Life Is in the Transitions

Reviews

“One of those books that’s so profoundly aligned with the zeitgeist that you end up underlining the whole book. . . . Bruce Feiler is the perfect person to lead us on this journey.” —Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global 

“This is a remarkably poignant read about the pivotal moments in our lives. Bruce Feiler gets to the heart of how turning points shape us—and how we can shape them. The wisdom and stories in this book will change the way you tell your own story.” —Adam Grant, bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take
 
“Crammed with cutting-edge research and compelling real-world examples, Life Is in the Transitions provides a framework of striking originality that explodes with thought-provoking insights. It has profound implications for how we view and handle the transitions—voluntary and involuntary—that increasingly disrupt our lives. And it’s one of the rare books that is a pleasure to read in the moment and impossible to forget once you’ve finished the last page.” —Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies
 
“I don’t know what’s more astonishing, the range of stories Bruce Feiler has found in asking people about their lives, or the wisdom he extracts from them. There is no more powerful reminder that the stories we inherit define success—and that definition constantly needs updating. This beautiful book is an indispensable guide to accepting change—as it really is, rather than what it’s supposed to be—and becoming who we really are.” —Charles Duhigg, author of bestsellers The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better

“Life Is in the Transitions is essential reading for anyone in the act of becoming—which is to say, all of us. Timely, wise and ultimately uplifting, the 15th book from Savannah native and self-described ‘lifestorian’ Bruce Feiler (The Council of Dads) offers an insightful, pragmatic toolkit for navigating the unexpected, uncertain and often upending disruptions of our lives, and for rewriting the next chapters in our ever-changing stories.” —Charleston Post & Courier

“[Feiler] offers in this insightful work timely suggestions for anyone adapting to significant life changes . . . He also presents evidence discrediting the notion of the midlife crisis and demonstrates that everyone’s life contains multiple significant ‘upheavals and uncertainties,’ which should thus be accepted as normal, contrary to conventional wisdom. The findings buttress practical suggestions for responding to major change, including identifying emotions, giving up old mindsets, testing alternatives, and seeking help from others. This logical, persuasive resource will resonate with any self-help reader.” —Publishers Weekly

“This highly recommended title couldn’t be more timely. . . . Feiler details a model for life transitions based on thousands of interviews with people from all walks of life and tells readers how to memorialize changes and give up old mind-sets. A helpful bonus is the complete outline for writing one’s own story or that of others.” —Library Journal
 
“An engaging consideration of how people navigate the highs and lows in their lives . . . [Feiler’s] relaxed, informal style is reassuring, and the numerous anecdotes gleaned from his wide variety of interview subjects keep the narrative fresh. His encouraging counsel will appeal to many.” —Booklist

“In Life Is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler listens to, synthesizes, and helps make meaning of the American story at this complicated moment. With a big, open heart, he helps us all better understand our own stories, what it means to be human and how to navigate challenges and change. Along the way, he powerfully reminds us of the singular importance of honoring each other’s stories and lives through listening.” —Dave Isay, founder, Storycorps
 
"Bruce Feiler has a real knack for helping us see what is not obvious but is right in front of our eyes. In this clear, terrifically compelling book, full of instructive examples, he names and describes the ‘lifequake’ personal transitions that affect so many of us today and offers genuine wisdom, valuable counsel, and moving inspiration that make the journey easier. Read this book to open your eyes and lighten your heart!” —William Ury, co-author of Getting to Yes and author of Getting to Yes with Yourself Expand reviews