Narrated by: Connie Chung
Genre: Memoir / Autobiography / Journalism History
Posted April 23, 2026
A Note on the Journey:
This wasn’t an easy listen for me. About two-thirds of the way through, I hit a wall with the tone of the narrative. I had to stop and process whether the “pity party” I was hearing was the author’s fault or the result of a toxic industry. I’ve written a separate piece on how I pushed through those chapters and what I learned about different types of resilience. You can find those “Field Notes” READ MORE _ MY JOURNEY READING CONNIE CHUNG”S MEMOIR
No-Spoiler Synopsis
The book follows Connie Chung’s journey from being the shy, youngest daughter of five in a traditional Chinese immigrant family to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in American news. She detail-orientedly chronicles her rise through the male-dominated ranks of the 1970s and 80s, covering everything from the Watergate scandal to her high-profile (and often controversial) seat at the CBS Evening News anchor desk. It is a story of ambition, the “sharp elbows” required to succeed in network news, and her personal life with husband Maury Povich.
Reason to Read
You should read this for its unfiltered honesty. Chung doesn’t just list her accomplishments; she is incredibly articulate about her failures, the sexism she faced, and the “behind-the-scenes” mechanics of how news is produced. For an observer, you’ll appreciate the technical precision she brings to describing the chaos of a live newsroom. It is funny, occasionally biting, and ultimately optimistic about the power of hard work.
Professional Reviews
- The New York Times:
“A crisp, fast-paced, and wonderfully candid memoir. Chung writes with the same directness she used in her interviews. It is a fascinating look at the ‘Golden Age’ of broadcast news.” - The Los Angeles Times:
“Chung’s voice is sharp and witty. She doesn’t hold back on the industry’s flaws or her own. It’s an inspiring story of a woman who refused to be a background character in her own life.”
My Short Review
Connie is an articulate, gutsy, and surprisingly funny look at the “Golden Age” of broadcast journalism. While the middle of the book is heavy with the professional grievances of a woman who had to use “sharp elbows” to survive, the overall narrative is a testament to extraordinary resilience. Chung’s narration is technically flawless, delivered with the crisp precision of the news anchor we all grew up watching.
Reason to Read: If you want a front-row seat to the history of the 20th century—from Watergate to the rise of 24-hour news—this is an essential, unfiltered account.