The Comeback: Seven Stories of Women Who Went from Career to Family and Back Again

A must-read for all women juggling career and family: an inspiring book that argues that women can have it all—just not all at once.

We’ve all heard the chatter in magazines and on television about off-ramps and on-ramps, decreased earning power, increased competition, too much readjustment, too little flexibility, no jobs, no hope—nothing to look forward to. Women are used to being told that once we get off the career track, we can't get back on. In The Comeback, Emma Gilbey Keller proves that this isn’t true: More and more, companies today are looking at the value of hiring returning mothers. In this encouraging book, Keller tells the stories of seven very different women who sought to strike a balance between demanding careers and budding families. With all of them there came a moment—unplanned—when they decided to give up work and become full-time mothers. Then, some time later, each of them decided it was time to start thinking about going back. Their stories are complicated, filled with the choices, decisions and trade-offs that all mothers face. Each ended up with some version of the balance that we all strive for as we juggle work and families. Achieving this balance always takes effort, frustration, and give-and-take, but in the end anyone can do it.

An absorbing blend of story, insight, advice, and inspiration, The Comeback offers a positive message to mothers overwhelmed by the ever-shifting work versus home debate.