Jen Maxfield - More After the Break: A Reporter Returns to Ten Unforgettable News Stories

For a reporter accustomed to writing ninety-second news stories, all I can say is that Jen Maxfield should be writing more books! More After the Break is a vivid and moving account of peoples stories, written by a journalist who holds her subjects in high regard.

Senator Bill Bradley, US Senate (19791997) and New York Knicks (19671977)

The best journalists get into the business because they genuinely care about the good people they cover, as well as the good people who watch, read, and listen to their stories. In this beautifully written book, Jen Maxfield shows that being a caring and compassionate human being makes you a better journalist. More After the Break strengthens your faith in humanity, and not incidentally, in the still noble profession of journalism.

Gary Tuchman, CNN national correspondent

At a time when journalists and journalism are increasingly under attack, Jen Maxfield offers a compelling and heart-warming look at the industry and its practitioners. More After the Break is a must-read for aspiring journalists who are sometimes fed the message that sensitivity and compassion are antithetical to success in this business.

Charles F. Whitaker, professor and dean, Medill School, Northwestern University

More After the Break is an extraordinary look into journalism and the journalist who represents the best in our profession. Jen takes us along on her intense and so often heartbreaking journey of service and gifts us with the broader impact the stories she covers continue to have on families, society, and ourselves. What an important and impactful work!

Jos Daz-Balart, MSNBC, NBC News, and Telemundo anchor

More After the Break offers an essential perspective we rarely consider: What happens to those whove been in the spotlight after the news moves on to the next big story? A mustread for anyone interested in the future of journalism.

Claire Shipman, New York Times best-selling author and journalist

With curiosity, humility, and respect Maxfield presents these harrowing stories with nail-biting intensity while affording her subjects the space and humanity to discuss their lives impossible to put down.

BookLife Reviews, Editors Pick

More After the Break is quintessential New Jersey: gritty, searing, and yet hopeful. From Katrina to COVID, Jen unveils the inner workings of the media and, more importantly, shares the painful stories of tragedy, hope, and uneasy redemption in contemporary America.

James McGreevey, chair, New Jersey Reentry Corporation and former governor of New Jersey (20022004)

Its been said that only two types of people run toward disaster while others are fleeing: first responders and reporters. Jen Maxfield shows the compassionate, helping side of journalism in a way Ive never before seen. We watch the news and hope that things will turn out okay for those involved, but we never knew the answer until now.

Stephen D. Jones, Captain (Ret.) New Jersey State Police

In a book which has all the immediacy and impact of her own TV news reporting, Jen Maxfield shows us not only how the news is made (sometimes at great risk) but also why it matters.

Michael Korda, author and editor-in-chief emeritus, Simon & Schuster

In the fast-paced world of technology, where we have so much access to information, we often forget what good journalism is supposed to be about: stories that impact our communities told with objectivity and empathy. More After the Break validates the reason why local journalism still matters in the age of technology.

Jared Grusd, tech executive and former HuffPost CEO

Moving and unforgettable, More After the Break offers deeply empathetic portraits of tragedy, loss, and the indomitable power of the human spirit. Maxfield tells her subjects stories with skill and compassion.

Amanda Brown, author of Legally Blonde

This is a book every young journalist/blogger should read. Jen Maxfields stories will inspire you, and youll see the compassion and heart it takes to cover big news events in the nations largest TV market. This is not fake news, its the real deal.

Diana Williams, longtime anchor, Eyewitness News (ABC New York)

I first met Jen Maxfield in 2000 when she had just started her career in television, and even then, I could tell her insight would serve her viewers well and lead her to become an exceptional reporter. This book is the culmination of decades of storytelling and connecting with individuals of all walks of life.

Adam Weitsman, entrepreneur

My Columbia Journalism professor Jen Maxfield has written a book that isnt just a behind-the-scenes account, its a deeply personal story. This book is a treasure for any reporter starting their career or anyone who wants to understand all it takes to bring news stories to life.

Meridith McGraw, national political correspondent, Politico

More After the Break is a powerful, highly insightful, and important gem! Every broadcast journalist and aspiring broadcast journalist should read and absorb this book!

Ken Lindner, author of Aspire Higher: How to Find the Love, Positivity, and Purpose to Elevate Your Life and the World

More After The Break is beautiful and refreshing in its ability to truly see, hear, understand, value, and honor the individuals who lived the story. Jen Maxfields desire and ability to revisit these people and their stories reflects her human-centered approach throughout her accomplished career.

Ethan Beute, Wall Street Journal best-selling coauthor of Human-Centered Communication and Rehumanize Your Business

Jen gets the news cranking like Kendrick Lamar gives us bars! New York and New Jersey, these are your stories, and heres to a reporter who never forgot.

Funk Flex, DJ and New York City radio legend

For anyone whos ever wondered whats really going on behind the scenes of a breaking news story, this book is a must-read.

Gigi Stone Woods, TV news anchor

Over her years as one of the most reliable reporters on the ground, Jen Maxfield brings the news home, making it relatable and making it count.

Ron Insana, senior analyst, CNBC

More After the Break embodies key elements of what I teach my students: we have a responsibility as journalists to serve the public in a way that is ethical and empathetic. Jen flawlessly pens narratives in this book that move us. It is a must-read for budding and veteran journalists.

Anthony Adornato, journalism professor, Ithaca College

What makes Jen Maxfield an extraordinary news reporter is that she seamlessly weaves a sense of empathy, spirit, and compassion into her reporting. The family that suffers a tragedy, the heroism of the first responder, and the toll weather and natural disasters have are all, ultimately, human stories.

Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, past president, New York and New Jersey Board of Rabbis

I have had the pleasure of teaching Jen as a student and teaching with her at Columbias Graduate Journalism School. I admit that I shed a few tears at the emotional connection that she has brought to life in this compelling book. Its a must-read for anyone who cares about good journalism. It also reminds us of why we do this work!

Lennart Bourin, affiliate faculty, Emerson College Journalism Department

Whats most compelling about More After the Break isnt even the amazing stories and storytelling. Its the feeling youre left with afterward. I hired Jen Maxfield for her second job in news back in 2001, and I am thrilled to say shes written a book about more than just journalism. Its a book about people.