Rough Draft

A Memoir

By: Katy Tur

Narrated by: Katy Tur

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“It’s a hell of a story.” —The New York Times
“A stunning and revelatory memoir.” —Oprah Daily

From MSNBC anchor and instant New York Times bestselling author Katy Tur, a gripping memoir about journalism, family legacy, and personal struggles, recounting her volatile childhood, the burden of legacy, and her climb to success in a demanding career.

When a box from her mother showed up on Katy Tur’s doorstep, months into the pandemic and just as she learned she was pregnant with her second child, she didn’t know what to expect. The box contained thousands of hours of video—the work of her pioneering helicopter journalist parents. They grew rich and famous for their aerial coverage of Madonna and Sean Penn’s secret wedding, the Reginald Denny beating in the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and O.J. Simpson’s notorious run in the white Bronco. To Tur, these family videos were an inheritance of sorts, and a reminder of who she was before her own breakout success as a reporter.

In Rough Draft, Tur writes about her eccentric and volatile California childhood, punctuated by forest fires, earthquakes, and police chases—all seen from a thousand feet in the air. She recounts her complicated relationship with a father who was magnetic, ambitious, and, at times, frightening. And she charts her own survival from local reporter to globe-trotting foreign correspondent, running from her past. Tur also opens up for the first time about her struggles with burnout and impostor syndrome, her stumbles in the anchor chair, and her relationship with CBS Mornings anchor Tony Dokoupil (who quite possibly had a crazier childhood than she did).

Intimate and captivating, Rough Draft explores the gift and curse of family legacy, examines the roles and responsibilities of the news, and asks the question: To what extent do we each get to write our own story?

Critic reviews

"Fans of MSNBC anchor Katy Tur will be familiar with her skills and confidence in front of the camera. Here she narrates her memoir of her unconventional life. Her story will appeal not only to listeners interested in journalism, but also to anyone who enjoys a forthright or thoughtful narrative about an unusual life, along with personal takes on current events. Tur gives accounts of growing up, starting with her journalist parents — who, among other highlights, shot the O.J. chase — and her father’s transition to the female gender. She also shares aspects of her life with her husband, a coanchor on CBS. Listeners will hear some fascinating stories and gain an understanding of the difficulties reporters face."

A terrific listen

In the interests of full disclosure, I am a journalist, though at the local level. I throughly enjoyed this book I found honest and compelling.
Many of the questions Tur raised about the profession are ones with which every responsible journalist struggles. None of us likely make decisions we look back on as 100% correct. Tur doesn’t flinch about her experiences, blemishes and all. I believe she is a credit to the profession.

Wow!

Katy Tur has had so many challenges in her life!! She tells her story well. It explains how she has become such an incredible person and excellent journalist!! Our minds were blown!

Honest At All Levels...Katy Bear Tur

In parts of a personal level very painful to hear her voice. This was more performed than read. Her journey from child of journalists to other goals and, perhaps inevitably, top level professional journalist.

Beautiful

Being true to yourself without worring about the hurts of others. Beautifully written work.

Such a good story

I was familiar with Katy Tur from MSNBC. I had also read her first book, which I enjoyed so much. This book covers Katy’s personal life along with her job. For me it was a fascinating look into someone I respect but knew very little about on a personal level. Thank you for sharing your story Katy. The world is a better place for having you in it!