WHAT I Know For Sure is the name of Oprah Winfreys monthly column published in her magazine, O. The columns idea came to Oprah in 1998, when she was giving an interview to Gene Siskel, Chicago Sun-Times film critic, during the promotion of the film Beloved. Siskel asked Oprah what she knew for sure? Stumped, Oprah found herself at a complete loss for words:

Uhhhhh, about the movie? I stammered, knowing full well that he was after something bigger, deeper, more complex, but trying to stall until I could come up with a semi-coherent response.

No, he said. You know what I mean about you, your life, anything, everything

Uhhhhh, I know for sure uhhh . I know for sure, I need time to think about that some more, Gene.

The conversation left such an impression on Oprah that she began to explore the question in her columns. A compilation of some of those columns, written over a span of 14 years, the book What I Know for Sure is a combination of self-help lessons, spiritual quotes and motivational stories, inspired by Oprahs life. It is divided into eight chapters titled Joy, Resilience, Connection, Gratitude, Possibility, Awe, Clarity and Power.

Weight, for instance, is one of the issues addressed in the book. Anyone who is even slightly familiar with Oprah is probably aware that weight has been one of the most discussed topics in her talk shows, magazine, website and interviews, and now, in What I Know For Sure.

Thinking about her next meal, what to eat, what she just ate, how many calories or grammes of fat it contains, how much exercise she will need to burn it off in short, food is always on Oprahs mind. Having tried all kinds of diets from Atkins to the cabbage soup and egg diets, Oprahs story will resonate with anyone who is battling with body image and obesity issues. She now claims to have made loving and grateful peace with her body, which is a wise message to impart when ones senses are assailed by images of skinny models in a culture obsessed with being thin.

Spirituality is also a constant theme in What I Know For Sure. Oprah often quotes Biblical passages and invokes the spiritual teachings of Eckhart Tolle, Gary Zukav and Jesse Jackson, especially when confronted with difficult situations.

Then there are columns on subjects such as betrayal by friends and lovers, work-life balance, relationship with neighbours, ageing, the pursuit of ones passions, handling debts and the value of voting. Throughout the book, Oprah seems to be constantly saying, I have been through it, I know how it feels and you can overcome it because I have managed to. Such a message can be comforting in difficult and tenuous times. Coming from Oprah, someone who had her share of struggles, rose above them, and created a hugely successful career to become a globally influential person, the words should be taken seriously.

Gayle King and Maya Angelou are the two people most frequently mentioned in the book. King, Oprahs close friend, has helped her through sexual harassment and bad relationships. She is the one Oprah goes with on road trips and is basically the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. Oprah says that Gayle has been her biggest cheerleader and is one of the nicest person to know. Her bond with Gayle comes across as a heartening instance of resilient friendship.

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REVIEW: What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey - Magazine - DAWN.COM