At times, the writing was a little repetative, but Mika's concept was terrific. I needed to learn from a woman who is stretched as thin as I am (many moms just call themselves busy but really do have time for themselves compared to Mika). I finally found a similarly situated role model!Her helpful philosophy: I can be all things at once, but I can't do all things at once. Mika showed many situations where she tried to be everything to everyone and it didn't work - what went wrong and why. In other scenes, she has perfected balance. I can learn from mistakes and from her good examples.Also, I simply enjoyed learning about Mika and what makes her tick. Before my triplets were born, my TV was tuned to Morning Joe while I got dressed for work each day. I often wondered about her personality off-camera. Having studied broadcasting and worked at a CBS affiliate myself, I can relate to her career moves. I was drawn to this book because I absolutely love "Morning Joe" which Mika co-hosts with Joe Scarborough. If you are expecting Mary Karr "Liar's Club" quality memoir writing--don't. Overall I really enjoyed Brzezinki's book, even with her continual 'shiny penny' metaphor. What I found interesting was Mika's feeling that she had to be everything--living up to the woman as 'superwoman' ideal, that came after 2nd wave Women's Movement in the 1970's. It was a prevalent and constant message to the 80's and 90's working mother, and she clearly tried and failed (in a very positive way) to emulate this ideal. Brzezinki is a an excellent role model for my generation of women, who are continually renegotiating our careers up against the expectations/desires of wifedom and parenthood. She gives a very realistic approach, and demonstrates how mistakes and setbacks can be some of the most critical moments that define a much better future. She reinvented herself after forty, which is virtually unheard of in her industry, and she has the scars to prove it. My kind of gal.
What do You think about All Things At Once (2010)?
Very easy to read, surprisingly candid, what every working woman and mother can identify with and to
—lara
I'd probably give this two and a half stars. I'll be doing a full review at parentingsquad.com.
—trippy
I enjoyed learning a little more about Mika since I often watch Morning Joe..
—Edaeibes
It's easy to get paid more at work when your (male) boss give you the OK.
—candi
