What do I Tell My Daughter?

After leaving her high-profile career for her family, Katie Trexler lost a big part of her identity. What Do I Tell My Daughter? is an honest look at the cost of self-sacrifice and the meaningful path back to self.

Pre-Order
Learn more →

Publishers Weekly Booklife Review

“Insightful, fiercely honest memoir of leaving a career for motherhood.” —Booklife

★★★★★ — Indies Today

About Katie

Katie Trexler is an Emmy Award-winning TV journalist turned writer, speaker and communications strategist whose work explores motherhood, marriage, ambition and the often-unspoken sacrifices many women make while caring for others, and the hidden costs to their identity, fulfillment, and emotional and financial well-being. 

More about Katie →
More about Katie →

What people are saying

  • "High-achieving women will find community and solace in this book’s honest reflections and examination of cycles of struggle, affirmation, and acceptance."

    —Publishers Weekly Booklife Review (Editor’s Pick)

  • "I was incredibly moved by Katie’s memoir and found myself hidden in its pages. It’s a journey of regret and resentment that ultimately leads to self-love, self-forgiveness and self-pride. It’s a beautifully enriching story full of soul-filled life lessons, shared not only for her daughter but for daughters everywhere. In so many ways Katie tells every mother’s story, including mine. We have goals, hopes and dreams that are sidelined for our husbands’ “huge” lives and careers. I can’t wait to share this treasure with my daughters."

    —Janet Elway McKinnon, philanthropist and mother of three

  • "Katie is a brilliant storyteller whose personal journey will resonate with any working mother trying to be the best in their field and the best for their family. A powerful story of humor and heartbreak, soul searching and strength. I couldn’t put this book down."

    —Ana Cabrera, MS Now Anchor

  • "Katie Trexler has written an exceptional and deeply relatable book that speaks to the heart of so many women who navigate the constant pull between professional ambition and motherhood. What Do I Tell My Daughter is not only well written, it is honest in a way that makes you feel as if you are reading your own story reflected back at you. Katie’s voice, her experiences, and her willingness to be vulnerable create a connection that goes far beyond the page."

    —Nikki Brooker, Founder & CEO YANA (You Are Not Alone Mom to Mom)

  • “What Do I Tell My Daughter? is a brave and deeply human reflection on motherhood, ambition, loss, and self-reclamation. With unflinching honesty and hard-won wisdom, Katie Trexler gives voice to the questions so many women carry silently—and offers not easy answers, but something far more powerful: permission to want more, to choose differently, and to honor the woman behind the role.”

    —Kristin Russell, CEO, Board Director, and mother of two daughters

  • "A brave and searingly honest story that made me think hard about the power and consequences of choice. Katie Trexler's battle-fought wisdom will resonate with women of varying ages who risk--or have risked-- sacrificing themselves for others. I'll certainly be giving a copy to my daughter."

    —Nancy Sharp, Author of Both Sides Now: A True Story of Love, Loss and Bold Living

  • "A deeply moving and unflinchingly honest memoir about the impossible standards working mothers face and the often unspoken cost of trying to do everything well. Through her journey from news anchor to motherhood, Katie Trexler gives voice to the quiet sacrifices, lingering “what ifs,” and fierce love that define so many women’s experiences. This book stayed with me long after the final page—and it’s one I hope every mother, and daughter, will read."

    —Michele Clarizio, Author of The Price of Truth, A Chasing Peace Novel

  • "An easy, inspirational read—one where I saw so much of myself. Having lived both as a career professional and a stay-at-home mom, I deeply related to the balancing act Katie captures so honestly. Her conversational, funny writing makes the book hard to put down. I laughed, I cried, and felt understood, and it reminded me that even when life takes unexpected turns, we’re becoming exactly the women we’re meant to be."

    —Debbie West, Entrepreneur, realtor and mother of three 

  • “Katie’s candid story about her struggles to juggle career and motherhood and the lessons she wove in throughout the way resonated deeply. She tells her story beautifully, even in her most challenging moments. This book provides a cathartic experience for any parent trying to find themselves through the journey of giving themselves to their families while also inspiring hope and guidance, learning from the lessons of Katie’s personal experience.”

    —Lauren Linzer Innovative technology leader & mom of twins

  • "A must-read for any woman. As someone who grew up in Denver and is the same age as Katie, I loved the glimpses into the Denver news community over the years. But what makes this book truly special is how relatable Katie’s story is. Every woman will see a piece of herself in it. She empowers women while fearlessly sharing her most raw and authentic self."

    —Erica Brookhart, Actor, producer, director and author

  • Katie Trexler’s unfiltered storytelling feels almost radical in a world where people are obsessed with presenting carefully curated versions of themselves. An open book that will resonate with anyone who has faced difficult choices and reluctant compromises, What Do I Tell My Daughter? is an emotionally grounded memoir about a woman who takes the hits life throws at her, steadies herself, and moves forward in strength and love.

    —Nicky Flowers for Indies Today (Five-star review)

Newsletter/Contact