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Sometimes, you pick up a book on a whim, not knowing how it will land with you. That’s exactly what happened when I grabbed Katie Couric’s memoir, Going There.
I didn’t know much about her beyond her time on TODAY, and even then, my viewing years leaned more into the Meredith Vieira era. But by the time I finished this book, I was a full-fledged Katie Couric fan, completely in awe of her story, her resilience, and her career.
Couric’s memoir is fast-paced, emotional, and brutally honest. She takes readers behind the scenes of her incredible career and tumultuous personal life, painting a vivid picture of what it was like to rise to the top in a male-dominated field like journalism.
Her early days at CNN, when the network was still finding its feet, felt like stepping into the “golden age of journalism.” I was in awe of her determination, her ability to thrive under pressure, and her instinct for pursuing a good story—even when it meant ruffling a few feathers along the way.
The personal details of her life are just as impactful as her professional ones. Her idyllic childhood and supportive upbringing provide a backdrop for some of the book’s lighter moments.
But where the memoir truly wrecked me was in the chapters about losing her first husband to stage 4 colon cancer. I cried (and cried) as she shared the details of his diagnosis, their love, and her grief after his passing—all while she was juggling a high-pressure career and raising two daughters under the age of six. She doesn’t sugarcoat any of it, which makes those sections even more gut-wrenching.
Couric also doesn’t shy away from addressing the controversy surrounding her former co-anchor, Matt Lauer. For much of the book, I wasn’t sure how much she would say about him, but she dives into it with grace and honesty.
She’s careful not to bash but instead reflects on her experience working with him and how she processed the allegations against him during the #MeToo movement. Those chapters gave me so much respect for how she balances accountability and self-reflection.
The memoir also highlights Couric’s role as a pioneer for women in journalism. Her time at TODAY marked a turning point for female anchors, as she pushed for an equal share of airtime and paved the way for women to take on more prominent roles in the media.
Her journey wasn’t without its challenges—sexism and hazing in the industry ran rampant—but she tackled it all with tenacity.
What struck me most was how human Couric is throughout the book. She’s candid about her insecurities, her mistakes, and her moments of doubt. She shares her search for love after her husband’s passing, false starts and all, and how she ultimately found her “midlife Mr. Right.” She even reveals that her second marriage almost didn’t happen—something she’s never discussed publicly before.
Going There left me in awe of how much Couric has accomplished and how much she’s endured. By the end, I was floored by her ability to reflect on it all with humor, warmth, and a sense of purpose. This memoir reminded me why it’s important to stop and look back at how far you’ve come, even when the road was rocky.
If you’re interested in journalism, media, or simply want to read about an inspiring and complex woman, this book is a must-read. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel deeply moved by Katie Couric’s story. Honestly, I don’t know how the next book I pick up will hold a candle to this one.
Have you read Going There? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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The Bitter Lemon 