorb them, and they carve us into different, often kinder creatures.” ---Gail Caldwell

“Today give thanks for those who have done you wrong. They’ve unknowingly made you strong.” (no attribution)

“I used to believe prayer changes things, but now I know prayer changes us and we change things.” ---St. Teresa of Calcutta

“Behind you, all your memories.
Before you, all your dreams.
Around you, all who love you.
Within you, all you need.” (no attribution)

“Broken crayons still color.” (no attribution)

[Holly Hodge · Rating 1 out of 5]

My issues with this book:

- Way too covid-obsessed. People still have other situations and challenges besides covid. Every quote was cheapened by an uninspired anecdote about the pandemic.

- One particular commentary irked me the most. The quote was about how to some, a quiet house is lonely, to others a quiet house is freedom. She jokingly says after being stuck in a house together, some of us won't take freedom for granted anymore. I know it's just a lighthearted comment, but it doesn't take much thought to reread the quote and remember that some people had to quarantine by themselves.

- Just doesn't seem like the author is much of a deep thinker (which is not a moral failing or anything, it just isn't my cup of tea). I was hoping for something that I could really chew over and contemplate. It's just fluff. (So if you like fluff, it may be more up your alley.)

[Michelle Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing... so much pro George Floyd it overshadowed the book.

[sharon a grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book of quotes and annadotes

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When her first collection of quotes, I Really Needed This Today , was published in 2019, Hoda never imagined how deeply her favorite words, stories, and memories would resonate with readers. People across the country were connected not only by the book's positive message, but through their generosity in sharing it with friends and family who needed a daily burst of inspiration. Hoda was truly touched by fans who shared "their quote" with her, the one that most moved them or someone they love.

Now, to follow that remarkable experience, Hoda is back, with 365 new quotes and stories to share with her beloved readers. In This Just Speaks to Me , she writes about the people and moments that have enriched her life, discussing everything from motherhood and friendship to love and loss. The book also celebrates the countless acts of kindness that unfolded during these uniquely challenging times. Told with the same warmth, humor, and generosity that infused I Really Needed This Today , This Just Speaks to Me promises to be the next great companion book, each day elevated by Hoda's sparkle at a time when we may need it the most."

Many quotes, reflections are based on what was going on in the US during the Covid 19 pandemic.

[Mfbirkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoda Kotb, co-host of the "Today" show, compiles a selection of favorite quotes, one for every day of the year. Each quote is accompanied by comments that expand on it or relate it to life. It reminded me of reading Bartlett's Quotations but is updated for a current, busy lifestyle. A possible way to use this book would be to read a quote a day. It could lead the reader to collect favorite quotes of her own. They are indeed phrases that can address happiness, joy, sorrow, or frustration. The reader might be led to collect quotes that connect with her thoughts, dreams, or needs. This book allows itself to be read in one sitting or one day at a time. This former reference librarian suggests that the quotes be read and used as needed to meet the needs of the soul

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Optimism. "Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing. Read that again." "Mistakes are proof that you are trying." "Behind you all your memories, before you all your dreams, around you all who love you, within you all you need." "Always trust your gut - it knows what your head hasn't figured out yet." "Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." "Don't base your decisions on the advice of people who don't have to deal with the results." My mother born in 1900 and died in 1976 survived the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression, World War I and World Ward II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War- my Dad survived all these too. "Be the best version of yourself."

[Nancy McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a daily inspirational with a quote highlighted on each day. Some of them really did speak to me. I started reading this every day - then before long I missed a few days. Finally I picked it up again and binge read the rest. So many quotes and stories are given in this little treasure. This is a book I could actually reread each year or simply keep nearby and randomly select a page or two. It is filled with positivity and love. I have always liked Hoda’s outlook on things and her warmth and this book reflects that and simply reminds me to be better and also not take myself so seriously. Give love and do more acts of kindness. We can all do that - am I right!?

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great for what it was - a thought/saying and commentary for every day of the year.
It was written quite recently. The language, tense, etc. must have been challenging to do. It had the tone of the pandemic being more behind us that it really is. Sounded like every thing was totally in the past... I understand why it was done that way but sometimes I was virtually taken aback.
Hota does seem like a very real person and was not ashamed to reveal some of her tendencies toward things like messiness, etc.
Displayed a pretty positive attitude.
Was worth it

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I got it from the library, but would love to purchase a copy and read each page for the date it's listed as. The book is 365 pages plus introduction and conclusion, and it's a page a day. So it has January 1, a quote and then her comments on said quote and continues on for each day. The days (Mon, Tues, etc) are not printed on it, so it would be a great perpetual calendar.
It's $24, so I probably won't buy it because I'm cheap, but it would be great to read each day and then focus on that to start or end your day or read on a part of your day that you're feeling down.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Hoda's "I Really Needed This Today" so I guess my expectations for this tome were high. It is full of great quotes but the stories just didn't hit the mark. Two-thirds of the book was about a novel virus and pandemic that (hopefully) won't be relevant in 5 years. While it's fine to write about current events, it's best to market it as such so those who wish to read a timeless volume of loved quotations know they are not getting just that. Many of the stories didn't fit the paired quote either.

[Brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book over the course of a week, even though it's meant to be read over the course of a year. There were some quotes that spoke to me, and others that didn't. However, it was a really nice way to end my day by reading some of these at bedtime as it usually helped get my mind in a good place. Hoda adds her own personal note to each quote, and nearly every one either talks about the COVID pandemic or her daughters and husband. Seeing as we're still dealing with the pandemic, even if we're on the back end of it, I feel like I might have enjoyed it more if a little more time had gone by. While the quotes were usually uplifting, sometimes being reminded of all we've been through the past 15 months or so wasn't as uplifting.

[Carolyn Russett · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was very interesting to read both the positive and critical reviews of this book after I read it. I do agree with some of the criticism that since it was written during the pandemic, there is a lot of that in there. you could also say it was more of a personal journal.. I can see where a lot of the relationships to the quotes come from pandemic experiences. Yet it is the authors experiences. So for me it was interesting to see what quotes she chose and how she related to them. I enjoyed the book

[Jessica Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have loved a good inspirational quote, so I wanted to read this book filled with them. Written during the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of the quotes were explained through the eyes of a world turned upside down and in unsettling times. This is a reminder that families, friends, and strangers got through this together by trying to make the best of a not so wonderful situation and keep a positive, caring mindset. There was at times, great kindness in the darkness and that leaves me hopeful and inspired.

[Christine (christines_booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book of daily quotes and thoughts by Hoda. I just can't get enough of them- they are so relatable and keep me coming back each day. This one was written in 2020, and it walked us through her thoughts and experiences, and the quotes that got her through. And although unavoidable (it was 2020 after all), it was somehow written without overemphasizing the pandemic--since we're all a bit weary of it at this point. It was really well done.

[Doreena Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great inspirational book by Hoda Kotb.
This book is another 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 finishing it today December 31, 2021. A definite keeper and a read again or go back and refer to book. I have also gifted this book to some of my beloved friends as with her previous book.