Maxed Out

American Moms on the Brink

By: Katrina Alcorn

Narrated by: Katrina Alcorn

Katrina Alcorn was a 37-year-old mother with a happy marriage and a thriving career when one day, on the way to Target to buy diapers, she had a breakdown. Her carefully built career shuddered to a halt, and her journey through depression, anxiety, and insomnia - followed by medication, meditation, and therapy - began.

Alcorn wondered how a woman like herself, with a loving husband, a supportive boss, three healthy kids, and a good income, was unable to manage the demands of having a career and a family. Over time, she realized that she wasn't alone. As she questioned other working moms, she realized that many women were struggling to do it all, crashing, and feeling as if they were somehow failing as a result.

Mothers are the breadwinners in two-thirds of American families, yet the American workplace is uniquely hostile to the needs of parents. Weaving in surprising research about the dysfunction between the careers and home lives of working mothers, as well as the consequences to women's health, Alcorn tells a deeply personal story about "having it all,” failing miserably, and what comes after.

Ultimately, she offers readers a vision for a healthier, happier, and more productive way to live and work.

©2013 Katrina Alcorn (P)2013 Katrina Alcorn

Great points and research but too much pity

I don't disagree with the working and raising kids struggles and it's nice to know I'm not alone in my anxiety and depression struggles. However this is the society we live in and it is a family choice to make if they will make due with one income or two. Workplaces sympathy on the matter would be revolutionary and change the way Americans work. Although it would be a great benefit to many families it would also bring on different sets of family and society issues.

Best book for working mothers

What did you love best about Maxed Out?

The book made me feel less alone and empowered as a working mother trying to do it all .
It is not a simple self help book- more of a guide to understand the demands of mother motherhood. I so happy that this book was written.

A must read for working moms

I loved every word, wisely written, so true. As a working mother I went to several situations that Katrina describes in her book. Glad that she share this beautiful journey in the most entertaining way.

So nice to know I am not the only one..

Where does Maxed Out rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I actually listened to the whole book, So this one is TOPS on my list. The story was very relateable and since i am going through the very same emotional roller coaster, the guilt i have been feeling is subsiding and i think i may just make it through this break.

What about Katrina Alcorn’s performance did you like?

I felt like i was listening to a friend read to me. Lovely performance!

If you could give Maxed Out a new subtitle, what would it be?

All Mom's: NOW READ THIS!

just what I needed to hear!

Great read. loved all the scenaruos, examples and explanations. I could relate to a lot of this!