It. Goes. So. Fast.

The Year of No Do-Overs

By: Mary Louise Kelly

Narrated by: Mary Louise Kelly

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Winner of the 2024 Audie Award for Narration by the Author!

This program is read by the author.

Operating Instructions meets Glennon Doyle in this new book by famed NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly that is destined to become a classic—about the year before her son goes to college—and the joys, losses and surprises that happen along the way.

The time for do-overs is over.

Ever since she became a parent, Mary Louise Kelly has said “next year.” Next year will be the year she makes it to her son James’s soccer games (which are on weekdays at 4 p.m., right when she is on the air on NPR’s All Things Considered, talking to millions of listeners). Drive carpool for her son Alexander? Not if she wants to do that story about Ukraine and interview the secretary of state. Like millions of parents who wrestle with raising children while pursuing a career, she has never been cavalier about these decisions. The bargain she has always made with herself is this: this time I’ll get on the plane, and next year I’ll find a way to be there for the mom stuff.

Well, James and Alexander are now seventeen and fifteen, and a realization has overtaken Mary Louise: her older son will be leaving soon for college. There used to be years to make good on her promises; now, there are months, weeks, minutes. And with the devastating death of her beloved father, Mary Louise is facing act three of her life head-on.

Mary Louise is coming to grips with the reality every parent faces. Childhood has a definite expiration date. You have only so many years with your kids before they leave your house to build their own lives. It’s what every parent is supposed to want, what they raise their children to do. But it is bittersweet. Mary Louise is also dealing with the realities of having aging parents. This pivotal time brings with it the enormous questions of what you did right and what you did wrong.

This chronicle of her eldest child’s final year at home, of losing her father, as well as other curve balls thrown at her, is not a definitive answer—not for herself and certainly not for any other parent. But her questions, her issues, will resonate with every parent. And, yes, especially with mothers, who are judged more harshly by society and, more important, judge themselves more harshly. What would she do if she had to decide all over again?

Mary Louise’s thoughts as she faces the coming year will speak to anyone who has ever cared about a child or a parent. It. Goes. So. Fast. is honest, funny, poignant, revelatory, and immensely relatable.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

©2023 Mary Louise Kelly (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“It. Goes. So. Fast. is a moving and funny account of the deals we cut with ourselves: what we sacrifice, what we gain, and what we really want (which is everything). By holding up a mirror to her own choices, Mary Louise Kelly gives us tremendous insight into how we struggle to be true to ourselves and the people we love, and how we're never going to get it exactly right. This book is the voice of solidarity. It is a gift.” —Ann Patchett

“This compelling account of the divided heart of a dedicated journalist and devoted mother is tender and gritty and remarkably relevant.” —Hilma Wolitzer, Author of Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket

“Mary Louise Kelly has written an achingly honest memoir that reflects the joys, regrets, pitfalls and triumphs of the modern working mother. Humor, heart, and humanity bounce off every. single. page. I felt like I was having a bottle (or two) of wine with a close friend whose balancing act very much resonated with mine—and probably yours too.” —Katie Couric

Must read for working moms

I've read more parenting essays and memoirs than I can count, but this one is just fabulous. While my job has never required international travel to a war zone, she manages to personalize that pull between career and family. And it's just so easy to listen to her! Definitely worth a listen.

Wonderful

I’ve been listening to Mary Louise Kelly on NPR for several years and the quality of the audiobook is not a surprise. Thoughtful and emotional, she gets it. Thanks!

Adored

Completely brilliant, and beautifully performed. needed this!! not your average parenting book or memoir, but rather both genres deftly combined to make a greater whole

I felt it

The author is in a different social class than me but I felt every word. The father the sons the mother the husband the work. At times there was too much work in the mix but then I realised just because it was. The three act life description is spot on. The “I love you” echo from the father brought me to tears. The last part of the book, starting with the Curveball, was masterfully written. The sadness of losses mixed with strength of growths pains and with Hope. Paused this book at 5 min and sat on it because I didn’t want it to end. Bravo.

Inspiring and heart warming.

As a working mom it truly touches my heart and reminds me that it truly goes so fast, so take the time to enjoy all the moments that you can. Family comes first because there are no do overs and time is precious. Outstanding book.

Loved it!

Thanks for sharing your story. Makes me want to freeze time and hold onto my kids as long as I can.

Overall good read

The story starts out slow, but I was moved when you spoke about your father and your stories of families that you found on the job.

A great story! Loved it

As a new mom, this was a refreshing book to listen to. Beautifully written and I enjoyed Laurent to her voice readying it. Thanks for sharing Mary Louise!

I haven’t cried so much

I too have children similar ages to the author, and have fielded many similar issues being a working mom. This book was written for me, and I have recommended it to many many of my dear friends. Thank you for writing.

Heartwarming and Relatable

Deeply touching memoir with beautiful, personal stories. As a mom, I agree, it goes so fast. Kelly, like so many, must navigate the pain of watching children prepare to leave home while celebrating their accomplishments and movement into a new phase of life. The third act for a mom, however, can feel so uncertain, lonely, and sad, in spite of feeling pride and happiness in who one’s children have become. Lovely book!