Peace From Broken Pieces

This autobiographical memoir kept me interested for a couple of reasons. I read this book knowing very little about the woman I first took notice of on Oprah Winfrey’s show years ago. Iyanla Vanzant was an interesting character to me when I watched her once a week delve into the pyshological implications of life’s problems. She was good. She had a naturally down to earth warmth and a smile that beamed like sunshine. Abruptly she was gone from the show and I forgot about her, thinking nothing of it. I wasn’t a die hard Oprah watcher but I watched when time permitted if only to see who she was having that might interest me. I worked night shift, the grave yard shift to be exact so the hour Oprah came on was my sleep time. I would catch her on my days off or I’d tape a particular show I wanted to see and watch it in the morning when I came home.

I approached this book with anticipation after seeing the promotional interview Iyanla had on PBS’s Tavis Smiley Show. I was shocked at what was revealed with her and Tavis. Reading the narrative of her life gave me a new perspective about her. It was nothing short of unbelievable when you understand the path she had to take. Girlfriend rose above her circumstances time and time again. For that I applaude her. One thing was evident, Iyanla is a strong individual. She has overcome a lot of damage, emotional,physical and relational that has played out in her life repetitively. The sister still has work to be done but I think she may get there seeing her resilient nature. One disturbing thing is her faith walk. The woman is confused. I mean seriously confused. She mixes Jesus with African pagan practices and Buddhist chants and all kinds of Frican traditions. Honestly, I don’t think she has a clue what damage she is doing to herslf. Iyanla, I love you, girl, but you could not be my spiritual mentor…at all. It may be part of her problem; too much of that pagan mess going on.

She gives you the tour of her pitifully rough childhood, not much better marriages and a more recent tragedy that all plagued her life with sledgehammer impact that could make anyone weep. Yet she reinvented herself and rose above the pain every time. If you are a fan of Iyanla’s then this is a must read. It gives you great insight into who she really is and why. If you’re not a fan and just want a non fiction good read that intrigues and holds you…this book will certainly satisfy.