Stepping Out of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want It Their Way . . . In Life, In Love, and At Work

by Nell Merlino

When activist Nell Merlino decides something needs to change, she throws everything she has into changing it. Whether it is raising the visibility of girls or helping women build their businesses, her many campaigns have helped women make dreams come true. Now she marshals her life lessons—and those of other gutsy women—to help women have it their way.

Stepping Out of Line is Merlino’s bold manifesto for women to stop waiting and get what they want, in the arenas of love or work or in the world at large. Offering practical nuggets like “Gain from complaining” and “The system is more malleable than you think,” she shows women how to imagine bigger lives, find support, and stay the course.

Genres: Nonfiction

222 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2009

Reviews

[Lori Michaelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good reminders -

" . . . we all need to imagine that there is a little girl following us around, repeating everything we say and everything we do. Think about all the things you want for yourself and for your daughters and granddaughters and little girls everywhere -- and teach them by living it yourself."

[Rukmini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well intentioned but simplistic and rather self-promoting.

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The point that I can remember from this book is that don't use the word "should".
This book sounds like a memoir or self-promotion.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not even stay at it long enough as it was very bad.

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I thought it would be. (preconceptions based on the title, book jacket & blurbs) :) The author's stories and examples are great, and there's a nice mellow feminist slant throughout. A fast read, which is rare for me. I think I'd like the author in person. I started the book very skeptical, thinking I'd only read a bit and then return it to the library unfinished. Instead, I read every page, liked it better and better with each section, and even did a few of the workbook-y exercises. Color me surprised.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book against my better judgement, having been adamantly opposed to "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." Not that I have anything against its premise, just its execution. I always thought that taking children out of school, their primary responsibility, gives them the wrong message about its value and importance. Nevertheless, this book contains valuable information on how to structure your life and activities to attain your goals.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well. This book is a bit cheesy and self-helpy, but that is my guilty pleasure I think. Overall though, I liked the tone and message put across.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to feel more confident, get to know yourself better, and learn strategies to accomplish your goals--read this book!

[Kat]

*To Read*

Thoughts:
This book is so colorful and markup ready! I can't wait to get to studying!