Shelf Care Book of the Week: What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
4/1/2025 by Dr. Rachel Dillinger, MD PMH-C, integrative and reproductive psychiatrist
A Transformative Book on Healing and Understanding Trauma
Have you ever wondered why you react to certain situations in a particular way? Or why some patterns seem to repeat in your life despite your best efforts? What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey explores these deep-seated questions through a powerful lens: shifting the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
This groundbreaking book takes readers on an enlightening journey through the science of trauma and resilience. Dr. Perry, a renowned physician and neuroscientist specializing in childhood trauma, and Oprah, a globally recognized advocate for mental health and well-being, combine their expertise to create an accessible, compassionate guide that helps readers understand how early life experiences shape our emotional and behavioral responses.
A Conversational Approach to Complex Science
One of the my favorite aspects of What Happened to You? is its engaging format. Written as a series of dialogues between Dr. Perry and Oprah, the book feels more like an intimate conversation rather than a textbook. It makes it easy to stay engaged, put it down, and pick it back up. The storytelling approach makes complex neuroscience digestible, offering both scientific explanations and personal insights that help readers connect deeply with the material.
Powerful Visuals That Clarify and Inspire
For those who appreciate visual learning like me, this book delivers in spades. What Happened to You? includes numerous easy-to-understand charts, diagrams, and illustrations that break down critical concepts such as the impact of trauma on brain development, the stress response system, and pathways to healing. One particularly striking diagram explains the “sequence of engagement,” which outlines how the brain processes experiences and how our emotional reactions are shaped over time. These visuals make the science of trauma more accessible, helping readers internalize the key messages in a meaningful way.
A Must-Read for Anyone Seeking Healing
Whether you’ve experienced trauma, work in a helping profession like me, or simply want to better understand yourself and others, this book is a must-read. It provides knowledge AND offers hope—showing that healing is possible and that our past does not have to define our future.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with behaviors or emotions that seem beyond your control, What Happened to You? might just provide the insights you need on your path. This book is more than just a read—it’s an experience that can change your perspective and empower you to rewrite your own story. (You can get your copy here).