I will be the first to admit that motivational reading material is not on my top list of favorites.  I have effortlessly assumed that they have no proper place in my life because after all, how is someone going to tell me to get up, get out and do something?  I can do that for myself, right?  Well, after reading Robin Roberts’ book, “From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By” all my preconceived notions have been snubbed, and blissfully so.  Ms. Roberts is ever as much charming in print as she is on our television screens.  From living around the world as an army brat to living a settled childhood in Mississippi, Ms. Roberts provides readers with how she started out playing college basketball to eventually becoming a co-anchor on Good Morning America and through it all finding complete fulfillment.

There are no shortcuts or blue prints - all that is needed is your desire to succeed.  To understand her optimism, you must know that positivism and perseverance are in her blood.  Her father was one of the Tuskegee Airmen and her mother made herself a well-known political figure in their town of Pass Christian, Mississippi – and all after she raised her children!  Mr. and Mrs. Roberts made sure their children knew that there was no reason to blame anyone else for their failures or insecurities – you must look at yourself first to assess the problem.  “From the Heart” appears to be a continuation of these life lessons the Robert’s instilled in their children.  Over the course of seven chapters, Ms. Roberts successfully blends in tales of her childhood and adulthood with the continued lessons that allowed her to flourish.  Her shining moments arise when she lets us in on these intricate moments in her life because she has notified her audience that she is not perfect nor is she above anyone else.  She has faced disappointment and she has insecurities just as we all have.  She assures us that while it is normal to possess these feelings, how you deal with that self-doubt will best determine your success in life.  Ms. Roberts further sets herself apart by sticking to the notion that wealth does not determine your success in life, it is the love of what you do that determines your success.

“From the Heart” speaks to its audience in sisterly tone, providing encouragement and inspiration to excel in life.  Even though the title suggests that there is a formula to success, Ms. Roberts is quick to make it known that you must live outside of rules and leave yourself open to the hidden opportunities in life.  There are thousands upon thousands of inspirational books on the market, but many lack the ability to speak from a voice in such a friendly and spirit-giving manner.  By the end of the book, I felt as though Robin and I were the best of friends and she was simply doing her sisterly duty of sharing her life with me.  I urge readers to not look to this book for a perfect, step-by step recipe that will allow you to attain worldly goods and riches; allow yourself to be immersed in Ms. Roberts sincere message to live by your faith and to always surround yourself by loved ones and allow yourself time to listen to what your heart is telling you.  As she states so affectionately: “If it can happen for me, it can happen for you, too.  And it would be a privilege for me to help you get there.”

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