What Do I Tell My Daughter?

Now available for pre-order

Hard-won Wisdom for Tomorrow's Women

Katie Trexler was at the top of her game— thriving in her high-profile job as a local television news anchor, raising healthy young twins, and leading a nearly idyllic life with her husband in the suburbs of Denver. Then believing it was the right decision for her family— and unaware of the toll it sould take on her well-being— she gave up her dream career.

Years later, unsatisfied with where her path has led, Katie wonders, What do I tell my daughter about the choices I’ve made as a woman and mother? With raw honesty, What Do I Tell My Daughter? delves into the real and sometimes hidden costs of sacrificing parts of ourselves for the people we love— a reality Katie confronts first as a young mom and then again almost a decade later when her seemingly ideal life unexpectedly shatters.

Punctuated by hard-earned lessons about inner strength, self-love and equality in relationships, this unflinchingly candid memoir is for any woman, any person, who has ever lost themselves while caring for others and who is determined to reclaim their voice, redefine success, and model courage and awareness for the next generation.

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Inside the book

What you'll find inside

Identity

What happens when we sacrifice who we are for who we think we should be.

Sacrifice

The real cost of giving everything — and what it takes to reclaim what was lost.

Coming back

The hard and meaningful path back to yourself and the beauty you might find there.

Testimonials

  • "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)

  • "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 

  • “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 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