Of My Own Making - by Daria Burke (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Daria Burke's childhood growing up under the shadow of an absent father and a mother debilitated by drug addiction was marked by neglect and poverty. Despite these fractured beginnings, she forges a triumphant path out of Detroit and into fashion's C-Suite. After ten years of therapy, she believes her healing journey is complete. When she discovers a photograph of the car accident that she believes altered the course of her early life, Burke is forced to confront the parts of her childhood she had avoided. This discovery sparks a four-year immersion into neuroplasticity, epigenetics, the impact of adverse childhood experiences on early brain development and ultimately, why some of us remain stuck in past trauma while others experience Post Traumatic Growth. She dives headfirst into an exploration of her trauma, grappling with the enduring grip of the past on the present and the mind's influence over the body. More than a story of personal triumph, Of My Own Making is a soulful and scientific exploration of the power to shape one's destiny. In facing the stark reality of her past, Burke reminds us that every moment demands a choice, and that we owe it to ourselves to reparent our inner child and reclaim the lives we deserve. Burke's lyrical account of a life lived with courage and intention offers an empathetic and hard-won perspective on the nature versus nurture debate and the power of acceptance. Part memoir, part methodology, it is a fearless rallying cry inspiring us to excavate and examine the stories that define our lives. Ultimately, the narratives that we craft with our own hands are the only ones that matter"--

Book Synopsis

We are not defined by our origin stories. We choose who we become.

Daria Burke's childhood growing up under the shadow of an absent father and a mother debilitated by drug addiction was marked by neglect and poverty. Despite these fractured beginnings, she forges a triumphant path out of Detroit and into fashion's C-Suite. After ten years of therapy, she believes her healing journey is complete.

When she discovers a photograph of the car accident that she believes altered the course of her early life, Burke is forced to confront the parts of her childhood she had avoided. This discovery sparks a four-year immersion into neuroplasticity, epigenetics, the impact of adverse childhood experiences on early brain development, and ultimately, why some of us remain stuck in past trauma while others experience post-traumatic growth. She dives headfirst into an exploration of her trauma, grappling with the enduring grip of the past on the present and the mind's influence over the body.

More than a story of personal triumph, Of My Own Making is a soulful and scientific exploration of the power to shape one's destiny. In facing the stark reality of her past, Burke reminds us that every moment demands a choice, and that we owe it to ourselves to reparent our inner child and reclaim the lives we deserve.

Burke's lyrical account of a life lived with courage and intention offers an empathetic and hard-won perspective on the nature versus nurture debate and the power of acceptance. Part memoir, part methodology, it is a fearless rallying cry inspiring us to excavate and examine the stories that define our lives. Ultimately, the narratives that we craft with our own hands are the only ones that matter.

Review Quotes

"Burke writes with a captivating honesty and endless curiosity. Of My Own Making is a timely reminder that no matter where we are in life, the past manages to find its way in. It's how we handle it that shapes who we really are."--Ellen Vora, MD, psychiatrist and author of The Anatomy of Anxiety

"Readers of memoirs like Educated and The Glass Castle will enjoy Burke's inspiring story of overcoming early abuse and neglect to build the life she knew was waiting for her."--Booklist

"A story of pain and hope, of loss and resilience, and of childhood trauma that clings until you don't allow it. Of My Own Making reminds us that you can't escape your past simply by outrunning it, but that you must face it. Burke's story is not just inspiring and inviting. What she does with her words is far more meaningful: she makes you believe you can do it too."--Vienna Pharaon, bestselling author of The Origins of You

"Daria Burke is as adept at creating prose that floats and dips as she is diving unflinchingly into the root of harm, addiction and hurt. Of My Own Making is as profound a book about the treacherous experience of befriending ourselves that I've read this decade."--Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy: An American Memoir

"Daria Burke writes with an unflinching eye, poetic clarity, and her whole heart. In Of My Own Making, Burke dives headfirst into the blood and bone of childhood trauma and the slow, intentional work it takes to reclaim a life beyond it. With gripping honesty and profound bravery, Burke reveals a soul that has wrestled with grief, addiction, and the hard-fought path to self-compassion. This book isn't about simply loving yourself--that would be too small. It's about diving headfirst into a relationship with yourself--a profoundly human reminder of what it means not just to survive but to reclaim and hold every fractured, jagged piece of your journey. Of My Own Making will live in your bones and resonate with anyone seeking to write a new story."
--Bassey Ikpi, New York Times bestselling author of I'm Telling the Truth, but I'm Lying

"Of My Own Making is a beautifully written book that takes you on a journey of growth through the deep-rooted traumas of our pasts. Part memoir, part manual, Daria has offered readers a chance to reflect and release alongside her own brilliant story. A must read for those ready to face the past and move forward with compassion, hope, and optimism."--Rachel Cargle, author of A Renaissance of Our Own

"This is a story of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied the odds to carve out her own path. With masterful prose that is both poetic and incisive, she invites readers into her world, exploring the intersections of education, career, and identity. Each page reveals her profound insights into the human condition, as she navigates the shadows of her past and their impact on her present. As she uncovers her story, you'll find yourself rooting for her triumphs and celebrating her unwavering spirit."--David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home

About the Author

Daria Burke is an award-winning business leader, board director, investor, speaker, and advisor. Her creativity and impact have been recognized by Women's Wear Daily, AdWeek, Forbes, Vogue, Teen Vogue, the CFDA, Town & Country, the Cut, and NYLON Magazine. She has written for Fast Company, The Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, and has appeared on The Melissa Harris-Perry Show on MSNBC, Philly Speaks, and numerous podcasts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration from the New York University Stern School of Business. She lives in Los Angeles and East Hampton.