Joan - by Joan Lunden (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In this fearless and inspiring memoir, trailblazing journalist Joan Lunden pulls back the curtain on the defining moments that shaped her extraordinary life--from breaking barriers on national television to reshaping motherhood, survivorship, and aging on her own terms.

Since bursting onto the national morning news scene in 1980 as cohost of Good Morning America, Joan Lunden has been a catalyst for revolutionary societal changes. She didn't just report the headlines; she made headlines for shattering the mold in a news industry dominated by older white men and rewrote the rules entirely. In a bold move that challenged workplace norms, Joan was one of the first to bring her newborn daughter to work so she could continue breastfeeding, showing the world that she could be a dedicated mom and a top-tier journalist at the same time.

In her 50s, after raising three grown daughters from her previous marriage, Joan and her husband, Jeff Konigsberg, welcomed two sets of twins via surrogate, proving women can embrace motherhood at any age.

Then, in her 60s, Joan discovered she had breast cancer. She bravely went public with her diagnosis, chronicling her journey and fearlessly posing bald on the cover of PEOPLE. Standing in her truth, she became an advocate for women to be better informed about the disease. She even lobbied Washington to require mammogram testing results be made available to all women, especially those with dense breast tissue. Her valiant efforts enabled early cancer detection and surely helped save countless lives.

During the later-life care of her mother, Glady, Joan advocated again--this time for senior citizens. She testified before Congress to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act to include senior care, imploring that caregiving isn't just something we do at the start of life-- it happens at the end, as well.

At every turn, Joan has been willing to step out of her comfort zone while reinventing herself and the environment around her. JOAN: Life Beyond the Script shares the extraordinary transitions this journalist, television host, author, and advocate has undergone and how she has influenced our life transitions as well. By deeply reflecting on the most pivotal moments in her life and career, accepting the times when she faltered as much as when she was sure of herself, Lunden encourages us all to be open to change and the profound transformations it brings.

Review Quotes

"(This) book is a generous 400 pages of stories about reinvention, and success, and challenge, and bursting free from imposter syndrome."----Jennie Garth, Actress & Host of I Choose Me Podcast

"I hope that women read this, young girls read this, and say, 'You know what? I can do this too, learn some life lessons from you'."----Sara Gore, Host, New York Live

"The book traces a path that was anything but linear, revealing a woman who didn't necessarily set out to break barriers, but did so anyway, simply by forging ahead."----Katie Couric Media

"I love Joan! Lunden set the standard for so many of us in broadcast journalism and she continues to inspire in this new chapter of her journey.. Her story is filled with pearls of wisdom for women going through every stage of life in a voice that is quintessentially Joan--authentic and approachable."----Lara Spencer, Co-Anchor, Good Morning America

"I've long admired Joan Lunden. She helped define modern morning television and shaped the landscape for working women and mothers. Her candor, resolve, and courage are an inspiration at every turn."----Rebecca Jarvis, Co-Anchor, Good Morning America

"Joan broke barriers so the rest of us, myself included, could walk through them. Her incredible story is a beautiful tribute to resilience, reinvention, and purpose."----Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor, Good Morning America

"Joan has led an extraordinary life. She made her own breaks by working hard, but whenever she's been dealt a setback, she's known how to bounce back. This book is the Joan I so admire."----Charles Gibson, former host, Good Morning America

"Reading Joan's story feels like having coffee with a wise, trusted friend. She shows us that every chapter of life can be rewritten with heart and hope.

Her voice is powerful, her impact immeasurable, and her legacy undeniable."----Leeza Gibbons, Bestselling author, Emmy-winning TV host, Alzheimer's Advocate

"We all fell in love with Joan Lunden as she broke the glass ceiling as a journalist! Her new book, JOAN, is as innovative as her career--with QR codes that let you watch her adventures yourself!!!

Inspiring, informative and candid--You are in for a treat with JOAN!"----Susan Lucci

"We worked together for years, but this memoir showed me sides of Joan even I hadn't seen--the grit behind the grace, the determination behind the smile. She's been juggling breaking news and real life since long before it was a skill set."----Spencer Christian, weather forecaster for KGO-TV in San Francisco

About the Author

An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, television host, and motivational speaker, Joan Lunden is a true trailblazer who has been a trusted voice in American homes for 50 years. For nearly two decades, Lunden greeted viewers each morning on Good Morning America, making her the longest-running female host ever on early morning television. She has broken barriers, and her resilience, reinvention, and advocacy have inspired millions.

Recognized as an icon in broadcast journalism, Lunden continues to be one of America's most trusted and admired public figures, making her a sought-after speaker at events across the country. As an ardent health and senior advocate, she has testified before the Food and Drug Administration for mandatory mammogram reporting and before the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee in support of expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act. She has also served as a visiting professor at Lehigh University's College of Health, where she taught Population Health and the Media.

As a member of the sandwich generation, Lunden appeals to a wide demographic. She is a mother of seven, including two sets of twins, now in their early twenties. Like many Boomers, she has balanced a demanding career with caregiving for an aging parent, an experience that fuels her passion as an advocate for seniors.

One of the most visible women in America, Lunden has graced the covers of over sixty magazines and ten book covers. Her latest book, Why Did I Come into This Room: A Candid Conversation About Aging, became a New York Times Best Seller.

In June 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Ever the optimist, she turned her diagnosis into a mission to help others, becoming a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness and chronicling her journey in her book, Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival.

Lunden has served as national spokesperson for organizations including the American Heart Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, American Lung Association, American Red Cross, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Colon Cancer Alliance. She continues to connect with audiences daily through her social media platforms and her website, JoanLunden.com.

Joan Lunden is not only a trusted voice, she is an advocate, and an icon who continues to inspire generations with her strength, passion, and purpose.

Joan Lunden's books include: Why Did I Come into This Room: A Candid Conversation About Aging; Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival; Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregiving; Growing Up Healthy: Protecting Your Child from Diseases Now Through Adulthood; Wake-Up Calls: Making the Most Out of Every Day; A Bend in the Road Is Not the End of the Road; 10 Positive Principles for Dealing with Change; Joan Lunden's Healthy Living: A Practical, Inspirational Guide to Creating Balance in Your Life; Joan Lunden's Healthy Cooking; and Good Morning, I'm Joan Lunden.