Review of I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By by Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb’s I Needed This Today: This book contains selected quotes and thoughts which, I believe, help to make readers focus on the positive side of life. That is why this book is more than just a collection; it is an opportunity to dialogue with Kotb; and learn about her successes, failures, and insights as well as learn how to improve her own story.

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Format and Structure

The book is divided into 365 quotes with each date containing Kotb’s response, a story or, experience, and her thoughts. This format is organized more like a diary, so it can be used daily or opened whenever inspiration is desired. After reading the main content, one feels lifted and connected because, although the entries are individual and often random, the author’s voice is very friendly and provides big thoughts in little observations.

Themes and Messages

The basic theme of I Needed This Today is based around hope in the face of adversity. The points of view that Kotb shares are familiar to anyone with basic human feelings: love, loss, thankfulness and optimism, which makes the book enjoyable for anyone. Some recurring themes include:

Being Thankful for the Little Things

As an example, Kotb emphasizes the significance of cherishing the little things in life; time with friends and family or even a notice of silence.

Overcoming Adversity

From her prior struggles such as fighting cancer and adoption, Kotb has been able to encourage readers that there is always light at the end of a tunnel.

The Value of Connection

Several essays stress such values as love, friendship, companionship and people’s feelings and emotions, which emphasize the significance of people’s relationships.

Mindfulness and Presence

You are likely to find Kotb often preaching the act of living in the present, an important lesson given the prevailing and fast-paced society.

Except for some occasional comments about authors’ subjective opinions, the Voice and the Personal Touch dominate the whole text.

Where this book excels, however, is in Kotb’s genuine and friendly voice. It is precisely this kind of knowledge that allows for the sharing of personal stories with many valuable lessons from her practice. They are all pretty deep and very much seem like they are from a wise friend who understands the struggles. Regardless of the topic of conversation which may be career, family or personal life troubles, Kotb ‘s approach makes many readers relate to the conversation.

The Top 5 Sayings and Self-Evaluations

Finally, it is necessary to admit that the book is full of interesting moments, and there are a few quotations and reflections, which were particularly important for me. For instance, Kotb talks about cutting loose what is not beneficial to an individual, which is a good word for transformation. Some of her observations can be unsharpened such as the encouragement of appreciation of beauty in the ugly, the rejection of the stigma attached to beauty flaws and the ability to see beauty in everything no matter the defects.

Audience and Impact : This book will be of interest to anyone in search of a message or motivation as to why they should have the energy to face the world the next day or for someone in need of a few moments of peace on a busy day. These messages are appropriate for any age and can be delivered to anyone. Whether coming to the realization that they are going through a major life transformation or needing answers to questions or perhaps someone to steer them in the right direction or a simple way to begin their day with a little ray of sunshine or hope found in the book I Needed This Today provides that ray of hope.

Strengths

Accessibility : It does not require much time, it can be used at the beginning or the end of the day, so it can easily fit with everyone’s schedule. Readers can invest a couple of minutes each day pondering a quote and Al Roker and Kotb’s thoughts.

Relatability : Kotb’s ideas are heartfelt, and being able to get to know her through the stories and then the reflections helps make her messages meaningful.

Timeless Wisdom : The issues of gratitude, perseverance and belonging will forever remain current and so the book will remain a classic for years to come.

Uplifting Tone : Ah, what a joy to read a book that has such a warm and optimistic author as Kotb behind it, the book is heartwarming.

Critiques

Limited Depth in Some Entries : That they are daily could be beneficial; some reflections are too short and some readers may feel that certain issues need much more attention and analysis.

Repetitive Themes : A certain approach, on the matter of positivity and gratitude, which undeniably is inspiring, might be somewhat monotonous at times as the reader comes across.

Generalized Advice : Occasionally, some entries go as general as clichés; this is not very helpful to readers with complicated issues to solve.

Comparisons to Similar Books

I Needed This Today relates to the series of books for inspiration, similar to the Book of Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening or Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance. But Kotb stands out because of her writing style and the liberal use of personal experiences that are shared in the book. While there are more philosophical and spiritual points in the book in comparison to Layla, all the points Kotb describes are connected with everyday practice.

Click here to read I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By for free with a 30-day free trial.