Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Jul 12, 2013 Jaspreet rated it really liked it

Even before I read Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg, I heard so much about it that I already had the idea that I would generally agree with her points, but have some issue with the nuance. I did appreciate the conversation the book generated and the general premise that more should be done to empower and support women to reach their full potential.

The biggest surprise for me was how many of her suggestions and approaches I could apply RIGHT NOW. In particular, I was Even before I read Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg, I heard so much about it that I already had the idea that I would generally agree with her points, but have some issue with the nuance. I did appreciate the conversation the book generated and the general premise that more should be done to empower and support women to reach their full potential.

The biggest surprise for me was how many of her suggestions and approaches I could apply RIGHT NOW. In particular, I was struck with how much I apologize for things which are not my fault. Even as I strive to be confident, when I feel nervous or anxious (which happens often in a new environment) my default mode is to apologize. Some of my favorite chapters of the book were about like ability (again could relate to this desire), true partnership (certainly striving for this ALL THE TIME in my marriage), and having it all (love that she emphasized the definition of this varies from person to person and will evolve).

The most surprising and helpful section to me was on Don't Leave Before You Leave. I fight the urge to worry constantly about a future where all of my fears have come true becoming a reality. I also tend to create anxiety about how I will manage in the future. See worrying about going to law school and not being able to get a job after graduation because of the possibility of a recession. See also being in the first trimester of pregnancy and being concerned with how we were going to pay for our daughter's education. There are some genuine concerns in there, but giving so much energy to a worst case scenario can as Sandberg suggests create limitations and reduce possibilities.

I appreciate the criticisms that she has a very privileged life which influences her perspective, but overall I think that there is something in the book which can be applied to everyone. Plus, I love the work Lean In.Org is doing to create systematic change, including Ban Bossy and changing stock photos to portray women and girls in powerful ways. ...more

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Jun 18, 2013 Ariel rated it really liked it

Surprisingly inspiring. I say surprisingly only because I was expecting something less meaningful given the criticism. Most professional women will be familiar with a lot of the statistics in the book, but the personal stories and anecdotes really give the book its impact. Showing how she has dealt with various issues, insecurities, and challenges gave me ideas and inspiration about how to manage issues and challenges in my life. Everyone's specific situation is different, but this book helps il ...more

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May 04, 2014 Chris Burd rated it it was amazing

This book was not at all what I expected. I expected yet another book telling me how to be a woman in business. I expected advice on how to put aside emotion and sensitivity in favor of ambition and unyielding work ethic.

This is not that book-and I'm so grateful I chose to give it a shot.

My original expectations and concerns about the advice in the book are addressed by Ms Sandberg,acknowledging that she has financial and social circumstances that give her an advantage. But her message is still ...more

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May 07, 2013 Booktart marked it as to-read

Shelves: womens-rights

I've been reading a lot of nonfiction lately and I think I'm getting into more of a fiction mood so I'll have to go back to this another time. ...more

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