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5 Minutes for Books:
All Things at Once by Mika Brzezinksi

January 18, 2010 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Mika Brzezinski’s motherhood/career memoir opens with her in an emergency room — frantic — holding her infant daughter. She fears that her daughter has suffered brain injury after an overtired Brzezinski fell down the stairs carrying her baby after working overnight shifts at CBS. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to have it all, but strangely placed within the context of her own somewhat successful story of achieving All Things at Once.

She writes as a mentor:

  • Motherhood is one of the first things I talk about when I speak with young women about jump-starting their career. “Don’t forget to have children,” I say. “If you want a family, don’t put it off” (page 4)
  • They don’t teach you this type of thing in college. It’s a trial-by-fire sort of lesson: the only way to get it right is to get it wrong first (page 126).
  • Some of us are simply wired for work. Some of us are wired for family. And some of us are wired for all of it (page 179).

The fact that I had not heard of TV news journalist Mika Brzezinksi (formerly of CBS news and currently the cohost of MSNBC’s Morning Joe) didn’t dampen my interest in the book. I enjoy reading books written by “successful” women who are trying to raise families alongside their careers.

allthingsatonceYes, I put “successful” in quotes. To me, success for a woman comes when she ends up being happy with who she is, within the context of who she is meant to me. I honestly believe for each woman that path is different. One woman might feel completely stifled if she is “just” a stay-at-home mom. Financial burdens might make it irresponsible for a woman not to contribute to the family income in some way. On the other side of the coin, many women choose to be home with their children — either by sacrificing their personal desires, as Brzezinki’s own mother did, or as a first choice, as I have.

What makes All Things at Once a bit different than other such memoirs — and a bit better in my opinion — is that Mika Brzezinski has not bought into the myth that a woman can have it all. Yes, she chooses to foster a career that is both mentally strenuous and time-consuming, especially since it doesn’t usually take place in the framework of a regular work day. But she recognizes the trade-offs. She realizes that she won’t be able to attend every parent night or school event. But it’s the choice that she also firmly believes is best for her, and thus best for her family, because “I learned that my kids are better off being with me when I can give them all of me” (page 7).

If you are interested in the path of a visible careerwoman (especially if you are a fan of Mika Brzezinksi’s work) or in television journalism in particular, you will probably find All Things at Once to be an interesting read. Or perhaps, like me, you are interested in exploring the wide variety of options open to women.

We have one copy of All Things at Once to give away (U.S. and Canadian residents are eligible). Leave a comment here, and we’ll announce the winner in next week’s column.

The winner of the Emma Parker & Company silver locket necklace is

#37 (#10 on the Mystery Challenge sign up): Les Blatt)
#30 (#3 on the Mystery Challenge sign up): Amy at Hope is in the Word
#1 Niurka
#9 Snowflake 07 (Audra)
#4 Sheila


Written by book blogger Jennifer Donovan, managing editor at 5 Minutes for Books

*Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review.

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It’s been a lazy weekend…
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 2010

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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60 Comments

  1. Nikki Jo says

    January 26, 2010 at 9:26 am

    Your review puts this on a list of books I’d like to read. Please count me in!

    Reply
  2. heather c says

    January 24, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    That phrase, All Things at Once, was something I wanted a few years ago. However, I soon found that it was exhausting and impossible without paying someone to help you out. lol

    Reply
  3. Kayce Crews says

    January 24, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    I’d like to read this book.

    Reply
  4. Veronica Garrett says

    January 24, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    This sounds like a great book. I would love to win it.

    Reply
  5. Nancy S. says

    January 24, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    I think I would like this book.

    Reply
  6. Betty Curran says

    January 24, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    It sounds like a very interesting book.

    Reply
  7. Susan Smith says

    January 24, 2010 at 10:55 am

    Sounds like a good book

    Reply
  8. kathy pease says

    January 24, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Thank you for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY.. Please count me in 🙂

    Reply
  9. gloria says

    January 24, 2010 at 10:00 am

    I too am interested in exploring the wide variety of options open to women!

    Reply
  10. Barbara says

    January 24, 2010 at 9:44 am

    Thanks for the great contest!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  11. Lily Kwan says

    January 24, 2010 at 7:05 am

    Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Gianna says

    January 24, 2010 at 6:26 am

    Please enter me 🙂

    Reply
  13. chantelle says

    January 23, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    what a great giveaway!

    Reply
  14. shawna says

    January 23, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  15. Anne Allen says

    January 23, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    I TIVO Morning Joe every day so I can watch it later – after I return from work. Mika keeps things ‘real’.

    Reply
  16. Daniel M says

    January 23, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    looks interesting

    Reply
  17. Erma says

    January 23, 2010 at 6:54 am

    This looks like a good book.

    Reply
  18. Wendy says

    January 22, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    I’m interested in reading this book.

    Reply
  19. Wanda says

    January 22, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.

    Reply
  20. Chelsea says

    January 22, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    I would love this to read! Thanks!

    Reply
  21. Angela Winesburg says

    January 22, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  22. Mama Zen says

    January 22, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    I would love to read this!

    Reply
  23. Winning Readings says

    January 22, 2010 at 3:57 am

    Would love to read this!

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

    We posted about this at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/01/all-things-at-once.html

    Reply
  24. sal williams says

    January 21, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    I am a big fan of Mika B. She is both professional and personable at an hour when I am barely able to tolerate humankind. I watch Morning Joe religiously because of her and have done so since their first show. She starts my day with a smile instead of a whimper.I’d love to read what she has to say about her childhood with her also famous father as well as how she manages her busy life. Thanks for a great giveaway.

    Reply
  25. Jason Nickolay says

    January 21, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    I have heard some great things about this book. Thanks for the chance

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

    Reply
  26. Katy says

    January 20, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    I would love this book, Thanks!

    Reply
  27. Christine says

    January 20, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    I’m a big Mika fan, would love to read this

    Reply
  28. Beth C says

    January 20, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    I’d really like to be entered. Thanks for the chance.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    Reply
  29. Sarah says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    I’m very interested in reading this book!

    Reply
  30. rita says

    January 20, 2010 at 10:09 am

    I am interested in anything ‘memoirish’ as I am attempting to write our family stories.
    I am also interested in the raising a family + having a successful career scenario, especially for my children and their spouses.
    Thanks for entering my name.

    Reply
  31. Anya says

    January 19, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Great giveaway! thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  32. Linda Kish says

    January 19, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    I would love to read this. Please include me.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  33. LeGwen says

    January 19, 2010 at 11:50 am

    I read an excerpt from the book and I am hooked. I would love to have get the book.

    Reply
  34. Shari D says

    January 19, 2010 at 10:00 am

    This looks like a great read!

    Reply
  35. chris says

    January 19, 2010 at 7:36 am

    I’d love to read anything by a working mom – especially in a high-stress field. There are not many of us in the area where I live!

    Reply
  36. Terra Heck says

    January 19, 2010 at 5:31 am

    I’d like to read this book. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  37. katklaw777 says

    January 19, 2010 at 5:13 am

    I’d like to try this book, I’ve never read a memoir. I usually read fiction. Thanks.

    Reply
  38. Bonnie M. says

    January 19, 2010 at 4:47 am

    Great giveaway! I’d like a chance to win this inspiring book.

    Reply
  39. Merry120 says

    January 19, 2010 at 12:34 am

    I would love to read this book. I juggle everything but I find myself often feeling like one ball is about to fall!

    Reply
  40. Tracy says

    January 18, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    I am always interested in a good memoir.

    Reply
  41. Rachel Langston says

    January 18, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    I love watching Mika and Joe Scarbrough on “Morning Joe”! Please enter me for the drawing.

    Rachel

    Reply
  42. Martha C says

    January 18, 2010 at 8:59 pm

    I love reading memoirs too! I’d love to read this book and I have a friend that would love it too!

    Reply
  43. Diane Baum says

    January 18, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    Looks like reading this, would be a good memory

    Reply
  44. Shannon Baas says

    January 18, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    I would like this.

    Reply
  45. susan varney says

    January 18, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    i could read this [email protected]

    Reply
  46. Beth C says

    January 18, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    Please enter me. Thanks for the chance to win.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    Reply
  47. enyl says

    January 18, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    I’m currently collecting memoirs that compell the reader to be patient and endure the trials that one encounters; a memoir that exemplifies that success is the result remaining steadfast.

    enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

    Reply
  48. edj says

    January 18, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    I agree. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all solution for every woman. For me, it was staying home and working freelance till they started school, and then working part time. I’d love to read this one.

    Reply
  49. Benita G . says

    January 18, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    I have begun to really enjoy memoirs. I’d love to read this book.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  50. Anita Yancey says

    January 18, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    I would love to read this book. Please enter me. Thanks!

    Reply
  51. Marj M. says

    January 18, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I would enjoy reading this book. I don’t have a job outside the home, although I’ve recently become an extremely active part of our church. Just learning how to prioritize would probably help. LOL

    Reply
  52. Stephanie says

    January 18, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    As a working mom of two, I understand the pressures and disadvantages of trying to “have it all”. I would love to read about another mom who is trying to do the same.

    Reply
  53. Carolyn says

    January 18, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    I’m interested! Wish it were easy to “have it all”!

    Reply
  54. Mark says

    January 18, 2010 at 10:02 am

    I met her a couple of times on msnbc about 7 years ago, promoting a book. She seemed like a nice lady.

    rhythmtoread.com

    Reply
  55. Corinne says

    January 18, 2010 at 9:45 am

    This looks intriguing. Thanks!

    Reply
  56. Mom24 says

    January 18, 2010 at 9:24 am

    This would be fun to win. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  57. MamaB says

    January 18, 2010 at 9:21 am

    I would love to read this book, I love reading about how people balance “t all”

    Reply
  58. blueviolet says

    January 18, 2010 at 8:12 am

    Memoirs have become one of my top two genres. Would love it!

    Reply
  59. Leigh says

    January 18, 2010 at 7:16 am

    I would love to win this book. I am big fan of Mika’s, and I have been wanting to get it.

    Reply

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