Ambition Monster

A Memoir

By: Jennifer Romolini

Narrated by: Jennifer Romolini

An “intimate, intensely resonant memoir about workaholism, unresolved trauma, and the ‘addictive nature of ambition’” (Harper’s Bazaar), this is an anti-girlboss tale for our times for readers of Drinking: A Love Story and Uncanny Valley.

After years of relentlessly racing up the professional ladder, Jennifer Romolini reached the kind of success many crave: a high-profile, C-suite dream job, a book well-received enough that reporters wanted to know the secrets to her success, and a gig traveling around the country giving speeches on “making it.” But beneath this polished surface was a powder keg of unresolved trauma and chronic overwork. It was all about to blow.

Ambition Monster is a gutsy and powerful look at workaholism, the lingering effect of childhood trauma, and the failures of our modern rat race. This is a Cinderella story of success and a brutal appraisal of the cost of capitalism—perfect for people pleasers, overachievers, and those whose traumas have driven them to be perfect, no matter the cost. “If you find yourself on the other end of burnout, trying desperately to figure out a new way forward—wow, is this book for you” (Anne Helen Petersen, author of Can’t Even).

Amazing.

I dont have the words to explain how amazing this book is, just… thank you for writing it!

A very captivating and honest life story

I loved Jen’s writing style and the story of her life’s ups and downs. Very relatable and honest filled with the good bad and the ugly.

Honest, authentic, relatable

While Jenn’s story is her own, her insights and lessons are so relatable. The writing is vivid and emotional. Highly recommend.

Spoke to my soul

I found this book based on a friend recommendation. I knew from the title alone it would be exactly what I needed to hear and I loved Jennifer’s writing style and storytelling as it was so palpable, vulnerable, raw and real. I felt seen, heard, and sometime gut punched as I listened to her story. I didn’t know of Jennifer before reading this book but I’m so thankful to have discovered this book and for her taking the time to share her journey. This was a GREAT read and I highly recommend!

Authentic, smart and thought provoking.

I loved this book! Great narration by the author who is intelligent, articulate and entertaining. She touched on topics around childhood trauma, that I've struggled with and explored in therapy for many years, and shed new light on them. I related to her career stress as if she was describing my own experiences. This is an important book of human emotions that are very relatable.