I really enjoy essay collections like those of Mary Laura Philpott; this was a similar vein. Amy mentioned that in her first book, she discussed motherhood and growing up and for this book, she thought about times in her life where she felt she took on too much. 

I enjoyed so many of the essays in this collection. A couple of them describe times in her life when she was starting out as a Broadway star’s personal assistant and later auditioning to be on a tv series. I also loved her story about how women were portrayed and talked to in YM days of our youth. It made me think about those articles and how times have changed (I remember one article where a boy mentioned he didn’t like pointy elbows on girls and I thought it was such a strange comment.) This essay made me remember how girls were brought up to try to please literally everyone.

She also discusses some difficult parenting moments - like having kids with medical conditions or college applications, where lines are hard to draw as to what parents should or shouldn’t do. 

I always love essays and memoirs read by the author, and she does read her own essays. Thank you to libro,fm and Zibby publishing for sharing audiobooks with librarians!

Also, if you have ever been the one who always feels responsible to help others, this book will speak to you!

“You are the one who can be counted on. You are happy to help. And that is why everyone but you is content with the way things are.” Introduction

“… saying no can sometimes be its own kind of bravery.” Never Give Up

“When we are in difficult seasons of life, they are hard because they are hard, not because there is something wrong with us. They are hard because they are real, not because we have make them harder on purpose. If others don’t perceive us as struggling, it’s because we’ve become quite capable of handling more than what is expected.” It Has to be You