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Connie: A Memoir
In an industry dominated by white men, Connie Chung stood alone, the first and only Asian woman to break into the television news industry. This is her extraordinary story, told with incisive wit and remarkable candor. Connie Chung is a pioneer. In 1969 at the age of 23, this once-shy daughter of Chinese parents took her first job at a local TV station in her hometown of Washington, D.C. and soon thereafter began working at CBS news as a correspondent. Profoundly influenced by her family’s cultural traditions, yet growing up completely Americanized in the United States, Chung describes her career as an Asian woman in a white male-centered world. Overt sexism was a way of life, but Chung was tenacious in her pursuit of stories – battling rival reporters to secure scoops that ranged from interviewing Magic Johnson to covering the Watergate scandal – and quickly became a household name. She made history when she achieved her dream of being the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to anchor any news program in the U.S. Chung pulls no punches as she provides a behind-the-scenes tour of her singular life. From showdowns with powerful men in and out of the newsroom to the stories behind some of her career-defining reporting and the unwavering support of her husband, Maury Povich, nothing is off-limits – good, bad, or ugly. So be sure to tune in for an irreverent and inspiring this is CONNIE like you’ve never seen her before.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
October 3, 2024
There’s a lot going on in this book. Things that stuck out: 1) the moment with Jimmy Carter cracked me up, 2) my estimation of Maury Povich has hugely risen after reading this book, 3) her family dynamics are out of Asian whack (she essentially acted as the oldest child would, though she is the youngest), 4) the amount of red tape she must’ve gone through had to have taken years to get through (guessing), because she names names!!!, and many of these people are still alive!!!!!, 5) Dan Rather, you are a tiny, tiny man, and I hate that the public has already forgiven you for your compromise of journalistic ethics, which you do not deserve, especially given what you did to Connie Chung, and I shall never forgive you.
I just realized Constance Wu may have been among the generation of women who chose their names after Connie Chung. (I read this book after seeing this post on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAEq_6lyU...)
I just realized Constance Wu may have been among the generation of women who chose their names after Connie Chung. (I read this book after seeing this post on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAEq_6lyU...)
October 24, 2024
Listening to the audiobook of Connie, Connie Chung’s memoir, was enjoyable while highlighting how little I actually knew about her — I knew Connie had a long, storied career in news and that she’s married to former talk show host, Maury Povich.
I didn’t realize how extensive Connie’s news career was, both as a reporter and an anchor. She dealt with the old boys club, sexism, racism, and stereotypes. She worked hard and didn’t let these challenges get her down.
Connie’s parents immigrated to the United States from China shortly before Connie was born. She has several sisters and was largely raised in Washington D.C. She began her news career in D.C. too after graduating from the University of Maryland. Connie shares how she and Maury dated for 7 years, the majority being long-distance, before they got married, how they experienced fertility challenges and the eventual adoption of their son, Matthew, along with more about her life.
While I liked Connie before, her memoir is interesting and informative, and I appreciate how hard she’s worked for her success even more now.
I didn’t realize how extensive Connie’s news career was, both as a reporter and an anchor. She dealt with the old boys club, sexism, racism, and stereotypes. She worked hard and didn’t let these challenges get her down.
Connie’s parents immigrated to the United States from China shortly before Connie was born. She has several sisters and was largely raised in Washington D.C. She began her news career in D.C. too after graduating from the University of Maryland. Connie shares how she and Maury dated for 7 years, the majority being long-distance, before they got married, how they experienced fertility challenges and the eventual adoption of their son, Matthew, along with more about her life.
While I liked Connie before, her memoir is interesting and informative, and I appreciate how hard she’s worked for her success even more now.
September 25, 2024
I Like Her
I didn’t know much about Connie Chung, but there was something about her that appealed to me. I always thought that she was so bright and so pretty. I was interested in learning more about her. Immediately, I was drawn to her candor. She didn’t hold back on how she felt about people. She was a little sassy and a lot spunky. I loved that. She came off as so poised and unbreakable. I really enjoyed learning about her courtship with Maury. Her family’s background was also very interesting. I wasn’t as invested in some of her political recollections, but I loved hearing about her career path. She spilled some good tea about some big name folks. I’m glad that I got to know Connie Chung better. She’s my kinda lady.
I didn’t know much about Connie Chung, but there was something about her that appealed to me. I always thought that she was so bright and so pretty. I was interested in learning more about her. Immediately, I was drawn to her candor. She didn’t hold back on how she felt about people. She was a little sassy and a lot spunky. I loved that. She came off as so poised and unbreakable. I really enjoyed learning about her courtship with Maury. Her family’s background was also very interesting. I wasn’t as invested in some of her political recollections, but I loved hearing about her career path. She spilled some good tea about some big name folks. I’m glad that I got to know Connie Chung better. She’s my kinda lady.
October 5, 2024
I received an advance copy and am so excited to share how much I loved this book! CONNIE is funny, heartwarming, thoughtful, and did I say funny?! Between the surprising story of her family's escape from a war-torn China to the inner workings of a broadcast news station to Connie and Maury's adoption journey… I didn’t know what to expect and was amazed throughout. I kept calling out to my husband, “Hey! Did you know…” and would repeat some tea or tidbit she dropped probably once a chapter. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook next so I can hear the story in her own voice.
September 22, 2024
An icon!!!!
October 23, 2024
CONNIE: a must-read memoir by a legend.
Connie Chung was the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to anchor any news program in the U.S.
I grew up admiring her, so I was predisposed to like this, but I was struck by how self-aware Connie came across. I also enjoyed the great anecdotes she incorporated. This memoir is sweeping, sketching her life from her upbringing to the current day. I'd have probably read another 200 pages, but what's here is so well done. A treat that I hope you'll read.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a free copy of this title.
Connie Chung was the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to anchor any news program in the U.S.
I grew up admiring her, so I was predisposed to like this, but I was struck by how self-aware Connie came across. I also enjoyed the great anecdotes she incorporated. This memoir is sweeping, sketching her life from her upbringing to the current day. I'd have probably read another 200 pages, but what's here is so well done. A treat that I hope you'll read.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a free copy of this title.
November 11, 2024
Wow. Connie Chung’s memoir is a riveting exploration of her journey as the first Asian-American woman to anchor a major network newscast, capturing the determination and courage that defined her career. With sharp wit, Chung takes readers behind the scenes of a groundbreaking life marked by resilience in the face of racism, misogyny, and the relentless pressure of representation. From her early days as a junior reporter to her high-profile interviews with world leaders, Chung’s story unfolds as an inspiring testament to unwavering commitment, showing how she carved out her place in an industry where few looked like her or understood the weight she carried. What made this memoir stand out to me is Chung’s refusal to shy away from the costs of her pathbreaking career. She shares the personal toll of standing firm in the face of controversy and the challenges of being both a trailblazer and a target. Chung’s reflections are balanced with warmth and humor, reminding readers of the person behind the career: determined, sharp, and human. Her story is more than just an account of journalistic triumph; it’s a powerful reminder that breaking barriers is not just about being the first but about creating space for others to follow.
September 30, 2024
Dive into Connie’s absolutely thrilling memoir and embark on an awe-inspiring odyssey! From the roots of her immigrant parents’ bold journey to the U.S. with dreams of weaving a promising future for their family, to Connie’s unique perspective as the only U.S.-born individual in her clan, her tale is electrifying. Witness her relentless pursuit of a dream career, navigate the high seas of a male-dominated journalism landscape, and balance the joys and trials of marriage and motherhood.
As a child of immigrants myself, Connie’s narrative struck a deep chord, shedding light on the universal hustles for familial duty and personal success. Her candid exploration of facing racism and sexism head-on is nothing short of courageous. It’s a beacon for women everywhere! Plus, getting the inside scoop on her most impactful news stories and celebrity interviews? Utterly fascinating.
Having Connie voice her own story in the audiobook added a layer of intimacy and charm that was simply captivating. Her confidence and warmth leap through each word. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey through Connie’s life – an emblem of resilience, ambition, and the sheer power of storytelling.
As a child of immigrants myself, Connie’s narrative struck a deep chord, shedding light on the universal hustles for familial duty and personal success. Her candid exploration of facing racism and sexism head-on is nothing short of courageous. It’s a beacon for women everywhere! Plus, getting the inside scoop on her most impactful news stories and celebrity interviews? Utterly fascinating.
Having Connie voice her own story in the audiobook added a layer of intimacy and charm that was simply captivating. Her confidence and warmth leap through each word. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey through Connie’s life – an emblem of resilience, ambition, and the sheer power of storytelling.
October 10, 2024
I knew I’d like this book because I admire Connie Chung so much. But I absolutely LOVED this book. She is so relatable, funny and admirable. And like me she also did SGA at UMD, is a journalist and has a best friend named Andrea. Going to try to keep living my life like Connie!
October 5, 2024
This was great on audio! I didn’t realize the span of Connie’s career and all the barriers she and all female news anchors were up against. I particularly enjoyed Connie’s humor and how positive she is. Also, from how she describes her infertility, I feel our autoimmune disorder are the same or similar. She was brave to tell her story. Probably my favorite memoir so far this year.
October 1, 2024
So good. Connie is a badass for the ages.
November 5, 2024
Connie Chung is a freaking bad ass! This was an incredibly fun listen (read by Connie) and who knew she was married to THE Maury?
October 7, 2024
Self-admitted liar Connie Chung weaves some fascinating tales (thankfully slamming the horrible Dan Rather and the mean Bryant Gumbel) mixed with a shockingly large inability to recall specifics and details. For a supposed "journalist" she lacks many of the basics of what it means to be an honest reporter, unless she's attempting to do creative writing. While her stories hit all the important marks in her life, many are either insufficient in specifics or are simply difficult to believe.
It's filled with put-downs of men but constant bragging about herself, her husband, and her child. There are a number of false claims made, a lack of understand about the TV business, and a dramatic lack of introspection to consider her own many flaws. She hides behind repeated claims of sexism or racism, which is difficult to hear from a rich successful woman who did things no other had ever achieved.
It's laugh-out-loud absurd when she repeatedly claims to hold to high "journalistic" standards of "truth," then also mentions her lying, cheating, and stealing. So much for her understanding of the words "ethical journalism." While I welcome her lightly sharing her many faults (as well as her repeatedly hinting at sexual affairs she had with some famous men), she lacks introspection or redemption. Instead she's a tease--thinking we will appreciate her coy suggestiveness as being a bad girl. You'll just roll your eyes that a nationally known (and historic) anchorwomen would do these kind of things, much less mention them.
Chung, of course, was famously caught on camera with Newt Gingrich's mother, asking a question that Connie said would be "just between you and me." Then she made Mrs. Gingrich's response the headline of the entire interview that was made news throughout the world (that Newt thought Hilary Clinton was a "bitch"). Chung devotes a chapter to it, unsuccessfully trying to defend herself but never stating the truth--that she lied to Mrs. Gingrich and broke all journalistic honor by airing what the source was told would be confidential. Even with a camera running, if a reporter says it's off the record they can't use it. Period.
Chung was no stranger to lying. She admits that she would tell "fibs" when younger in order to keep herself from being embarrassed by the truth about her lower-class status in America. Even as an older adult, when the National Enquirer told her they were doing a story on her newborn baby, she agreed to cooperate, writing, "We would mask any accurate information and allow the tabloid to make mistakes." Yes, you read that right. She intentionally allowed lies and covered up the truth. That's unethical and the opposite of true journalism.
She also frequently in the text says that she can't recall specifics and details about almost everything. Major life events? She doesn't recall much and there are years that are skipped. Do you think she'd confirm with siblings or co-workers or even online? Nope, usually she just says she has a bad memory.
So how can you believe when she tells the harrowing story of her family leaving China, which happened before she was born? She admits she never talked to her parents about most of it--so how can she claim things happened with such certainty?
Or what do you do with her claim of being sexually assaulted in college by her family doctor? Here are her words: "The exact date and year are fuzzy, but details of the event are vivid." But those "details" take up only a couple sentences and there honestly isn't much to it. His touching her private parts was part of an exam, and the weirdest part was that she claims she was brought to orgasm before he bent down to give her a kiss ("a peck on the lips"). But she can't remember when this happened? She writes that those details are "insignificant." Well, Connie, without any evidence those details become very significant and raise suspicions about the validity of the story.
She didn't tell others, lied to avoid going to see the doctor again, and then decades later says husband Maury Povich was the first she ever told about it: "Was it before or after we were married? I don't remember." Seriously? She doesn't recall telling the supposedly most horrific thing in her lifetime for the only time she has ever told it?
Then Connie dares to defend feminist operative Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who claimed future Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her when they were teens. First, the two situations were completely different, and second, there was zero proof of either event occurring. You cannot just simply believe an accusation when there is no evidence, and there are cases where women try to falsely accuse men for a variety of reasons (including political) or have false memories. Wish we'd as a society work as hard to find out the truth about accused men as liberals are trying to free actual killers and criminals.
It's extremely ironic (or hypocritical) when later in the book Chung describes a similar unwelcome sexual advance by Senator George McGovern, the Democrat running for president of the United States. He invites her to his vacation home while his wife isn't there and tries to kiss her "in a dark, narrow hallway." This is not reported by her as a sexual assault or harassment, but she seems to take it as a compliment, writing, "It was not an aggressive act. Just a surprising one."
So the doctor that kissed her just a few feet from his wife in the office was a bad guy but this married famous American Senator that coerced her into his private home while his wife was gone was being nice by giving her an unwanted kiss? Why, because McGovern was a powerful political liberal that she doesn't want to make look bad? The book is filled with these types of contradictions, which diminish her repeated claims of being a consistent feminist truth-teller.
So there is no evidence here for a number of claims she makes. As a "journalist" she should know better--her spewing her opinions doesn't make any of this accurate or true. Her ridiculous claim that she feared speaking up to support Blasey Ford because "In telling my story, I crossed the invisible line I had assiduously avoided my entire career. Shielding my personal thoughts and biases, especially in my news reporting, was crucial to my credibility." Ha! Is she serious? She was one of the most obnoxious, opinionated, mean-spirited, anti-conservative "journalists" out there. Just look at the Newt Gingrich story, where an off-the-record comment was misused unethically to make the Republican Speaker of the House look bad.
Connie Chung should be ashamed. True journalists shouldn't hide their liberal biases as she claims and pretend of be objective. They have to be fair and handle accurately the truth but it's better to admit up front that you have biases, then let us decide whether we can trust what you present to us. In this case, she's delusional and in denial, offering a life story that isn't objective or completely honest.
It's filled with put-downs of men but constant bragging about herself, her husband, and her child. There are a number of false claims made, a lack of understand about the TV business, and a dramatic lack of introspection to consider her own many flaws. She hides behind repeated claims of sexism or racism, which is difficult to hear from a rich successful woman who did things no other had ever achieved.
It's laugh-out-loud absurd when she repeatedly claims to hold to high "journalistic" standards of "truth," then also mentions her lying, cheating, and stealing. So much for her understanding of the words "ethical journalism." While I welcome her lightly sharing her many faults (as well as her repeatedly hinting at sexual affairs she had with some famous men), she lacks introspection or redemption. Instead she's a tease--thinking we will appreciate her coy suggestiveness as being a bad girl. You'll just roll your eyes that a nationally known (and historic) anchorwomen would do these kind of things, much less mention them.
Chung, of course, was famously caught on camera with Newt Gingrich's mother, asking a question that Connie said would be "just between you and me." Then she made Mrs. Gingrich's response the headline of the entire interview that was made news throughout the world (that Newt thought Hilary Clinton was a "bitch"). Chung devotes a chapter to it, unsuccessfully trying to defend herself but never stating the truth--that she lied to Mrs. Gingrich and broke all journalistic honor by airing what the source was told would be confidential. Even with a camera running, if a reporter says it's off the record they can't use it. Period.
Chung was no stranger to lying. She admits that she would tell "fibs" when younger in order to keep herself from being embarrassed by the truth about her lower-class status in America. Even as an older adult, when the National Enquirer told her they were doing a story on her newborn baby, she agreed to cooperate, writing, "We would mask any accurate information and allow the tabloid to make mistakes." Yes, you read that right. She intentionally allowed lies and covered up the truth. That's unethical and the opposite of true journalism.
She also frequently in the text says that she can't recall specifics and details about almost everything. Major life events? She doesn't recall much and there are years that are skipped. Do you think she'd confirm with siblings or co-workers or even online? Nope, usually she just says she has a bad memory.
So how can you believe when she tells the harrowing story of her family leaving China, which happened before she was born? She admits she never talked to her parents about most of it--so how can she claim things happened with such certainty?
Or what do you do with her claim of being sexually assaulted in college by her family doctor? Here are her words: "The exact date and year are fuzzy, but details of the event are vivid." But those "details" take up only a couple sentences and there honestly isn't much to it. His touching her private parts was part of an exam, and the weirdest part was that she claims she was brought to orgasm before he bent down to give her a kiss ("a peck on the lips"). But she can't remember when this happened? She writes that those details are "insignificant." Well, Connie, without any evidence those details become very significant and raise suspicions about the validity of the story.
She didn't tell others, lied to avoid going to see the doctor again, and then decades later says husband Maury Povich was the first she ever told about it: "Was it before or after we were married? I don't remember." Seriously? She doesn't recall telling the supposedly most horrific thing in her lifetime for the only time she has ever told it?
Then Connie dares to defend feminist operative Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who claimed future Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her when they were teens. First, the two situations were completely different, and second, there was zero proof of either event occurring. You cannot just simply believe an accusation when there is no evidence, and there are cases where women try to falsely accuse men for a variety of reasons (including political) or have false memories. Wish we'd as a society work as hard to find out the truth about accused men as liberals are trying to free actual killers and criminals.
It's extremely ironic (or hypocritical) when later in the book Chung describes a similar unwelcome sexual advance by Senator George McGovern, the Democrat running for president of the United States. He invites her to his vacation home while his wife isn't there and tries to kiss her "in a dark, narrow hallway." This is not reported by her as a sexual assault or harassment, but she seems to take it as a compliment, writing, "It was not an aggressive act. Just a surprising one."
So the doctor that kissed her just a few feet from his wife in the office was a bad guy but this married famous American Senator that coerced her into his private home while his wife was gone was being nice by giving her an unwanted kiss? Why, because McGovern was a powerful political liberal that she doesn't want to make look bad? The book is filled with these types of contradictions, which diminish her repeated claims of being a consistent feminist truth-teller.
So there is no evidence here for a number of claims she makes. As a "journalist" she should know better--her spewing her opinions doesn't make any of this accurate or true. Her ridiculous claim that she feared speaking up to support Blasey Ford because "In telling my story, I crossed the invisible line I had assiduously avoided my entire career. Shielding my personal thoughts and biases, especially in my news reporting, was crucial to my credibility." Ha! Is she serious? She was one of the most obnoxious, opinionated, mean-spirited, anti-conservative "journalists" out there. Just look at the Newt Gingrich story, where an off-the-record comment was misused unethically to make the Republican Speaker of the House look bad.
Connie Chung should be ashamed. True journalists shouldn't hide their liberal biases as she claims and pretend of be objective. They have to be fair and handle accurately the truth but it's better to admit up front that you have biases, then let us decide whether we can trust what you present to us. In this case, she's delusional and in denial, offering a life story that isn't objective or completely honest.
October 22, 2024
Veteran journalist Connie Chung takes us on a journey of her life - from being the daughter of immigrants (the only one of her siblings to be born on U.S. soil) to defying many challenges to become the first Asian woman to occupy a distinguished seat in the television news industry. She was co-anchor of the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to anchor any news program in the U.S. She overcame cultural and sexist barriers by being spunky, hardworking, fast thinking, persistent, adept at honing a nose for “the” story, and a bit audacious. She is frank, funny, and self deprecating as she recounts her career and personal life story. I enjoyed listening to her story as narrated by her in the audiobook. She deftly recounts how she got her many scoops and sets us straight on how situations were mischaracterized in some famous fallouts that involved her. She ranks among her stalwart peers of women journalists like Barbara Walters, Diana Sawyers and Lesley Stahl and male journalists like Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw (Dan Rather omitted by design). The book is well written, interesting and insightful and I enjoyed how her personality came through across the pages. I highly recommend Connie Chung’s memoir.
September 23, 2024
Before this book, I hadn’t really thought about how culturally distant the heyday of television news is and that my generation may be one of the last that can remember the voices of Connie Chung, Dan Rather, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw et al emanating from the living room TV. Chung covered basically all of the news of my childhood and adolescence, which is the same stuff it seems that Netflix and competitors love to turn into limited series these days: Magic Johnson’s HIV diagnosis, silicone implants, Nancy and Tonya, OJ, the Oklahoma City bombing, etc.
Chung’s story is a messy one, largely of grit and—more than I expected—candid compromises. She doesn’t much communicate her distinct talents or passions or the lasting effects of the paths she paved. The end of the memoir makes it seem like her primary legacy is all of the women who have been named after her, which feels faddish like television. Ultimately, that legacy also points to the perniciousness of the racism and misogyny that Chung pushed past and that feels devastatingly contemporary.
Chung’s story is a messy one, largely of grit and—more than I expected—candid compromises. She doesn’t much communicate her distinct talents or passions or the lasting effects of the paths she paved. The end of the memoir makes it seem like her primary legacy is all of the women who have been named after her, which feels faddish like television. Ultimately, that legacy also points to the perniciousness of the racism and misogyny that Chung pushed past and that feels devastatingly contemporary.
October 17, 2024
I wish I could give this book six stars. Highly recommend to those who grew up watching Connie Chung and anyone who has experienced sexism and/or racism.
P.S. Get the audiobook if you can, Connie narrates.
P.S. Get the audiobook if you can, Connie narrates.
October 15, 2024
Connie Chung was on TV long before "representation" became a buzz word. She was a true trailblazer and I admire her so much more after listening to her memoir (she narrates the audiobook). Connie Chung endured the double whammy of sexism AND racism, but rose above with grace.
October 20, 2024
A true trailblazer Connie Chung is.
October 16, 2024
What a life Connie Chung has lived and a legacy she has left. This was an eye opening read on what went on behind the scenes for a trailblazing Asian woman in the news media, the ups and downs of a long career.
October 16, 2024
I really admired Connie Chung as a young girl watching her on the news and admire her even more after listening to her memoir - she's candid, relatable, and inspiring, particularly in the way she dealt with professional and personal set-backs. Loved this book.
October 17, 2024
4.5 rating! Connie Chung was one of the icons of journalism that I grew up watching on the news. She broke glass ceilings and barriers long before anyone had the usual buzzwords to describe it and she was so brazen and spunky before her time. What a delight to listen to this audiobook! Connie was the son that her parents wanted but never had so she took on that title and achieved far more than anymore in her family could have imagined. The things she had to go through in her career with sexism and racism in a male dominated field was commendable and I have great respect for her. The issues with CBS (and especially Dan Rather) were unprofessional by the higher ups at best, childish at worst and Connie handled that situation with the grace that I would not have LOL. Also, considering that Rather himself was caught in controversial journalism that ended his career, I would say it's a bit of karma for what he did to Connie. I always wanted more insight into her relationship with Maury and I wasn't disappointed! I wasn't aware until 10 years ago that they were married and it was a shock to me (serious news anchor Connie Chung and "You are not the father" Maury Povich)! I loved hearing about her upbringing and the loving relationship that she has with her son Matthew. The story about all the Connies (I read this in the NYT a year or two ago) was fantastic and it showed that she was an inspiration for so many! A fantastic read for an icon!
September 30, 2024
I enjoyed this memoir much more than I was expecting to. I listened to the audiobook and so greatly appreciated Chung's narration (she has a great voice, of course!) I found the stories she shared to be engaging and at times shocking, without spilling over into vindictiveness, despite the professional slights she experienced. Parts were laugh out loud funny. She also took the time to address, personalize, yet also contextualize the racism and sexism she endured.
I then followed up this book by watching the New York Public Library interview with Chung about its release. I wish I hadn't (I only did so to fulfill a Book Riot Read Harder Challenge prompt to read a book featured in an upcoming event and then attend the event.) At the event, Chung seemed disoriented, distracted, and maybe even came across as entitled (as she was unwilling to answer questions or even listen to the questions she was being asked. She changed her shoes TWICE during the interview - I mean, what is going on there?! Shudder.)
The cringeworthy interview makes me appreciate the book even more because either the editing team must be great and/or it afforded the opportunity for Chung to tell her story while she is still lucid enough to tell it. 4 stars.
I then followed up this book by watching the New York Public Library interview with Chung about its release. I wish I hadn't (I only did so to fulfill a Book Riot Read Harder Challenge prompt to read a book featured in an upcoming event and then attend the event.) At the event, Chung seemed disoriented, distracted, and maybe even came across as entitled (as she was unwilling to answer questions or even listen to the questions she was being asked. She changed her shoes TWICE during the interview - I mean, what is going on there?! Shudder.)
The cringeworthy interview makes me appreciate the book even more because either the editing team must be great and/or it afforded the opportunity for Chung to tell her story while she is still lucid enough to tell it. 4 stars.
October 15, 2024
Listened to this memoir. As Chinese American, I was reminded of how similar so many Chinese American journeys to the US are. Connie was youngest of 10 kids (5 surviving girls and the only one born in the US). Her family during the Sino Japanese war, fleeing the country, wanting a boy; her upper middle class mom in China was a housewife in America, cooking and cleaning, things she had not done in China. The dad went ahead and the rest of the family followed. Discrimination of nonwhites on the ship ride over with having to eat second. Funny story of how one of the 4 daughters had pink eye which should have resulted in rejection but the doctor examined the same sister twice and so they were all let through.
The struggles coming to America, thick accents and discriminatory housing practices.
I didn’t realize what a pioneer she was with respect to the news. She talks a lot about sexism and racism (a little too much imho). She supported her parents and much of her family, and her parents even followed her out to west coast wheee she continued to support them financially. She dated a lot (Warren Beatty) and eventually married Maury. Lots about Cronkite and Nixon and breaking into network news (Bryant Gumbel such a prima dona ie being the first and last to speak even though Jane Pauley had seniority); issues with getting pregnant at 43 and subsequent miscarriages, eventually adopting blonde blue eyed boy, raising him Jewish & stepping back from her career, Marlon Brando and his Asian fetish, NBC to CBS; passes from McGovern and Carter
among many others; Magic Johnson & HIV; Michael Jordan & gambling; silicone breast implants; Gingrich (strong) mom & Bitchgate (H Clinton).
Her fight to be taken seriously—OJ, Tonya Harding and the politics of network TV ie Dan Rather gracious in the beginning but as he grew more threatened by her, cut her off at the knees.
But she clearly shows her liberal bias as there was a LOT of talk about racism and sexism and a whole section of how she was sexually assaulted by her gynecologist (analogizing to C Blasey Ford).
As to be expected, it was a bit self congratulatory esp the part about all the Connie’s who were named after her which seems like kind of a weird legacy but I appreciated her contrasting to the men who generally do it so naturally!
The struggles coming to America, thick accents and discriminatory housing practices.
I didn’t realize what a pioneer she was with respect to the news. She talks a lot about sexism and racism (a little too much imho). She supported her parents and much of her family, and her parents even followed her out to west coast wheee she continued to support them financially. She dated a lot (Warren Beatty) and eventually married Maury. Lots about Cronkite and Nixon and breaking into network news (Bryant Gumbel such a prima dona ie being the first and last to speak even though Jane Pauley had seniority); issues with getting pregnant at 43 and subsequent miscarriages, eventually adopting blonde blue eyed boy, raising him Jewish & stepping back from her career, Marlon Brando and his Asian fetish, NBC to CBS; passes from McGovern and Carter
among many others; Magic Johnson & HIV; Michael Jordan & gambling; silicone breast implants; Gingrich (strong) mom & Bitchgate (H Clinton).
Her fight to be taken seriously—OJ, Tonya Harding and the politics of network TV ie Dan Rather gracious in the beginning but as he grew more threatened by her, cut her off at the knees.
But she clearly shows her liberal bias as there was a LOT of talk about racism and sexism and a whole section of how she was sexually assaulted by her gynecologist (analogizing to C Blasey Ford).
As to be expected, it was a bit self congratulatory esp the part about all the Connie’s who were named after her which seems like kind of a weird legacy but I appreciated her contrasting to the men who generally do it so naturally!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
Connie, what a babe! This was a great listen. Connie is funny, candid, and loving. I enjoyed learning the story behind this woman who broke through 1970s news media despite it being incredibly white and male-dominated. Connie managed to become “one of the guys” and doggedly built an amazing career, and later a family and a legacy of younger “Connies.” The part about her parents’ upbringing in China and their immigration to America was incredibly interesting and added a rich layer to the unlikely story of her success. 4.5 stars.
October 30, 2024
I just finished reading a very detailed and very candid book about the life of Connie Chung. I didn’t know a lot about her but as I got further into the book I definitely discovered that she was a very intelligent woman who encountered sexism while working in the network news business and how she rose above that and became the role model for women everywhere
November 7, 2024
I’m not a huge writer of reviews, but this was everything I needed to counter election week sadness. I’d give it 10 stars if I could. Connie Chung’s memoir is full of juicy nuggets (spoiler: Dan Rather is a jerk), but more importantly, it’s a tale of a strong woman making her way through the boy’s club of news media with grit, tenacity, humor and humility (though she has certainly earned the right to lack humility, in my view). Highly recommend listening to Connie narrate this herself on audiobook. Only once before have I felt so perfectly charmed and comforted by an author’s narration (the other is Sy Montgomery’s Of Time and Turtles). Connie Chung is an icon and this book perfectly encapsulates that.
October 20, 2024
Very interesting listen
November 9, 2024
Fun read, inspiring, and has some interesting tea!
October 25, 2024
I listened to this book and Chung was the reader. I felt it dragged, mostly due to her delivery. Parts of the book were fascinating and parts were really dull. Lots of misogynistic men, some that were surprising. I don’t necessarily recommend but if you were intrigued to hear her story, as I was, I don’t want to dissuade you. She is an important figure in tv journalism.
Want to read
November 3, 2024Now THIS is a memoir people!!!
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