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Summary: Not only for women
Review: I think the stories told in this book, are not only inspiring for women but for men as well. No matter which are the circumstances, there is always a way, and this book help you understand it.
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Summary: It Reads Like a Novel
Review: I usually read fiction, but I read this book because it was given to me for law school graduation. The independent stories complement each other so much and build on each other effectively enough that I found myself thinking it could have even been done as a novel. I didn't expect it to be as enjoyable of a read. I knew I would learn something from it, but I didn't expect to really like it as much as I do.
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Summary: Off to law school now!!
Review: I was interested in going to law school, but I wasn't sure I wanted to go til I read the conversations presented in The Counseors. This shows the potential power of books--I learned that not only is the Law a profession in which women have made a lot of progress, but it's one in which women have been able to do a lot of good for other women because of the power of the Law in this country. Unlike talking to a top doctor or top accountant, which would also be interesting, Vrato talks with women who were running for office, making public policy, and suing people to change the world for American women. As they advanced their careers, they had such a wide impact. Ms Vrato also points out the numerous ways a law degree can be used: to practice law, to enter government or politics, to go into business, to teach, to be a judge, or to be a lobbyist and shape policy. She also points out that what has happened to benefit women is not ancient history--there are many challenges ahead for women in the workplace. It is an invigorating prospect. The stories told in this book are things more women should know about before entering the workplace.
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Summary: I found some mentors...and they found me...
Review: In fact, I like the way I learned about it... I thought it was innovative... I learned about this book under "customer advice" when I was shopping for a Bonnie Raitt cd. I think a lot of authors and products are going to be able to use the customer advice line to good effect in the future as I saw with "The Counselors." Amazon is the greatest cybermall in the world! Amazon sells more when we all learn about more products and we're exposed to more than we would otherwise be. There's no harm. But why would anyone bother to post a review on the "How" of how they learn about a product and criticize for it? Maybe that is who is "sad" and "desperate." If possible, I would prefer to be supportive of the efforts of a woman to help other women. And my support of this book is unqualified. Not only did this book help me today, but I wish I had it ten years ago, when I was going through a very rough patch and could have used some woman-to-woman mentoring (advice with that additional feminine perspective about the pressures unique to women in shaping a life). I have followed Cammy Diaz's reviews with great interest, checked out her lists, etc. For HER to provide such a favorable review is really something. And, it's deserved. Every day since I read it, I have used this one anecdote in the Counselors in my own life: When Thurgood Marshall was preparing to argue against segregation in front of the Supreme Court, he could not argue based on his heart and say that they should decide for him because segregation is "just wrong." In an environment charged with emotion, anger, and hatred, he had to figure out a way to get the Justices on his side. Marshall methodically reviewed the race litigation pending around the country and worked to build precedent in those cases that he could cite to the Court. By the time he argued Brown v. Board of Education, he had 4 lower federal courts behind him that had decided that "separate" is not "equal." So he could tell the Supreme Court they should decide in his favor because 4 other courts had, not because "segregation is just wrong." And the Court decided 9-0 in Thurgood Marshall's favor, ending segregation in this country a full generation before any legislature would have considered doing it. In the Counselors, Elaine Jones of NAACP uses this illustration as a life lesson. Thurgood Marshall was not reactive to others. He pursued his own goals, he kept his focus on his long-term goals, removing the emotion and pettiness. And he was effective at doing a lot of good as a result. This example applies to a lot of things. This is a quality book, and the more people who learn it is out there, the better.
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Summary: It's great, and I don't care HOW I learned about it
Review: In fact, I like the way I learned about it... I thought it was innovative... I learned about this book under "customer advice" when I was shopping for a Bonnie Raitt cd. I think a lot of authors and products are going to be able to use the customer advice line to good effect in the future as I saw with "The Counselors." Amazon is the greatest cybermall in the world! Amazon sells more when we all learn about more products and we're exposed to more than we would otherwise be. There's no harm. But why would anyone bother to post a review on the "How" of how they learn about a product and criticize for it? Maybe that is who is "sad" and "desperate." If possible, I would prefer to be supportive of the efforts of a woman to help other women. And my support of this book is unqualified. Not only did this book help me today, but I wish I had it ten years ago, when I was going through a very rough patch and could have used some woman-to-woman mentoring (advice with that additional feminine perspective about the pressures unique to women in shaping a life). I have followed Cammy Diaz's reviews with great interest, checked out her lists, etc. For HER to provide such a favorable review is really something. And, it's deserved. Every day since I read it, I have used this one anecdote in the Counselors in my own life: When Thurgood Marshall was preparing to argue against segregation in front of the Supreme Court, he could not argue based on his heart and say that they should decide for him because segregation is "just wrong." In an environment charged with emotion, anger, and hatred, he had to figure out a way to get the Justices on his side. Marshall methodically reviewed the race litigation pending around the country and worked to build precedent in those cases that he could cite to the Court. By the time he argued Brown v. Board of Education, he had 4 lower federal courts behind him that had decided that "separate" is not "equal." So he could tell the Supreme Court they should decide in his favor because 4 other courts had, not because "segregation is just wrong." And the Court decided 9-0 in Thurgood Marshall's favor, ending segregation in this country a full generation before any legislature would have considered doing it. In the Counselors, Elaine Jones of NAACP uses this illustration as a life lesson. Thurgood Marshall was not reactive to others. He pursued his own goals, he kept his focus on his long-term goals, removing the emotion and pettiness. And he was effective at doing a lot of good as a result. This example applies to a lot of things. This is a quality book, and the more people who learn it is out there, the better.
Rating:
Summary: A Partial Cure for the Quarterlife Crisis
Review: Me and a lot of my friends can attest to the reality of the quarterlife crisis--the second "coming of age" that takes place after college until about 30, with its "crises" about job, education, money, marital status. This book was like gathering advice from a bunch of teachers or other adults who are not your parents (meaning, they talk to you without the expectations and the judgments) who you respect. I had a number of moments of clarity from the advice offerred which I am looking forward to applying in my life.
Rating:
Summary: A great Read.
Review: Ms. Vrato has wriitten a great book. This narrative was captivating and quite informative.I could not put it down.Ms. Vratos writing style allows the text to flow gracefully.In my opinion this book should be standard reading material for all high school students. Mike W
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Summary: Perfect for book clubs
Review: My book club just used "The Counselors" to very positive effect. The discussion had to be continued to a second session because there was so much to discuss. We all concluded we wish there had been a book like this sooner. There is a lot of "stickiness" to these anecdotes. They'll come back to you in all manner of contexts and help you get perspective or make a decision.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration
Review: Please don't start reading this book with expectations of knowing each of these wonderful women's life details. It is an vague exploration of the paths that each woman's life took. I have to say I was inspired to start a monthly bruncheon with local women leaders and young women. It starts next month and am very excited about what I got out of the book to make things happen in my own area. This book leads you to make a difference in your community!
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration
Review: Please don't start reading this book with expectations of knowing each of these wonderful women's life details. It is an vague exploration of the paths that each woman's life took. I have to say I was inspired to start a monthly bruncheon with local women leaders and young women. It starts next month and am very excited about what I got out of the book to make things happen in my own area. This book leads you to make a difference in your community!
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