Rating: 
Summary: Powerful Reading. This is THE Gift for Christmas This Year
Review: If I'd only known ten years ago what these women pass on here, I'd have saved myself a decade of stress and anxiety, and probably would have advanced my career much faster than I did. This is not career advice, but rather, life advice that will reshape the way you look at yourself and the world. It made me take a long look at who I am and where I am going, and has inspired me to take the first step toward a long-delayed life change that I just didn't have the guts to go for. I love the writing here. Fawn Germer interviewed so many of our women role models and got them to share their pain and glory so the rest of us would have an easier ride. I have read every word and will get copies for my friends over the holidays because they will LOVE it as much as I do.
Rating:
Summary: To Go and To Be
Review: If there was ever a book that says "you can do it" this is it. The women were real and Fawn seemed to be able to bring out what is real in their lives. Women are women the world over and she shows that success doesn't always come easy but it can come to any and all with determination. Amazing stories and amazing women, the most exciting thing to me was the women are like almost every woman I know. Hope she writes something again soon. This book gave me a lot to think about and compass for my own path.
Rating: 
Summary: Learning from extraordinary women...
Review: It is so important to recognize and learn from women who have achieved success in a still discriminatory workplace. For readers who want to learn more about succeeding in law enforcement, I recommend "Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command" (which has an extensive interview with Penny Harrington) and Harrington's autobiography, "Triumph of Spirit." Both books offer significant insight on this career choice for women.
Rating:
Summary: Practical & insightful observations from extraordinary women
Review: The book opens with the quote that the only thing which separates ordinary women from extraordinary women is the thought that they are ordinary. WOW! This sets the theme for all that follows -- such a simple yet incredibly powerful thought.I loved this book. It is the first "self-help" book I have ever read cover to cover, and I did so in two days. I read the first 25 pages before leaving the bookstore and just couldn't put it down afterwards. So much of what the author wrote mirrored my own sense of self. The experiences of many of the women interviewed were far from my own, yet the author shows the commonality of the experiences of all women around the world -- and I was inspired by what theses "ordinary" women accomplished by sheer force of will and the belief that they could. This book is so readable because of the author's sense of humor and perspective -- it was like getting advice from good friends. It addresses the issues that women face from a woman's perspective while also outlining how men see things/are faced with different problems. The author interjects her own experiences and relates them back to those of her interviewees, demonstrating that every woman faces the same kinds of issues in the workplace, with self-esteem, with conflicting priorities. Although it deals almost exclusively with workplace-related issues, there are life lessons in this book. I have already gone back and re-read parts and will also be buying it for friends. I very much enjoyed this book (and even paid full price for it!) and recommend it thoroughly.
Rating:
Summary: Practical & insightful observations from extraordinary women
Review: The book opens with the quote that the only thing which separates ordinary women from extraordinary women is the thought that they are ordinary. WOW! This sets the theme for all that follows -- such a simple yet incredibly powerful thought. I loved this book. It is the first "self-help" book I have ever read cover to cover, and I did so in two days. I read the first 25 pages before leaving the bookstore and just couldn't put it down afterwards. So much of what the author wrote mirrored my own sense of self. The experiences of many of the women interviewed were far from my own, yet the author shows the commonality of the experiences of all women around the world -- and I was inspired by what theses "ordinary" women accomplished by sheer force of will and the belief that they could. This book is so readable because of the author's sense of humor and perspective -- it was like getting advice from good friends. It addresses the issues that women face from a woman's perspective while also outlining how men see things/are faced with different problems. The author interjects her own experiences and relates them back to those of her interviewees, demonstrating that every woman faces the same kinds of issues in the workplace, with self-esteem, with conflicting priorities. Although it deals almost exclusively with workplace-related issues, there are life lessons in this book. I have already gone back and re-read parts and will also be buying it for friends. I very much enjoyed this book (and even paid full price for it!) and recommend it thoroughly.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Tribute to all Women Everywhere
Review: The front cover sums up the exact sentiment this book shares: "The collective voice of these women provides powerful testimony to how exceptional your life can truly be." This book is so uplifting and gives detailed insight into some remarkable women who have achieved wonderful things. After reading it, I didn't feel I had to go out and conquer the world, rather, it helped inspire me and gave me a feeling that life is full of ups and downs and that I wasn't alone in my day-to-day struggles. A must read for all women. A valuable gift too, for college women.
Rating:
Summary: Loved this book!
Review: The perfect read for anyone reconsidering what they're doing with their life these days, especially as we're all reminded just how precious each day can be. The wise words from these women are both inspiring and comforting. This book was written long before the attacks, but it's message of "live while you're alive" is so appropriate now. It's nice to know even the most accomplished women have the same frailties and insecurities as the rest of us. It's even better to know none of that should hold us back.
Rating:
Summary: Oprah Sent Me to This Great Book
Review: When Oprah told how inspiring this book was, I ordered it immediately. Thanks, Oprah. This is the most uplifting, powerful book you've turned me on to. The author's human touch makes you a part of the experience of learning from such great women leaders. I truly felt like I could do ANYTHING after I read Hard Won Wisdom, and that's a good thing because my company is on the verge of layoffs. Fawn Germer's book reminds you that smart women survive and prevail in the toughest moments. This book changed so much about how I view myself and the possibilities that exist for me. You'll see.
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