hen Megan met a father who forgave the man who killed his son, she was both moved and puzzled. How did he do it? And why? Forgiveness has long been touted by religious leaders as a moral imperative. But Megan wanted to know exactly what it means from a scientific perspective, how it plays out in various situations, and how to do it.
How to forgive: In a quest for answers, Megan visited people with remarkable tales of forgiveness across the country and around the world, from inner city Baltimore to suburban Scottsdale to the heart of Africa. She also explored some dark chapters of her own past, and ended up on a surprising personal adventure.
By examining the science and stories of interpersonal and inter-group forgiveness, Megan’s book explores how to forgive and shows that this age-old concept, when practiced in the right ways, can save lives and maybe even lead to a better world (The appendix also includes a compendium of evidence-based forgiveness practices).
Amazon Bestseller Featured in National & International Media: Upon its launch from Penguin Random House, Triumph of the Heart was an Amazon bestseller in multiple categories and was featured by outlets including Psychology Today, Salon, The Telegraph, PBS, The Daily Beast, The San Francisco Chronicle, HuffPo Women, and more than 20 radio shows, including nationally syndicated NPR and SiriusXM. It was named a “Best Book on the Science of a Meaningful Life” by the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California at Berkeley. View Megan’s TEDx Boulder talk about the journey below.
Media
Harper’s BAZAAR
How forgiveness has been weaponized against women, and why #MeToo is our chance for an upgrade.
Radio Times on WHYY
Megan and two professors weigh in on the forgiveness that Botham Jean’s brother showed Amber Guyger.
Psychology Today
“Triumph of the Heart: A father’s journey illuminates the ways in which forgiveness can be one of life’s most transformative acts—if we only allow ourselves to embrace it.”
The Telegraph
“Forgiveness: Why it’s the new mindfulness”
The San Francisco Chronicle
“Forgiveness doesn’t mean reconciliation” (Op-Ed)
Salon
“The Science of Forgiveness: Researchers are studying how we can let go of our grievances and live a healthier life. Here’s how it works.”
The Daily Beast
“Forgiveness is good for you – So why can’t you do it? Megan Feldman Bettencourt’s new book, Triumph of the Heart, makes the moral and scientific case for forgiveness.”
PBS: To the Contrary
“Megan is interviewed about the book and applications and science of forgiveness.”
Publisher’s Weekly
“Triumph of the Heart: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World: “This compelling investigation into an important subject may well inspire readers to give the concept of forgiveness a bigger place in their lives.”
HuffPo Women
“Forgiving the Unforgivable”
The Baltimore Sun
“Fostering Forgiveness in Schools and Communities” (Op-Ed)
Greater Good Science Center, University of California at Berkeley
“Learning Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World: A new book explores why we forgive and how forgiveness can help us”
Mind Body Green
“Why Resentment is Toxic + What to Do About It”
The One You Feed Podcast
“Megan is interviewed about forgiveness as it applies to health, philosophy, and a range of interpersonal & collective situations.”
5280: The Denver Magazine
“Colorado author Megan Feldman Bettencourt traveled the globe to unearth the stories behind forgiveness.”
The Albuquerque Journal
“Author says writing book taught her to forgive”
The Deseret News
“New book presents forgiveness as teachable skill to build healthier, happier life”
Denver Westword
“Megan Feldman Bettencourt on forgiveness and Triumph of the Heart”
Colorado Public Radio
“Denver author collects stories of forgiveness from around the world”
The Star Tribune
“Forgiving Well Leads to Living Well”
