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It Wasn't Meant to Be Like This
The long-awaited autobiography from one of Australia's most popular, much-loved and enduring media stars, Lisa Wilkinson.
Lisa Wilkinson has lived her life in the public eye. One of Australia's most admired and respected journalists and media personalities, her warm, intelligent and elegant presence has graced our television screens for many years, where she has shared and shaped many important national conversations. Australians of all ages love and respect her warmth, empathy, humour, integrity and fighting spirit. But it all could have been so different...
When she was at school, Lisa found herself wishing she could just disappear. Subjected to horrific bullying as a teenager, she survived by making herself as small as possible, but she swore when she left school that no one was ever again going to determine who she was - or limit what she was capable of. That determination and drive led to Lisa blazing an unprecedented and enormously successful trail through the Australian media and cultural landscape for more than four decades.
She was only twenty-one when she became the editor of Dolly - the youngest ever appointed to a national women's magazine - and four years later, after almost tripling the circulation, Lisa was head-hunted by the late Kerry Packer, who offered her the editorship of the iconic Cleo magazine. which she transformed into the number-one bestselling women's lifestyle magazine per capita in the world. Moving to television, first on Channel Ten's Beauty and the Beast, then as host of the Seven Network's Weekend Sunrise, she went on to spend almost eleven years as co-host of the Nine Network's Today Show, becoming its longest-serving female co-host, and where her talents took the program to the number-one spot in breakfast television. Lisa then caused a media storm in Australia and the world when she moved to the Ten Network as co-host of its prime-time award-winning program The Project.
Lisa's interviews with everyone from George Clooney to Lady Gaga to Sophia Loren to Kim Kardashian, to every one of the country's last eight prime ministers, always create headlines. But it is her most recent work and the leading role she took in uncovering the misogyny in Parliament House, with her powerful, exclusive interview with Brittany Higgins, of which Lisa says she is most proud. A fierce campaigner for women and gender equality, Lisa has fought her own personal battles on this front, and continues to lead the way.
It Wasn't Meant to Be Like This, the story of how a young girl from Campbelltown came to be such a force in Australian cultural life, is honest, warm, funny, engaging - and powerfully inspirational.
Lisa Wilkinson has lived her life in the public eye. One of Australia's most admired and respected journalists and media personalities, her warm, intelligent and elegant presence has graced our television screens for many years, where she has shared and shaped many important national conversations. Australians of all ages love and respect her warmth, empathy, humour, integrity and fighting spirit. But it all could have been so different...
When she was at school, Lisa found herself wishing she could just disappear. Subjected to horrific bullying as a teenager, she survived by making herself as small as possible, but she swore when she left school that no one was ever again going to determine who she was - or limit what she was capable of. That determination and drive led to Lisa blazing an unprecedented and enormously successful trail through the Australian media and cultural landscape for more than four decades.
She was only twenty-one when she became the editor of Dolly - the youngest ever appointed to a national women's magazine - and four years later, after almost tripling the circulation, Lisa was head-hunted by the late Kerry Packer, who offered her the editorship of the iconic Cleo magazine. which she transformed into the number-one bestselling women's lifestyle magazine per capita in the world. Moving to television, first on Channel Ten's Beauty and the Beast, then as host of the Seven Network's Weekend Sunrise, she went on to spend almost eleven years as co-host of the Nine Network's Today Show, becoming its longest-serving female co-host, and where her talents took the program to the number-one spot in breakfast television. Lisa then caused a media storm in Australia and the world when she moved to the Ten Network as co-host of its prime-time award-winning program The Project.
Lisa's interviews with everyone from George Clooney to Lady Gaga to Sophia Loren to Kim Kardashian, to every one of the country's last eight prime ministers, always create headlines. But it is her most recent work and the leading role she took in uncovering the misogyny in Parliament House, with her powerful, exclusive interview with Brittany Higgins, of which Lisa says she is most proud. A fierce campaigner for women and gender equality, Lisa has fought her own personal battles on this front, and continues to lead the way.
It Wasn't Meant to Be Like This, the story of how a young girl from Campbelltown came to be such a force in Australian cultural life, is honest, warm, funny, engaging - and powerfully inspirational.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 28, 2021
After I finished reading this book it feels like I have lost a best friend 😔
August 6, 2022
This was one I was meant to flick through, it was an impulse borrow from the library, but instead of flicking I devoured. I hadn’t known anything about Lisa Wilkinson prior and now I feel a close friendship…I loved all the growing up in Australian suburbia in the 60s and 70s, the magazines of the 80s..I loved it all.
January 3, 2022
Fuck I love this woman. What an incredible story she has. Lisa’s in-depth, long awaited biography takes us through her childhood days in Campbelltown, her dream jobs at Dolly and Cleo and all the way through her time on Nine’s Today Show and that shock exit.
Lisa‘s way of writing is truely unique, she is such a wonderfully emotive writer who had me in tears towards the end. The way this book is written had me hanging on to every word - I finished the nearly 500 page book within a few days!
Lisa is an extraordinary story teller. This book hit close to home for me, as it would to many Aussies. Having grown up watching the Today Show whilst we got ready for school in the morning to now pursuing a career in the media & communications industry, Lisa has become an absolute inspiration for all us Australian women in media. She has truly paved the way.
Lisa‘s way of writing is truely unique, she is such a wonderfully emotive writer who had me in tears towards the end. The way this book is written had me hanging on to every word - I finished the nearly 500 page book within a few days!
Lisa is an extraordinary story teller. This book hit close to home for me, as it would to many Aussies. Having grown up watching the Today Show whilst we got ready for school in the morning to now pursuing a career in the media & communications industry, Lisa has become an absolute inspiration for all us Australian women in media. She has truly paved the way.
November 10, 2021
Loved the writing style. Loved your storytelling
Whenever I read a book, I avoid all reviews until I’m done. I never want a review to sway my opinion. I’m very glad I never read some of the reviews of “it wasn’t meant to be like this” otherwise I may never have read it. Some of those reviews labelled this book as “boring”. Another said “it’s just fiction”. Another said “couldn’t get into it”. As I sit here now after reading it, none of those words come to mind. I’d call it well written, informative, relatable and most of all life. This book is about a life.
In the book, you will find plenty of award show chatter and TV information, but the core of this book is family, of which Lisa states on numerous occasions she could not be without. It is abundantly clear her family are her number one supporters and advisors. Discussions are not made in Lisa’s family alone. Family come together. Before taking a new job or giving up an old one, it’s discussed together.
Lisa’s book is well written, you could almost say it’s a kind of diary of her life. This style of writing adds to the relatability of Lisa and the things she has done. Being subject to horrific bullying. Vowing not to let the bullies define who she was then or who she was to become. Becoming the youngest editor ever to take the reins of a national magazine. Spending ten years at the helm of Cleo magazine. Lisa clearly has what it takes in life. That’s without touching on her TV career of course.
While this book clearly shows her successes, it is not afraid to discuss failures. It’s not afraid to talk of heartbreak in life. The book does not shy away from a traumatic incident with the father of a friend when she was younger. It certainly does not shy away from failures in her TV career, whether that be using the wrong language on TV or the infamous ending of her Today show career.
Overall what this book does, in my opinion, is show you that if you work hard enough, the rewards are there. If you’re willing to take the rough with the smooth, the rewards are there. The book is incredibly funny and honest. It’s inspirational.
Thank you Lisa for sharing your life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Whenever I read a book, I avoid all reviews until I’m done. I never want a review to sway my opinion. I’m very glad I never read some of the reviews of “it wasn’t meant to be like this” otherwise I may never have read it. Some of those reviews labelled this book as “boring”. Another said “it’s just fiction”. Another said “couldn’t get into it”. As I sit here now after reading it, none of those words come to mind. I’d call it well written, informative, relatable and most of all life. This book is about a life.
In the book, you will find plenty of award show chatter and TV information, but the core of this book is family, of which Lisa states on numerous occasions she could not be without. It is abundantly clear her family are her number one supporters and advisors. Discussions are not made in Lisa’s family alone. Family come together. Before taking a new job or giving up an old one, it’s discussed together.
Lisa’s book is well written, you could almost say it’s a kind of diary of her life. This style of writing adds to the relatability of Lisa and the things she has done. Being subject to horrific bullying. Vowing not to let the bullies define who she was then or who she was to become. Becoming the youngest editor ever to take the reins of a national magazine. Spending ten years at the helm of Cleo magazine. Lisa clearly has what it takes in life. That’s without touching on her TV career of course.
While this book clearly shows her successes, it is not afraid to discuss failures. It’s not afraid to talk of heartbreak in life. The book does not shy away from a traumatic incident with the father of a friend when she was younger. It certainly does not shy away from failures in her TV career, whether that be using the wrong language on TV or the infamous ending of her Today show career.
Overall what this book does, in my opinion, is show you that if you work hard enough, the rewards are there. If you’re willing to take the rough with the smooth, the rewards are there. The book is incredibly funny and honest. It’s inspirational.
Thank you Lisa for sharing your life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; what a great read!!!
January 1, 2022
Adored this account of Lisa’s life, what a women! Honest and real, loved it, love Lisa!
November 9, 2021
I loved this. As a former journalist I find her story inspiring and interesting. She writes with honesty and from the heart.
January 18, 2022
“The mark of a person is how they treat those who can do nothing for them.”
One word: storytelling! 👏🏻 If you’re an Aussie, you know Lisa knows how to deliver a great news story, straight to your televisions. And now I can confirm, she tells the story of her own life even better! I laughed out loud and got teary-eyed back and forth in this heartfelt and honest autobiography. You might know I’ve just earned my journalism degree, and now face the scary ‘adult world’. Lisa’s words were encouraging and have shown me that I should never settle and never be silent. Lisa took me on a journey through some of the most difficult days of her life, with writing so inviting and engaging I did kind of feel like her best friend (and like I was in that tuna aisle with her - if you know, you know).
The only parts I struggled with were I found myself skimming through some of the slower build-up background parts (because I’m a sucker for drama 🥊😂), and also that I couldn’t relate to themes like being a wife, a mother, and experiencing grief. But: I know when I eventually hit these milestones, I’ll fondly think of Lisa, and be able resonate much more strongly: I cannot wait! I know this book will be waiting for me then to reread through a new lens. While it took some time to dig in, I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa’s storytelling ability - I felt her warm nature through my (virtual) pages, and was rooting for her every chapter. This book isn’t about journalism, about TV shows, about co-host feuds: it’s about feminism, and I highly recommend this read for women, but furthermore especially for women who’ve felt pressures and anxieties in institutions - whether it’s the schoolyard or in the boardroom. PS, I definitely need to get a physical version for my shelf now 🗞
One word: storytelling! 👏🏻 If you’re an Aussie, you know Lisa knows how to deliver a great news story, straight to your televisions. And now I can confirm, she tells the story of her own life even better! I laughed out loud and got teary-eyed back and forth in this heartfelt and honest autobiography. You might know I’ve just earned my journalism degree, and now face the scary ‘adult world’. Lisa’s words were encouraging and have shown me that I should never settle and never be silent. Lisa took me on a journey through some of the most difficult days of her life, with writing so inviting and engaging I did kind of feel like her best friend (and like I was in that tuna aisle with her - if you know, you know).
The only parts I struggled with were I found myself skimming through some of the slower build-up background parts (because I’m a sucker for drama 🥊😂), and also that I couldn’t relate to themes like being a wife, a mother, and experiencing grief. But: I know when I eventually hit these milestones, I’ll fondly think of Lisa, and be able resonate much more strongly: I cannot wait! I know this book will be waiting for me then to reread through a new lens. While it took some time to dig in, I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa’s storytelling ability - I felt her warm nature through my (virtual) pages, and was rooting for her every chapter. This book isn’t about journalism, about TV shows, about co-host feuds: it’s about feminism, and I highly recommend this read for women, but furthermore especially for women who’ve felt pressures and anxieties in institutions - whether it’s the schoolyard or in the boardroom. PS, I definitely need to get a physical version for my shelf now 🗞
November 11, 2021
I found myself hooked into the book and enjoyed the balance of detail with the honesty of so many aspects of the writers life. To see a few negative reviews here by fellow male readers makes me wonder if they’ve read anything more than superficial excerpts from the media, which seem quite hilarious in itself. This book highlights how the media can be used by those in power to control the narrative and bully people to their will, (which these recent media reports perpetuate like clockwork). Bullying, equality, family, love, loss, relationships and more are all covered in this hefty tome, but I felt better from the knowledge that someone so admired in the public eye and that is “together” and living their best life has cultivated and earned it through Hard work, passion and moxie has achieved so much without it just being handed to them. Hopefully the text around bullying can be adapted for use in schools - hopefully this kind of thing hasn’t persisted since I last personally experienced in the the late 90s which can unfortunately leave a real mark for decades to come.
January 10, 2023
A good Read.
This was a better read than i thought it was going to be. A rather interesting career and life of Lisa Wilkinson. Told of the good times, and the hard times. And mostly like stabs in the back, from people you work for and trust. It shows that trusting the people who give you confidence is really like trusting your own worst enemies. It wasn't hard to pick one out, and i don't know why Liss Wilkinson didn't wake up before it turned out as it did, i can only guess, she was a trusting lady. A story of bullying as a child, the love of her parents, her husband and her children. It all went wrong for someone who fought for more pay, for the women who work so hard, for so much less than a man. But ended up with another good job. It definitely is a cut throat business in the world of TV.
A recommend read.
This was a better read than i thought it was going to be. A rather interesting career and life of Lisa Wilkinson. Told of the good times, and the hard times. And mostly like stabs in the back, from people you work for and trust. It shows that trusting the people who give you confidence is really like trusting your own worst enemies. It wasn't hard to pick one out, and i don't know why Liss Wilkinson didn't wake up before it turned out as it did, i can only guess, she was a trusting lady. A story of bullying as a child, the love of her parents, her husband and her children. It all went wrong for someone who fought for more pay, for the women who work so hard, for so much less than a man. But ended up with another good job. It definitely is a cut throat business in the world of TV.
A recommend read.
February 8, 2022
This book got me back into reading. As soon as I started it I was invested. Lisa’s writing has a natural flow and often as I was reading it I felt as though I was experiencing her life right along with her!
I found the first 3/4 of the book the most interesting as Lisa gives accounts of her childhood, her schooling and how she navigated the beginning of her working life. In some cases she was lucky to secure some of her earlier employment opportunities, however it is also obvious that she has an abundance of talent and that allowed her to build on the opportunities she received. I am in awe of the life she has led. I give this book 4.5 stars to 5 stars.
I found the first 3/4 of the book the most interesting as Lisa gives accounts of her childhood, her schooling and how she navigated the beginning of her working life. In some cases she was lucky to secure some of her earlier employment opportunities, however it is also obvious that she has an abundance of talent and that allowed her to build on the opportunities she received. I am in awe of the life she has led. I give this book 4.5 stars to 5 stars.
November 14, 2021
What a great book! I devoured most of this over a day and a half and kept reading bits out to hubby as there were so many things that I didn’t know or hadn’t remembered. The storytelling was beautiful and showed her personality so clearly. What an amazingly interesting life Lisa has had and what a joy it was to read about.
September 19, 2022
Took me a bit to get into this one but once I did, I really enjoyed it. What an incredible career, not always the easiest path to get to where you want to be.
September 25, 2023
Lovely book
February 7, 2022
Loved this book. Lisa’s story encapsulates the challenges of many women in professional life.
January 25, 2024
A real insight into this energetic vibrant talented woman and her powerful message and stand for woman’s equality
Well written and an easy read
Well written and an easy read
June 15, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I think everyone could gain something from reading it.
January 18, 2022
Absolutely brilliant. I’ve always admired Lisa for her commitment, humility and passion for her family and her work. I could relate to her childhood a lot which mirrored mine scarily even down to the quote about a Yardley pot o gloss which was the in beauty product in the 70’s.
Loved reading about her career, which showed her natural talent and passion for her work ethic.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story about a girl who grew up in such a normal way and rose to become the person she is today.
Loved reading about her career, which showed her natural talent and passion for her work ethic.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a story about a girl who grew up in such a normal way and rose to become the person she is today.
January 5, 2022
I grew up with Lisa. Looked forward each month to reading Dolly, my only trusted reference point for advice on all the things I was experiencing as I moved through those awkward, early teenage years. I was delighted for the early opportunities she was given to shine. She embraced these, frequently applying creativity to boost magazine sales, such as by inviting 14 curious folk to lunch at the Sebel Town House to celebrate Cleo’s 14th birthday. I also enjoyed her many famous people stories and insights into the way decisions get made in the industry. Her book will be particularly appreciated by Australian women, aged over 50.
December 30, 2022
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did.
Not knowing a whole lot about Lisa Wilkinson besides the fact she’s a well known Australian journalist, my respect for her has increased since reading her autobiography.
Not only was it interesting to read about her days at Dolly and Cleo magazines, but her championing for women’s rights in the media industry left me mentally high-fiving her as she repeatedly identified and fought against mistreatment of women in everything from pay gaps to the unnecessary scrutiny of their bodies and outfits.
While it would be easy to pass over some of the more awkward life gaffs that inevitably happen, Wilkinson has included them and the book is all the better for them.
Her commentary on her relationship with Karl Stefanovic was a bit hard to interpret at points (which maybe perfectly describes the complicated and nuanced nature of their relationship?) and on a couple of occasions it felt like too much was said…but then the alternative of not saying anything would seem to be exacerbating exactly the silencing of womens’ voices that she was alluding to. If she can’t present her side of the story in her own autobiography, then where can she?
A well paced, interesting read that leaves you thinking at the end- all ingredients that make for a fabulous autobiography.
Not knowing a whole lot about Lisa Wilkinson besides the fact she’s a well known Australian journalist, my respect for her has increased since reading her autobiography.
Not only was it interesting to read about her days at Dolly and Cleo magazines, but her championing for women’s rights in the media industry left me mentally high-fiving her as she repeatedly identified and fought against mistreatment of women in everything from pay gaps to the unnecessary scrutiny of their bodies and outfits.
While it would be easy to pass over some of the more awkward life gaffs that inevitably happen, Wilkinson has included them and the book is all the better for them.
Her commentary on her relationship with Karl Stefanovic was a bit hard to interpret at points (which maybe perfectly describes the complicated and nuanced nature of their relationship?) and on a couple of occasions it felt like too much was said…but then the alternative of not saying anything would seem to be exacerbating exactly the silencing of womens’ voices that she was alluding to. If she can’t present her side of the story in her own autobiography, then where can she?
A well paced, interesting read that leaves you thinking at the end- all ingredients that make for a fabulous autobiography.
April 29, 2022
A work of fiction. Emotive with a touch of sour grapes. Wasn't worth the coin in the television industry, even less as an author. Both her and hubby are unfortunately swayed by north shore wokes and have lost touch.
April 11, 2022
Absolutely loved! I liked Lisa before and finished the book absolutely in awe ✨✨✨
April 30, 2022
I'm mad at myself because I read over a hundred pages today, when I promised I would pace myself by another day or two, and now I've finished this book and feeling like I just farewelled a friend.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and immersing myself into this book, as Lisa took me - surely *I'm* the *only* person she's talking to, I felt the whole way through - on an adventure… from her childhood in the streets of Campbelltown, to the offices of Dolly and Cleo, to being choppered to lunch at Kerry Packer's house and luncheoning with the world's biggest stars, to navigating motherhood and dabbling in TV to landing the Today show, all the way through to *that* day she stood up for herself and every single woman in Australia. This woman really is something.
From the bullying to fangirling over Sherbet (a little too early for me but I've adored a few boy bands in my time), from the gruelling breakfast TV shifts to the drive and curiosity she exudes in spades, to her advocacy and need to make a change in the world, there were so many experiences she had gone through and qualities she possess that I saw a bit of myself in. I laughed, I cried, I hurt, I was angered, I felt like I was there with her, holding her hand through it all. Could this woman be my soul sister? But such is the magic of Lisa Wilkinson. She's so real, down to earth and humble, it's impossible to NOT instantly fall in love with her and feel like she's just! like! us!
The only thing I took issue with was reliving her Andrew Olle Lecture. I thought it then, and I think about it now (it's actually incredibly sad that so little has changed in the years since she made her speech), but when she names the women in media she admires, they were overwhelmingly… white women. I adored the rest of her speech and the statement she was making, and I continue to also admire every single woman she listed, but where were the women of colour in media?
And that's it; whatever few big-time opportunities exist for women in media, far fewer exist for women of colour. As an Arab-Australian woman working in media, I should know.
It's not Lisa's fault that I took issue with that, and I may have gone off on a tangent… but anyway… I loved this book, and full-heartedly recommend it to any and every woman.
We don't read and celebrate each other's stories enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and immersing myself into this book, as Lisa took me - surely *I'm* the *only* person she's talking to, I felt the whole way through - on an adventure… from her childhood in the streets of Campbelltown, to the offices of Dolly and Cleo, to being choppered to lunch at Kerry Packer's house and luncheoning with the world's biggest stars, to navigating motherhood and dabbling in TV to landing the Today show, all the way through to *that* day she stood up for herself and every single woman in Australia. This woman really is something.
From the bullying to fangirling over Sherbet (a little too early for me but I've adored a few boy bands in my time), from the gruelling breakfast TV shifts to the drive and curiosity she exudes in spades, to her advocacy and need to make a change in the world, there were so many experiences she had gone through and qualities she possess that I saw a bit of myself in. I laughed, I cried, I hurt, I was angered, I felt like I was there with her, holding her hand through it all. Could this woman be my soul sister? But such is the magic of Lisa Wilkinson. She's so real, down to earth and humble, it's impossible to NOT instantly fall in love with her and feel like she's just! like! us!
The only thing I took issue with was reliving her Andrew Olle Lecture. I thought it then, and I think about it now (it's actually incredibly sad that so little has changed in the years since she made her speech), but when she names the women in media she admires, they were overwhelmingly… white women. I adored the rest of her speech and the statement she was making, and I continue to also admire every single woman she listed, but where were the women of colour in media?
And that's it; whatever few big-time opportunities exist for women in media, far fewer exist for women of colour. As an Arab-Australian woman working in media, I should know.
It's not Lisa's fault that I took issue with that, and I may have gone off on a tangent… but anyway… I loved this book, and full-heartedly recommend it to any and every woman.
We don't read and celebrate each other's stories enough.
February 13, 2022
Before picking this book up, I didn't really know who the author was - I vaguely knew she was on TV and was a journalist but had no idea what show and would have been unable to pick her out of a line up (I’m not being sexist, I wouldn’t have been able to pick Karl S from a line up of men either). I also didn't buy Dolly or Cleo (nit being able to afford to) but did borrow them from my library occasionally. Being an avid reader, I knew who Peter FitzSimons was but didn't know who he was married to.
So why pick up the book and read about someone who I don’t know? To quote Mallory, because it was there. My local librarian said this book had just been returned and she thought I would enjoy it. So I borrowed it and I did enjoy it.
Lisa writes very well - articulately and with empathy and humour. For the most part, her life story moves along at a brisk pace. I did get bogged down with the goings on towards the end with the pay negotiations with channel 9 - this wasn’t due to the issue but I got a bit lost with all the people.
It is quite moving in places - the passing of her father was beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes. Her account of being bullied through high school was terrible (with a bit of revenge coming much later) and I was angry that the teachers seemed to know about it but were unable to do anything. Lisa’s love for her mother was evident and I loved the relationship her mum had with her children. I also thought the marriage between Lisa and Peter was a real partnership.
The real message, for me, is how far we, as a community, still have to go in terms of how we view and treat women. There is still so much focus on what a woman wears and how she looks rather than what she has to say and what she can do. I have 5 outfits I wear to work and I wear them every week. It doesn’t affect my work so why should it bother viewers if women on TV wear the same outfit. So, Lisa, wear whatever you want as many times as you want.
Thoroughly recommend picking this book up and reading it.
So why pick up the book and read about someone who I don’t know? To quote Mallory, because it was there. My local librarian said this book had just been returned and she thought I would enjoy it. So I borrowed it and I did enjoy it.
Lisa writes very well - articulately and with empathy and humour. For the most part, her life story moves along at a brisk pace. I did get bogged down with the goings on towards the end with the pay negotiations with channel 9 - this wasn’t due to the issue but I got a bit lost with all the people.
It is quite moving in places - the passing of her father was beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes. Her account of being bullied through high school was terrible (with a bit of revenge coming much later) and I was angry that the teachers seemed to know about it but were unable to do anything. Lisa’s love for her mother was evident and I loved the relationship her mum had with her children. I also thought the marriage between Lisa and Peter was a real partnership.
The real message, for me, is how far we, as a community, still have to go in terms of how we view and treat women. There is still so much focus on what a woman wears and how she looks rather than what she has to say and what she can do. I have 5 outfits I wear to work and I wear them every week. It doesn’t affect my work so why should it bother viewers if women on TV wear the same outfit. So, Lisa, wear whatever you want as many times as you want.
Thoroughly recommend picking this book up and reading it.
March 4, 2022
This is a tough review for me, because I so desperately wanted to soak up this book and hang off every word.
I give 4 stars because I respect and admire Lisa so much, she’s always been an icon and one of my ‘heroes’, but my own experience in media really taints this story for me.
Firstly, it’s a long, long read. I can’t help but feel every piece of Lisa’s life was included, which I suppose is exactly what a memoir is about!
But I wish this book was published some years ago when I was still studying journalism, when I still had hope for my future career in the media. A hope that has since died a very slow, painful death.
Instead, I now read this memoir and feel envious of how Lisa was always in the right place at the right time - at least, that’s the tone of her career. There’s no doubt she has incredible talent, but with the death of my beloved magazines, I feel bitter and resentful that I didn’t have a chance at the same career, simply because I was born a couple of decades too late.
Well written, and certainly is an incredible story of an exceptional life, I just wish I could have read it in an era where the story had more relevance.
I give 4 stars because I respect and admire Lisa so much, she’s always been an icon and one of my ‘heroes’, but my own experience in media really taints this story for me.
Firstly, it’s a long, long read. I can’t help but feel every piece of Lisa’s life was included, which I suppose is exactly what a memoir is about!
But I wish this book was published some years ago when I was still studying journalism, when I still had hope for my future career in the media. A hope that has since died a very slow, painful death.
Instead, I now read this memoir and feel envious of how Lisa was always in the right place at the right time - at least, that’s the tone of her career. There’s no doubt she has incredible talent, but with the death of my beloved magazines, I feel bitter and resentful that I didn’t have a chance at the same career, simply because I was born a couple of decades too late.
Well written, and certainly is an incredible story of an exceptional life, I just wish I could have read it in an era where the story had more relevance.
August 31, 2022
Lisa Wilkinson has lived much of her life in the public eye. One of Australia's most respected journalists and media personalities, her warm, intelligent and elegant presence has graced our television screens for many years, where she has shared, shaped and even shifted many important national conversations. But it all could have been so different ...
Her book follows her life, from the horrific bullying she faced as a teenager, all the way through to her ground breaking career in publishing, and on TV.
There is so much that I didn’t know about Lisa Wilkinson that I learnt in this book. I didn’t realise she had such a huge impact in Dolly and Cleo. I didn’t quite understand what had happened when she was fired from the Today show. And it was fascinating.
She is the definition of hard work and perseverance. The woman who never gave up and worked hard for her career. Highly recommend.
Her book follows her life, from the horrific bullying she faced as a teenager, all the way through to her ground breaking career in publishing, and on TV.
There is so much that I didn’t know about Lisa Wilkinson that I learnt in this book. I didn’t realise she had such a huge impact in Dolly and Cleo. I didn’t quite understand what had happened when she was fired from the Today show. And it was fascinating.
She is the definition of hard work and perseverance. The woman who never gave up and worked hard for her career. Highly recommend.
May 22, 2022
I loved this book - though I do have a big soft spot for auto/bio's and memoirs, which doesn't allow me to be very impartial.
Lisa's writing is more like a narrative fiction at points, which makes reading this book even easier.
She has some very interesting stories to tell, a lot of which centre around feminism, courage, and doing the right thing. Some of them I had to roll my eyes over - getting blasted for wearing the same shirt twice...REALLY? Come on Australia.
I'd listened to a podcast between Mia Freedman and Lisa prior to reading, but I still felt like there was plenty here to sink my teeth into, and after reading this, I have a greater appreciation of her work as a journalist and editor, and just her in general.
A definite read for anyone who loves a non-fiction as much as I do. You won't want to put this down!
Lisa's writing is more like a narrative fiction at points, which makes reading this book even easier.
She has some very interesting stories to tell, a lot of which centre around feminism, courage, and doing the right thing. Some of them I had to roll my eyes over - getting blasted for wearing the same shirt twice...REALLY? Come on Australia.
I'd listened to a podcast between Mia Freedman and Lisa prior to reading, but I still felt like there was plenty here to sink my teeth into, and after reading this, I have a greater appreciation of her work as a journalist and editor, and just her in general.
A definite read for anyone who loves a non-fiction as much as I do. You won't want to put this down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
In this raw and honest memoir, Lisa details her life from her humble upbringing in Campbelltown, Western Sydney to quickly climbing up the ladder as a journalist. Lisa talks to a great extent about her career in print media, long before she graced breakfast TV's Today. She revolutionised Dolly and Cleo magazines, taking on Kerry Packer in the process.
From there, she starts doing guest appearances on TV shows which lead to co-hosting 'Today' alongside Karl Stefanovic.
Her move to 'The Project' was a shock and surprise for her fans and she details how she was effectively dumped from Channel 9 overnight.
Although in recent times she has received a lot of public criticism for her comments made about the Brittany Higgins case, there is no denying that she has had a stellar career and worked hard for women's eqaul pay rights and have then a voice.
From there, she starts doing guest appearances on TV shows which lead to co-hosting 'Today' alongside Karl Stefanovic.
Her move to 'The Project' was a shock and surprise for her fans and she details how she was effectively dumped from Channel 9 overnight.
Although in recent times she has received a lot of public criticism for her comments made about the Brittany Higgins case, there is no denying that she has had a stellar career and worked hard for women's eqaul pay rights and have then a voice.
April 19, 2022
I picked the book up out of curiosity regarding Lisa's sudden departure from the Today Show, and because the cover looked intriguing. However, there was so much more to the book than just the inside details regarding her high-profile departure from the show. Lisa's story is inspiring and extremely well written, and has something to offer to everyone. Lisa provides an excellent insight into what it's like as a woman in the cut-throat journalism industry, as well as some amazing stories from her life outside of work. I gained such an appreciation of Lisa and her work through reading this book. Absolutely recommend.
August 1, 2023
Loved it!!! As someone who told everyone in primary school I was going to be a news reader/journalist, Lisa’s story broadened my perspective and understanding of what it is really like working in the media industry - I am so thankful I read this book, at such a perfect time as well! Through raw, in-depth storytelling, Lisa Wilkinson describes her triumphs and losses by conveying a sense of hope and comfort. This was so amazing, such a roller coaster journey, and I think every young-want-to-be journalist, the project casual viewers or today show watched should DEFINITELY read this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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