Maria Shriver seems to have everything figured out. She’s an award-winning journalist, first lady of California, mother of four, wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, a member of the Kennedy family and author of five best-selling books. But according to Shriver, an impressive resume and genealogy do not necessarily amount to a life of fulfillment and happiness.
In her newest book, “Just Who Will You Be?,” adapted from a speech she delivered at her nephew’s high school graduation, Shriver poses the title’s question to her readers through a revealing and honest reflection of her life.
“Sometimes life happens to you, and ““ bingo! ““ your idea of who you think you are goes up in smoke,” writes Shriver. She speaks candidly about her sense of a loss of identity following her husband being elected governor of California and her simultaneous resignation from her long-time dream job as a news anchor because of what could be perceived as a conflict of interest given her new political status.
Shriver is raw and gives her readers a glimpse into the mentality of someone who is still searching but able to bestow words of wisdom to those also in search of meaning and direction in their lives.
Her message, although it’s nearly impossible to abbreviate, is essentially: It’s not what you do or what you have, but who you are that matters.
The good part: You get to make the decision. Even better: You can change your mind.
“Just Who Will You Be?” asks almost as many questions as it attempts to answer, but it guides the mind to pondering personal growth and goals. It helps map out a plan for introspection.
The message resonates well with college students, relating to the sense of urgency in determining a future.
Shriver is reassuring. “Don’t be so fearful, You’re too scared to fail. I’ve had my share of failures, And lived to tell the tale,” writes Shriver in a poem she delivered at the commencement ceremony. She also emphasizes that it’s never too late to change. Her words are encouraging and her struggles relatable.
The book actively engages with the reader. She uses casual, conversational language. She leaves lined pages in the back of the book specifically for readers to develop a “List of 10 Things I Pledge to Myself,” inspired by Shriver’s list on the previous pages.
Shriver is honest and inspiring, yet humble throughout. Her book is a quick read and surely one to re-read at different life stages or different moments of internal inquisition.
Just who will you be after reading this book? Certainly someone with the courage and tools to tackle that question.
““ Lauren Schick
E-mail Schick at lschick@media.ucla.edu