Allison Weiss is a typical working mother, trying to balance a business, ageing parents, a demanding daughter and a marriage. But when the website she develops becomes a huge success, she finds herself challenged to the point of being completely overwhelmed.
As she struggles to hold her life together and meet the needs of all the people around her, Allison finds that the painkillers she was prescribed for a back injury help her deal with more than just physical discomfort – they make her feel calm and get her through the increasingly hectic days. Sure, she worries that the bottles seem to empty a bit faster each week, but it’s not like she’s some Hollywood starlet partying all night. It’s not as if she has an actual problem.
Until she ends up in a world she never thought she’d experience outside of a movie theatre: rehab. And as Allison struggles to get her life back on track, she learns a few life lessons along the way.
With a sparkling comedic touch and tender, true-to-life characterisations, All Fall Down is a tale of empowerment and redemption and Jennifer Weiner’s richest, most absorbing and timely story yet.
Available as eBook or paperback from all major book retailer.
Opened the book and it got me hooked straight away
A mother is addicted to pain pills and she is trying to leave a normal life while hiding her secret around everyone. It gets you as soon as you open the book
Loved this book like all the others by Jennifer Weiner. Honest, witty, and very believable, this is a must read for any Mum who struggles in this complicated and challenging time! I could not put it down and was eager to see the outcome of this clever, highly strung person with an extremely highly strung daughter who delivers some classic lines for a 6 year old!!! As Molly Meldrum would say "Do yourself a favour" and read this book!!!!
I'm a few days into reading and I'm really finding it hard to put down. So far very relatable as a mother trying to do and be everything for their family...
I think we as mums can all relate to this book. A woman who is trying to juggle everything, life work, family, relationships, pressures of the daily life. We too often push through on our own trying to do it all to be seen as the super hero!
Reminded me a bit of the tv show Nurse Jackie how she is addicted to pain killers and yet seems to be able to do a lot of things although juggling the lies gets harder and harder.
All Fall Down - Very relatable to all mums, how a busy lifestyle can overtake you.
I thought this book was very telling. Most mums can relate to a busy lifestyle, although I'm sure most would not resort to drugs to keep going. I can totally understand why she felt the need to keep herself propped up to get through her days. I know I can feel very down when I do everything and no one seems to care. Certainly a food for thought book. It was very easy to read and I enjoyed it throughout.
Still really enjoying this book, I'm finding myself wishing for the fairy-tale ending but the more I read the more desperate the main character seems to be getting....it really brings to life the struggle of marriage and family life.
well i did enjoy reading All Fall Down by Simon & Schuster book it did take a while to get into the book but no i was a very very good book. it had me at the end and now im goimg to go out and but more books from Simon & Schuster thank you for bring out a great book Simon & Schuster
A book that shows it isn't all pretty dress ups and play dates. To show the down spiral that some mothers lives can turn to and the powerful reminder that we are not super woman is powerful and terrifying. The book definitely has my attention, i can't wait to finish reading it.
This is quite an enjoyable and a thought provoking book. It deals with Allison and her pain prescription addiction. Jennifer Weiner writes in such a manner that you become immersed in the story and you really care about the characters and what happens to them. Very good read That I enjoyed.
Different to the usual sci FI that I read. I found this interesting though. Quite thought provoking reading about Allisons pain tablet addiction and her realization of the fact. Reading this book you can't help but become immersed in her story and care for the character. Overall a very good read.
This was a really good read as with all by this author. It took me about 2 weeks to read so I wasn't hooked on it but I did enjoy it. As has my Mum since she has read it. Mouths of Mums always has really great ideas for me to read by what is up for reviews, it really encourages me to read
Love the variety of reviews on mouths of mums. It helps us busy mums make easy decisions about absolutely everything. Thank you. Enjoyed it and would recommend to other mums. I read this one while I was having my girl!
I think we as mums can all relate to this book. A woman who is trying to juggle everything, life work, family, relationships, pressures of the daily life. We too often push through on our own trying to do it all to be seen as the super hero!
Reminded me a bit of the tv show Nurse Jackie how she is addicted to pain killers and yet seems to be able to do a lot of things although juggling the lies gets harder and harder.
I went for this book-‘All Fall Down’ by Jennifer Weiner after reading the mixed reviews by Mom’s community members on this site. It is a book about something serious; the awful addiction to horrible painkillers. A book that can possibly make you feel a little ‘down’ due to the topic.
This book was good, it took a while to get in to the story for me, but I found I need long periods of time to read it and I just did not get that until night when my boys where in bed. The story was great and enjoyed it. I would recommend it to other people just not mums who have not a long time to read in one go.
I found this book really interesting. Being a working mother myself, it was scary at how easily Alison became addicted to pain medication. I found the book to be realistic and a lot of the situations I thought, WOW that could be me. I enjoyed the part when she was in rehab, although that was sad as it bought home how bad it is for some people. Overall worth the read.
I found All Fall Down a bit negative for my liking and very dramatic, While it highlighted how easy it is to become addicted to painkillers, I thought the story was quite dark and depressing. I much prefer books about uplifting events and as a positive escape rather than spiralling down someones inner demons into the world of addiction.
well i did enjoy reading All Fall Down by Simon & Schuster book it did take a while to get into the book but no i was a very very good book. it had me at the end and now im goimg to go out and but more books from Simon & Schuster thank you for bring out a great book Simon & Schuster
was a great read, i dont normally read books but was intrigued by this particular one. it gave me something to relate to although i am not working yet i am excited but anxious for when i finally am. i would read this book again one day maybe after i get a job to see how much of it i still relate to
This book really didn't capture my attention from the beginning and I found that it was too negative for me. I prefer books that are far more uplifting than this. While it addresses how easy it is to become addicted to painkillers and the problems that life throws at you, it just wasn't my cup of tea!!
Loved this book like all the others by Jennifer Weiner. Honest, witty, and very believable, this is a must read for any Mum who struggles in this complicated and challenging time! I could not put it down and was eager to see the outcome of this clever, highly strung person with an extremely highly strung daughter who delivers some classic lines for a 6 year old!!! As Molly Meldrum would say "Do yourself a favour" and read this book!!!!
I am struggling to read this book - I don't think I'm halfway through yet. I can't relate to the main character. I find her quite obnoxious actually. I just don't want to read on. The writing style itself if great, and I would read another book from this author but all in all, I don't know if I actually will finish the book.
All Fall Down is something that could easily happen to anyone and it shows how easy a person’s life could spiral out of control. The novel was a bit slow at the beginning and seemed to drag on a bit but then improved and I enjoyed reading Jennifer Weiner’s humorous view on a serious topic. It was also a real eye-opener to be given an insight into this topic from an addict’s perspective.
All Fall Down - Very relatable to all mums, how a busy lifestyle can overtake you.
I thought this book was very telling. Most mums can relate to a busy lifestyle, although I'm sure most would not resort to drugs to keep going. I can totally understand why she felt the need to keep herself propped up to get through her days. I know I can feel very down when I do everything and no one seems to care. Certainly a food for thought book. It was very easy to read and I enjoyed it throughout.
At first I got into this book but the more I read it the more I disliked Alison. I found her not taking responsibility for her actions but then again she is a addicted so it is normal behavior.. It's a trait I do not like in people. It is well written and would consider reading the author again
I have now finished this book (took me a little longer than expected with children interruptions), and it did live up to my first impressions. I am usually a reader of Spy & Mystery Novels with twists and turns but found this book to be intriguing enough that it kept my interest to the end. This book has not converted me from my love of Spy and Mystery novels but it has intrigued me enough to consider reading another of her books if the reviews are positive. :)
I found it refreshing to read from a first hand point of view, the darker side of prescription pill addiction. Its something that we don't really hear about but something that I am now sure affects lots of people, people that you would never expect. People who don't "look" like drug addicts. I was sucked into Allison's hectic life and could see how easily she spiralled from controlling it all to needing her crux to get her through. Well worth a read, different to the books I usually read.
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
12:12 pm
Opened the book and it got me hooked straight away
2:09 pm
All Fall Down is a great read
9:55 pm
Great reading
2:46 pm
Relatable and enjoyable book
2:56 pm
We can all relate
Reminded me a bit of the tv show Nurse Jackie how she is addicted to pain killers and yet seems to be able to do a lot of things although juggling the lies gets harder and harder.
8:55 am
All Fall Down - Very relatable to all mums, how a busy lifestyle can overtake you.
1:32 pm
Half way through...
9:38 pm
A very touching beautiful story
6:54 pm
not a bad book
1:40 am
Great story that is alarming close to heart
5:06 pm
Good read
12:01 pm
Book for thought
8:08 pm
A pretty good read
Love the variety of reviews on mouths of mums. It helps us busy mums make easy decisions about absolutely everything. Thank you. Enjoyed it and would recommend to other mums. I read this one while I was having my girl!
2:56 pm
We can all relate
Reminded me a bit of the tv show Nurse Jackie how she is addicted to pain killers and yet seems to be able to do a lot of things although juggling the lies gets harder and harder.
6:12 pm
Down!
7:15 am
Great read
3:09 pm
Worth the read
6:14 pm
Not my cup of tea
6:54 pm
not a bad book
11:16 pm
great
8:05 pm
I found this book difficult to get into!!
2:09 pm
All Fall Down is a great read
1:23 pm
Hmmm...
11:41 am
Entertaining Reading on a Serious Topic
8:55 am
All Fall Down - Very relatable to all mums, how a busy lifestyle can overtake you.
1:43 pm
Still trying to get into it and finish it :(
6:31 pm
It could be anyone
12:59 pm
Finished the book and it lived up to expectations
1:38 pm
An intriguing read right from the start
7:45 am
Realistic reading material
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