In this book Mary Louise Kelly talks about the year her oldest child turned eighteen, and all the choices she has made to this point, and what the cost of those choices has been. Having already been down this road, I can say that her experiences are not limited to women, who like her, have chosen to work in demanding and dangerous fields, but are common to most women I know going through the same life change. While this book is not a road map on how to get through this time, it will certainly make you feel like you are not alone on the journey. An excellent read. ( )

I am not usually drawn to memoirs, but I listened to Mary Louise Kelly talk about her book on a podcast, and I had to read hers. I was engaged from the beginning and couldn't put it down. There was so much emotion in how she described her two sons and the last year of high school for the older one, James. She explained how conflicted she felt when she had to miss significant events in her sons' lives because of her high-powered career. Yet, she also conveys how well her children did despite her intermittent absence from home. I laughed out loud when she described how one of her sons, as a teenager, didn't even realize she had been gone for a weekend.

The agony was palpable when Kelly discussed the traumatic birth of her second son, Alexander. She always had to be cognizant of priorities, and taking time from her professional responsibilities was always tricky, but in retrospect, the right thing to do, and she did it with few regrets.

I particularly loved her description of her interview with Mike Pompeo. She compared Pompeo's reaction to a toddler's tantrum: "You learn not to dignify behavior with a response.

Traveling to war zones and facing danger is part of her responsibility at NPR. When she remarks, "There is no multitasker like a mother in a war zone," she sums up her skill set for work and her household so beautifully, from dealing with controversy to interviewing a teenager.

Two coincidences occurred while I was spending too much time reading her book. First, I was supposed to prepare for a book discussion I would be leading about These Precious Days by Ann Patchett. Lo and behold, near the end of the book, Mary Louise Kelly mentions that Ann Patchett is her favorite author and describes an interview with her about this book and emphasizes a theme of friendship. The second was that knowing Kelly's quote from Atul Gawande about the joy that flows when you are good at your work helped me finish the NYT Sunday crossword puzzle that day. These assured me that I needed to be reading this book at this time, and there was something therapeutic about the text from a powerful woman.

I highly recommend this book for all, especially those wondering how much their children need them while they work and what lessons can be demonstrated by choosing ethical paths at work and home. The range of emotions that Kelly describes is amazing. Pride, worry, guilt, and hope prevail in most stories. I was glad she included shame as a feeling that still matters. I also appreciated words of wisdom from some of Kelly's influencers. I'll remember her mentions of Winston Churchill saying, "When you're going through hell, keep going," and "Never give in." ( )

This book is so good on so many levels. I know how Kelly is from my years of listening to All Things Considered. Since we have 2 sons also, I particularly connected with much that is written about being a parent of two boys. Interspersed through the writing about her boys are references to many of her experiences while being with NPR. Since this book has just been published, it is very current as far as current news events is concerned. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at what happens in the world of reporting, particularly overseas in dangerous places. There is humor in this book, but there is also sadness and an introspective look at what it's like to be a working parent raising two active, involved children. My only complaint (if you can call it one) - I did feel like I could have done a better job of raising our children. I would definitely recommend this for young parents. Perhaps it will help you not to look book and doubt yourself! ( )

(25) This was excellent. Because I have listened to NPR for so long and am the same age as Mary Louise Kelly; with two teenage boys, and a job that is demanding - I feel like I know her. It is like reading a book written by a friend. An admired, strong, and amazing friend. Despite the sadness of the passage of time and the loss of loved ones, and the realization that there is a last time a cherished ritual will take place - I found strength in this book. Ms Kelly writes about parenting while also being a high-powered reporter who is away for long chunks of time in the field and on air for most of her boys high school soccer games. How she has alternated between turning down work to be home; and then leaning in - and the unvarnished way she felt about each decision. She writes without judgement, with gentle humor, humility, intelligence, and love. Inspiring.

Finishing this on Mother's Day is very fitting. Act III of life - bring it on. I loved especially the passages about her father. Her grief is palpable, but she writes about what he meant to her and how he is still part of her so poignantly. The scene where he fell in the pine needles and is still talking about power tools killed me. I think this is why I had to put the book down at times. While Kelly is not sentimental, sometimes I was affected so much I had to read in small chunks and was hesitant to pick it back up. Maybe not a fair reason to take a 1/2 star off. But it is possible for a book to hit someone too close to home.

I have always loved her work; she has a distinctive voice and I always notice her reporting. I especially cheered for her with her encounter with Pompeo and remember that like it was yesterday. Such class. Bravo! Thank-you for writing this even as the days grew short. I am so grateful to be an Early Reviewer - highly recommended for those who enjoy memoirs by contemporary intelligent public figures about universal things like parenting, vocation, and loss. ( )

This is a must read for moms of teenagers - I related to so many of the things Mary Louise Kelly wrote about and how she is feeling as her boys are getting ready to leave home. She's led a very dynamic and interesting life, but it is evident that her boys are the most important thing in her world. Thanks to LibraryThing for the ARC. ( )