October 1, 2007
According to journalist and editor Barnett, living out a success trifecta (motherhood, marriage, career) isn't as easy as it looks. Having faced her share of sadness-from death and divorce to dead-end jobs and cheating men-Barrett chronicles her turn from despair to dedication on the path to becoming the first African-American woman to run a major mainstream magazine (recently shuttered Teen People). Eager to share the precepts that govern her productive, gratifying life, Barnett fills this book with sisterly advice; "Realize your value and demand the best" is easily the most pivotal of these tips, which also cover friendship, family, career, style, financial security, personal space, men, creativity and spirituality. Concrete steps point readers toward self-confidence and success: face your fears and "embrace them as a chance for growth" by "composing a list of 10 things that scare you"; keep family close by sending out a newsletter, or devoting one full day a month to them. Unfortunately, cliches outnumber innovative ideas, though personal anecdotes and celebrity Q&As (including Gayle King, Kelly Rowland and Venus Williams) prove revealing and encouraging. A fun, knowing and star-studded guide to success, this self-help is suitable for readers at any stage of life.
September 17, 2007
According to journalist and editor Barnett, living out a success trifecta (motherhood, marriage, career) isn't as easy as it looks. Having faced her share of sadness-from death and divorce to dead-end jobs and cheating men-Barrett chronicles her turn from despair to dedication on the path to becoming the first African-American woman to run a major mainstream magazine (recently shuttered Teen People). Eager to share the precepts that govern her productive, gratifying life, Barnett fills this book with sisterly advice; "Realize your value and demand the best" is easily the most pivotal of these tips, which also cover friendship, family, career, style, financial security, personal space, men, creativity and spirituality. Concrete steps point readers toward self-confidence and success: face your fears and "embrace them as a chance for growth" by "composing a list of 10 things that scare you"; keep family close by sending out a newsletter, or devoting one full day a month to them. Unfortunately, clichés outnumber innovative ideas, though personal anecdotes and celebrity Q&As (including Gayle King, Kelly Rowland and Venus Williams) prove revealing and encouraging. A fun, knowing and star-studded guide to success, this self-help is suitable for readers at any stage of life.
Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.