Can a woman's version of The Prince actually work?
There's a sidelong sensibility at work in this post-feminist analog to the Renaissan... read full description
reviews
Aug 29, 2011
Michelle
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Slated to be a feminine version of Machiavelli's _The Prince,_ this book goes through detail of the mindset and actions required for women to be at the top of their game. It profiles a handful of women who displayed these virtues, which was my favorite part - I learned about some interesting women I hadn't heard of before. Time to look into some new biographies!
A few things bothered me about this book. Overall, it was pretty gimmick-y. She stuck to historical figures while writing More...
A few things bothered me about this book. Overall, it was pretty gimmick-y. She stuck to historical figures while writing More...
Apr 14, 2011
Kater
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This was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, and since it was short and easy to read, I put it to the top of my reading queue. It's a philosophy book, sort of, and a how-to book, sort of, and a self-help book, sort of.
I haven't ever read _Il Princip_ by Machiavelli, though of course I've heard it referred to. This book seeks to provide a feminine counterpoint to that. Machiavelli says basically that you have to be cruel, that nice guys finish last, that it's better to be More...
I haven't ever read _Il Princip_ by Machiavelli, though of course I've heard it referred to. This book seeks to provide a feminine counterpoint to that. Machiavelli says basically that you have to be cruel, that nice guys finish last, that it's better to be More...
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Apr 06, 2011
Adara
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This book was a disappointment to me. The idea behind it was good - it basically touts itself as a 'how to get ahead in life' for women, especially those with careers in the corporate world. It kind of goes over a general outline about how women can't get ahead by trying to be better than men, and that they should look to their own strengths instead. I liked this - it's what made me want to read the book. However, the information was poorly organized, and stated in a way that was obscure and lef
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May 24, 2008
queen
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 03, 2009
Staci
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Found the author's arguments to be flawed and confusing and at times contradicting. Same goes for the examples she uses to support her arguments. Instead of focusing on her be different from the Prince Machiavelli is advising, she basically turns him into a cold coniving corporate bitch.
Jan 18, 2011
Octavia
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It is awesome so far! favorite line... "as we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others...." I MUST MEET HARRIET RUBIN... I can imagine her weighing each word and strategically composing each sentence...
Oct 10, 2010
Sarah
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It seemed to be concentrated on business rather than on relationships. It was about getting the client, not getting what you want. At least that's what I read.
Aug 09, 2009
Anya
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I read this book about ten years ago. I am reading it again and I find it really helpful. There are several levels it can be read on--she does delve some into spiritual levels, and the overall advice is healthy rather than destructive and short-sighted. I recommend this book to friends I think would benefit from it.
Jul 07, 2008
Heather
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This book's whole theme is: be a manipulative bitch before another manipulative bitch (female or male) moves first and ruins your career. And that's the sad truth of corporate life, whether we like it or not. Work is warfare and you deny that at your own peril.
A woman being battered by office politics and nonsense could do worse than read this book and take some lessons on board.
For women outside academia, corporate life, or government, this book does not offer much e More...
A woman being battered by office politics and nonsense could do worse than read this book and take some lessons on board.
For women outside academia, corporate life, or government, this book does not offer much e More...
Dec 17, 2009
Inggita
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i forgive her for using "Machiavelli" to describe the author's concept in his "The Prince" - furthering misunderstanding - since she put an effort in explaining and use "princessa" in addressing the readers. this is a good guide to strategize and to use some elegant tactics such as "besting" - but the rest are just one great story after another, without really mapping out the hows (too feminine an approach!). since it's directed towards women, some of the
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Jun 07, 2009
Polina
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Very strange an ambiguous writing style, the only reason I kept reading was because it was so bizarre and I could not believe someone managed to produce a whole book written like this. The advise itself, when I could make any sense of what is written was only somewhat useful, I can not quite imagine it leading to a happy and fulfilling life.
Dec 16, 2009
Jessica
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Let me start off by stating that I am not a huge fan of Machiavelli's The Prince. So Princessa wasn't something I would have picked up on my own, but when it was selected as a book club pick, I read it with an open mind. The book was filled with ideas on how women should behave in order to succeed in a male-dominated workplace.
Apr 05, 2008
Krista
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I read this book nearly a decade ago, at which time it helped give me the courage to change my life into what I had envisioned. I took some huge risks and had some great adventures. I find myself in transition again and I have returned for a second dose of inspiration.
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Mar 22, 2011
Joyce
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Seems you need to have already taken substantial steps in self awareness
to understand Harriet Rubin's perspective. What she offers is living the mythic. The whole world benefits.
to understand Harriet Rubin's perspective. What she offers is living the mythic. The whole world benefits.
May 02, 2008
Tina
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Silly book with very little insight. Basically a feminist rant about how women can manipulate situations to achieve what they want and deserve.
Jan 21, 2008
Cassiel
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Thanks to this asinine book, I may be more likely to recognize when someone is mind fucking me.
Jan 28, 2008
Terri
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She misapplies a lesson from Sun Tzu. I don't think she understand Machiavelli, either.
Jan 26, 2011
Velvetink
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(one of 24 books found today at 2nd hand shop...24 for $10!)
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Feb 07, 2012
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Dec 21, 2011
