Everything Happens for a Reason: Finding the True Meaning of the Events in Our Lives (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Is it really true that everything happens for a reason?..." (more)
Key Phrases: diagnostic questions, ten reasons, Cosmic Kindergarten, New York, Rabbi Yehuda (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

If you believe that "everything happens for a reason," you might find solace in this well-written self-help guide by psychotherapist Kirshenbaum (best known for the relationship guide Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay). Her premise is that "that no matter what happens to you, not only does something valuable come out of it but it's just what you need." Kirshenbaum details in separate chapters the 10 possible life lessons one might learn from unhappy life events, ranging from self-acceptance, feeling at home in the world and letting go of fear to finding true love or your hidden talents. Readers answer diagnostic questions to determine which lesson might be theirs. There is also a wealth of advice, such as a seven-step method to overcome fear and a list of the 10 elements of true love. Kirshenbaum is careful to note that what you learn doesn't make up for what you have lost. Still, the case studies always end positively. And some don't ring true: how likely is it that a mother will see the birth of a very sick infant as an opportunity to let go of fear? If you don't believe there is comfort to be found in life's worst events, this book isn't for you. But if you've undergone a tragedy and are desperate to find meaning in it, Kirshenbaum's smooth, comforting tone may give you some direction.
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Review

“Mira Kirshenbaum is a wise and seasoned guide, her book a welcome map of the difficult terrain of life.” —Dr. Dorothy Firman, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul

“In a loving universe everything does happen for a reason, and in Mira Kirshenbaum’s book we are persuaded that the universe always has our best interests at heart—even in our darkest moments.”—Gavin de Becker, bestselling author of The Gift of Fear

“Brilliant, beautiful, and bound to make a profound difference in all of our lives.” —Debra Waterhouse, M.P.H., R.D.,bestselling author of Outsmarting Female Fatigue

“One of life’s wonderful surprises. Insightful, wise, and warm.” —Mary J. Shomon, bestselling author of Living Well with Hypothyroidism


From the Trade Paperback edition. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harmony (August 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400051088
• ISBN-13: 978-1400051083
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #349,385 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything Happens For A Reason, August 9, 2004

By	Lin "Lin" (Manchester, NH) - See all my reviews

I recently purchased Mira's Kirshenbaum's new book "Everything Happens For A reason" and I found this book to be very inspiration and most beneficial. As a woman that has had much adversity in my life over these past few years, the author encouraged, that even through the worst of times, growth and peacefulness will emerge if we are open to trust in ourselves and the fact that everything does happen for a reason. As a mother that lost her only child 4 years ago to leukemia at the age of 10, I could not believe at the time, that any positives could ever come from one of the most devastating experience any parent could ever imagine. The truth is...they have....through my grief work I have grown in ways I never would have ever explored, had I not going through this experience I have had to endure. This book brought me a peacefullness in knowing that the twist and turns in our lifetime do have reason, that they help us to find true authenticity of self and to help direct us back on course to find the true meaning of our life here on this earth. The author knows first hand about adversity losing many loved ones of her own during the holcaust. Through her sharing in this book of her first hand experience with adversity in her own life, I felt that she truly could relate and understand my struggles as well. For anyone that has gone through a deep loss, whether it be a death of a loved one, illness or divorce this book is a wonderful resource to assit you with your healing. I highly recommend this book!
Lin from NH

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book...., November 11, 2004

By	Miwa Iino "Miwa" (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I didn't expect too much from this book before I read it because I've read thousands of self-improvement type of books, some helped in some ways but fundamental issue that I have which is 'forgiveness' has never found the way to be solved.
But when I started reading this book, I noticed right way that this book is different...I grew up without love from my parents. I thought I was dealing with my problem on my own with my own way but it was just 'forget' not 'forgive'.
This book changed my life, the core of unforgiveness in me started melting. Recently I suddenly could say to myself, 'I can forgive my dad and myself who couldn't forgive him' It wasn't just the words, it was my honest and pure feeling from deep inside. I just couldn't help thanking Mira so I wrote her e-mail. She is a wonderful person, even if she is busy she sent me prompt reply. I felt warmth from her words. I highly recommend this book. You will feel like carrying this book everyday with you wherever you go...

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow -- totally inspiring, October 5, 2004

By	Jenny Miller (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

I think this could be the best book I ever read. It made me feel so inspired!! It's so exciting -- that my life has meaning, everything that's ever happened to me, good and bad. I just love the idea that the universe is a safe, nurturing place for me, that the events of me life are all trying to help me become the real me. But there are also so many great stories, so this was not just inspiring but was a totally fun read. Do a favor for everyone you love and buy the a copy of this wonderful book. Just looking at the cover makes me happy!