52 Cups of Coffee: Inspiring and insightful stories for navigating life's uncertainties

Let me first say that, as one of the "cups" in the book, I'm completely biased. I am honored to have been interviewed for the project, humbled to be in the same pages next to such great company, and very excited for Megan to see this project finally see the light of day. However, had I never met Megan the premise of her book would still have been intriguing. The old, tired cliché that "it's not what you know, it's who you know" is given new life here with Megan's trademark enthusiasm, passion for adventure, and genuine warmth toward other people firmly in-tact. Though you certainly will get great take-aways, or inspiration for you to use in your own life, my favorite part of this book is watching this young woman's journey toward "becoming" unfold through these pages. If you are paying attention as you read, you will notice that the Megan at that first cup of coffee is a very different Megan from the one who writes about the 52nd one! With all of that said, I am privileged to know some of the pieces about where her story goes after reading the last page. Truthfully, as much as I love this first book, I cannot wait to read her second one! Buy this book as a gift for the young people in your life to learn a few things, buy it for yourself to remember a few things you have forgotten, but keep your eyes out for the woman who wrote it. She's already had some amazing adventures, and accomplished great things. If you ever get the chance to have a cup of coffee with her, do it!

What started as a blog I followed turned into a book deal that now has come into fruition. Re-reading some of the same stories with some edited and added material to make the book flow better, 52 Cups of Coffee is a really pleasant read because the advice isn't anything game-changing, but we're reminded of things that we often neglect. By taking us through reflections on conversation with people who have faced obstacles in life, I found myself wanting to hear more about these people. But just like in life, we only get a glimpse into someone, and then they either continue talking through more conversations over coffee, or they leave. But that little nugget of information they impart on you may change your life, or at least get you to recognize and focus on something that has been bothering you, like an itch to travel and take risks, as Ms. Gebhart has done. I found myself relating to her reflections because it reminded me of where I am in my life and how I can apply these lessons in how I will face my future in my career and personal life. The biggest take away that I have found has been that there is nuggets of great advice in the people you least suspect. At some point, Ms. Gebhart interviews a young 6 year old girl and after a few questions, finds out how much adversity the girl has been through at school because she belongs to a Native American tribe.

I definitely enjoyed this book. It's a well edited book that is well put together. It's inspirational, and I think anyone from any walk of life can benefit from it. She keeps her cups of coffee to the point, and I can appreciate that. I will say that sometimes I found myself wanting to hear more about the people she had coffee with. Just a little more detail to better deliver the "take away." It's a good thing that I wanted to know more about the people she was chatting with - it means these people were good choices who lead fascinating lives (or have had to make interesting choices), and it means Megan Gebhart is a good writer. I just found myself wanting a little more from time to time. The other aspect of this book is that it's not earth-shattering. Most of the advice in this book is nothing special. Most of us already know most of this - however, I can see how this would speak volumes to high school and college aged individuals. Or even a housewife looking to divorce her husband, care for her kids, and get herself back into school. Heck, I think my brother should read this because I find him confused about his future! It's a good reality check for anyone. Are you happy with where you are? What do you want to do with your life? Do you realize you'll be fine if you don't have all those answers RIGHT NOW? Where there's a will there's a way, etc. As I said, I definitely enjoyed this book, and I did take my own inspiration from it - it can almost be a bit depressing, too, depending where you are or are not in your life. I would recommend this to anyone because if you don't already know what's in this book - and even if you do - you need to or need to be reminded. Recommended - and I hope you can appreciate her last cup of coffee. :o)

Megan Gebhart was approaching graduation from Michigan State University, feeling what many seniors feel: excitement and uncertainty, anticipation and fear. Unsure of what she wanted to be "when she grew up", she decided to step inside the lives of 52 fascinating individuals, to learn how they discovered their purpose, and to glean wisdom that might inspire her own search for happiness and fulfillment. The people profiled in the 52 Cups cut a wide swath, from some of today's most famous thinkers and leaders, to people we might never meet. Along the way, Megan uncovered one of life's most important lessons, that everyone who crosses our path has a gift for us. She also realized that life is an ongoing journey of self discovery. The end of one adventure is the prologue to the next. 52 Cups of Coffee is a diverse quilt of wisdom forged from lives in progress and stitched together to reveal that the diversity of opportunity that is reflected by the people you meet, lives within you, too.

Start your day reading this book and you will begin each day with a fresh and open mind. Insightfully written and such an amazing journey, the author captures the human spirit in her interactions with each unique 'character'. I'd recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the magic of human interaction and the special sense of connection shared between a writer and a story. I've already sent this book to friends, this is one book that friends will thank you for finding for them.

Great daily read, minimal time commitment while spurring self reflection.

I found this book interesting and thought provoking. The short chapters make it ideal to pick up and get your daily nugget of wisdom from a wide variety of people. Some chapters hit closer to home than others, but they all are worth the 5-10 minutes it takes to read them.

This fun look at the lives of 52 vastly different people is well written and well planned. It makes it extra special that I recognize some of the people she interviewed. Though not friends with Megan's parents, I know who they are. My husband worked with her Dad and her mom works at our library. I enjoyed this book a lot. I savored every cup, whether coffee, tea or fresh cows milk.

I love the idea of this book, 52 cups of coffee with 52 strangers to hear their advice on life. The only problem is that the book is pretty dull to be honest, the stories are similar, not really jump out or stay with you.

Good read!

Amazing book

52 heterogeneous life stories / lessons with their ups n downs squeezed into one single book. Inspiring! However, I would have liked it even more if Megan would have taken it to the next level and grabbed more cups of coffee abroad (out of the US). I'm sure this would have enriched the book even more, perhaps that's her future project ;-)

If you are in your 20s, you should definitely read this riveting book. I didn't regret a bit! Makes me wanna start a similar adventure myself.