An analysis of highly personalized life narratives to try and understand the significant transitions and turning points in the human life course and to answer the simple question: How do people make meaning out of the transitions in their lives? Among the particular transitions examined are adolescent identity struggles, the move from school to work, divorce, setbacks in professional careers, the onset of illness, recovery from addiction, and dramatic conversions from crime. The stories we make and tell about our lives contribute to our identities, help us cope with challenges, and shape how we see the future.