I decided to do this month’s B~Inspired post a little differently and base it around two books that have inspired me in different ways and one that really tops the list! After I mentioned a few weeks ago I had picked up a copy of Sophia Amoruso’s book #GIRLBOSS
, a lot of you had asked for a review and I thought – why not take a book that’s supposed to be inspiring and stack it up against the empowering book from last year, Lean In.
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The good…
- Sophia writes how I imagine she speaks, straight to the point and not really striving to be eloquent, which I think is helpful in devouring a book!
- Her customers and clients come first! I found this to be one of the only pieces of advice that I could relate back to my blog – always responding to comments and interaction with all of you is what makes blogging work!
- I really loved that she built her business from literally nothing and did it with zero debt!! She found a niche market and it’s worked for her, but what was really interesting was how she “fell” into the fashion world.
The Not So Good…
- There were some chapters I could 100% relate to and other’s I felt were more suited for girls that are either fresh out of college or about to graduate. Maybe that’s why it’s called #GIRLboss…
- I was really looking forward to the book being about how to start your own business and how to grow your personal business, but it was more about her incredible success and how she built her brand. There is a chapter in which she discusses meeting with venture capitalists in Silicon Valley that want to invest in Nasty Gal and she was sitting in boardrooms discussing things and she didn’t really understand what they meant by “IPOs” or the “Financials” as she called it and it didn’t make sense to me because the entire time she stresses to be prepared and know your stuff, yet here she was not really all that prepared because she felt like they needed her more than she needed them.
- It was more of an autobiography of her early life – rather than a ton of focus on her success as this powerhouse CEO – there is a very long chapter about her days dumpster diving, stealing & hitchhiking…
Overall – it was an OK read that I wish I had borrowed from the library rather than buying it from Amazon. After it being recommended by so many people, including a few business women, I’m surprised it wasn’t full of more business advice. Did it empower me as a woman, a little, but then again so did Lean In!
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I wasn’t planning on reading Lean In, but when my sister highly recommended it – I had to start reading!
The Good…
The Good…
- Sheryl Sandberg knows her stuff – there is no doubt about it and she’s so smart!!
- This book seriously empowers you to speak up for yourself regardless of what point of your career that you’re in.
- She empowered me – plain and simple I wanted to do better at work and in life and feel like I was an active participant rather than just wasting time.
The Not So Good…
The Not So Good…
- There were far too many stats in the book that made it read more like a text book rather than a book for leisure – which is why it took me almost a month to finish!
- I felt like this book was pointed more towards women further along in their careers only because there were a lot of chapters focused on balancing work and motherhood, a point that I couldn’t yet relate to.
- It was a little dry – as I mentioned lots of stats, lots of quotes and lots of big words…when you have to Google what a word means every other page, you’re learning but you’re also getting frustrated!
When I finished the book I was more so relieved than anything else. She had a ton of great mentors from early on in her career which reiterated how important that is for anyone in any career. Would I recommend this book – absolutely!! I think it was a good read and added a lot of value to how I think about my career now! My former boss and to this day a wonderful mentor to me would always say – “The squeaky wheel gets the oil” and since then I always strive to make sure I’m the squeaky wheel!! You can’t get what you don’t ask for and you can’t hear “no” unless you ask!! Sheryl Sandberg reiterated this fact at least 10 times in her book!
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One book I will highly recommend is The Trump Card
Next on my reading list is Diane Von Furstenburg’s, The Woman I Wanted to Be
Have you read any of these books? Do you suggest any other great inspirational books?
If books aren’t your thing, I’m also over at Playdates & Pearls sharing how to Winterize your make-up routine!
xo,
I love finding new books to read, especially if they aren't my "typical" read. Thanks for giving me some inspiring ones to check out!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I've heard a lot of buzz around #GirlBoss so I'm glad to hear your feedback. I'm thinking maybe I'll start with the Trump Card instead!
I read both GirlBoss and Lean In and totally agree with both of your reviews…there are great takeaways from both, but there are other chapters that I glossed over a bit since they weren't applicable to me. I love Ivanka's style and poise, and had no idea that she had a book…placing a hold at my library now!
These are great reviews! I need to pick one up for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I hate to buy a book not knowing anything about it.
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I've loved this series, since you started it! I've heard great things about DVF!
The only one of these I've read is Lean In and I completely agree with your opinion on it. And it took me a month to read too! I want to read The Trump Card next but I'll have to check out DVF's book and GirlBoss too!
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
I want to read the DVF book as well! Ill have to check out The Trump Card. The first book sounds eh but I do like that she came from nothing. Usually you have to have money to make money so that is a change. Great post!
haven't read either of those bc i heard reviews similar to what you experienced. i'm interested in that dvf book!
Love finding new good reads, thanks so much for the feedback 🙂
I definitely want to get The Trump Card… adding to my Christmas list!
I think I would read Ivanka's book even though she had it a little easier coming from wealth and an entrepreneur Dad she still busted her butt to succeed.
Thanks for your honest review of these books! I had heard rave review about Girl Boss, but now I'm really not wanting to read it so much. I definitely am going to look into Ivanka Trump's book, though – I've always really liked her. I just got my copy of DVF's book the other day, and it's a signed copy by her nonetheless! I'm looking forward to digging into that after we move.
great reviews girl! i think i bought GIRLboss due to the hype but haven't read it yet. i shall anyway i'm sure. good to know about ivanka's book too. and DVF – who wouldn't want to read about her? she's everything.
cheshirekatblog.com
Thank you for the honest reviews! I've wondered about both of these books but hadn't heard about Ivanka Trump's. I might give that one a read soon!
I always love good book reviews! I'm in desperate need of a new read so I'm definitely looking into Ivanka Trump's books!
I don't feel all that motivated to read Girl Boss now. I was hoping it focused more on how to start a business. Lean in sounds interesting. I think I'm most interested in Ivanka's book! Thanks for the great reviews! xo
Bummer I really wanted to read Girlboss but now after your review not sure if I will like it. Now I kind of want to read The Trump Card!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Thank you for sharing these books! I have GirlBoss, but the others sound really helpful. I'm a bit of a book nerd.
Audrey
lululinden.com
These are such great reviews, Biana! I have been considering reading more of a professional book, and I think I will give one of these a try. Your pros and cons helped me narrow down my choices! 🙂
Maggie
PolishedClosets.com
Thanks for sharing your book reviews! I haven't read a book in a long time and I was thinking about buying one on the Kindle. I think that out of all of the books that you read, I would read the Ivanka Trump book. I would love to read the DVF book too. I consider DVF to be one of my fashion grandmothers. 🙂
I need to read Ivanka Trump's book for sure. I've also heard Kelly Cutrone's books are great and very inspiring!
i started reading Lean In but i couldnt get into it…maybe i should give it another shot! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I have been debating over GIRLBOSS. Also of course, I am reading DVF. I love her quote and have loved it for years: I didn't know what I was going to become, I only knew what kind of women I wanted to be. Love!
I have to agree about Lean In, I thought it was really empowering but heavy on the stats. I actually skipped some paragraphs along the way but overall I liked it. Glad to hear your thoughts on Girlboss!
I'm not an inspirational or self-help book reader. I typically read strictly fiction and will stray into non-fiction for memoirs sometimes.
I typically don't read any inspirational/career type of books, but I think this would be helpful to keep me motivated in my job and career. Some days I totally feel like it's just a time suck and means to an end.
I love your honesty – I feel like I don't need to read these books now, though to be honest neither of them appealed to me in the first place. I'm not super career driven and I hate when books contradict themselves. I do want to read The Trump Card now!
I don't usually read books like this but I appreciate your honest reviews. The Trump Card sounds like a great read. Totally going to check that out.
How did I not know about Ivanka Trump's book? Gonna have to check it out for sure! This is one of the best book review posts I've read…thanks for telling it like it is!
You're all about GIRL POWER books 🙂 love it!
Biana, these are awesome reviews! I appreciate that you were honest and didn't just gush over everything you read… I def want to read all of these and now I have a better idea of what I'm getting in to!
I really want to read that book! I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday and I saw it on the shelf and almost bought it!! I need to go back and get it!
amemoryofus.com
Hmmmmmmm I want to read Ivana's book! I love that she has her own shoe and clothing and I would love to hear her business advice. Once I finish Gone Girl I'll pick that one up!
Everyone talks about Lean In and how great it is, but I read for fun and relaxation so I haven't been able to pick it up and go for it.
The Trump Card sounds like something I need to read! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books 🙂
This is great info! I've never read a book like this but your post makes me want to. I'm bookmarking this when I can read one! Thanks Biana 🙂
adding the last one to the list and possibly the others- thanks for these reviews! These posts are my fav when it comes to deciding on new reading!
Great reviews! I have seen so many read #Girlboss and now its good to know the truth. I find it hard to read books like Lean In that have that text book feel! Thanks for the reviews! xo
Marianne
goodgirlgoneglam.com
I love reading about other women's success stories and their advice on how to attain your goals! I'm totally going to get the Ivanka Trump book. I love her style and she seems pretty grounded despite her privileged upbringing. Another good one is All Things At Once by by Mika Brzezinski. She co-hosts Morning Joe and I loved reading about her journey in the world of journalism! I couldn't put it down!
taffetaandtulips.com
I'm going to see if our library has Lean In on e-book so I can listen to in during my 2+ hours a day of driving. I've heard really good things about it so it's good to hear a positive review from you.
Ditto with Ivanka's book. Adding it to my list.
My hubby reads a ton of business books like this, so I love that these are books by women. 🙂
I really like your reviews on these books. I am not really a self-help book reader, as I tend to get bored in them. I had thought about Lean In at times, but I am not sure now is the right time for me. Trump Card might be more my speed 😉
Out of all of these, I think I'd be most interested to try DVF's book. Love your honest reviews as there's nothing more annoying than buying a book you don't like! Do you use the Kindle "samples" for ereaders? It's a great way to test a book out for free 😉
I haven't read any of these but now I want to order them all! Especially Ivanka Trumps – I just bought a pair of her boots this morning 😉 I usually just buy books online from the Amazon used section.. that way if they aren't super great like Lean In, you're only out a couple of dollars!
Oooh I can't wait to read DVF's book! I got Lean In on audiobook from the library during the holiday season last year and listened to it during my hours in the car- I don't know if I could have sat down and read it but I loved listening to it!
Thanks for sharing your reviews! I wanted to read *GirlBoss, but now I think I'll read The Trump Card instead! 🙂
Loving the book reviews especially the good and bad. I definitely want to read 'The Trump Card' and DVF's book. I think I'll check out GIRLBoss from the library for find someone to borrow it from
xoxo,
Meghan
Southern Belle Secrets
I really want to read Lean In. I watched her Ted Talk and I thought it was very on point and inspirational. Thanks for your review of Girl Boss. Honestly, I am sort of upset that she had a whole discussion of sitting in the room with venture capitalists and not knowing anything about "financials." It's disappointing that she put herself in that position. I feel like women not understanding corporate finance is already a stereotype, why perpetrate it any further when it completely goes against the main idea behind the book? I haven't read any inspirational books recently – have been devoting my time exclusively to the Tax Code and the Bankruptcy Code because of finals season (:
Great post! Thanks for sharing these reviews. I heard so much buzz about Lean In, as everyone did, but never really was inclined to read it. I still don't know if I'd buy it but I'm going to keep my eyes out for it and Girl Boss at the library or friends bookshelves so I can borrow 😉
That first picture of the author – you guys are twinsies! I thought for a second you had cut your hair! I had to clink the "via" link to make sure!
Girlfriend, I thought you were letting us know you cut your hair into a bob!!! I seriously gasped and rubbed my eyes, all was fine again when I started to read the post! I personally love Ivanka Trump. I think she has great advice and is always so well poised. A lot of women can learn a thing or two from her!
I haven't read any of these… I was curious about Girlboss though… now, not so much. Trump Card and Lean in sound good though!
I want to read all of these! Thanks for the reviews!
I have Lean in! Now Im curious about Girl Boss hmmm …
Such a great list!!! That Diane Von Furstenburg books sounds like a really cool one to read!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
I have debated back and forth between the trump card, I couldn't figure out if I would love it or hate it. I may just have to check it out now, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these. I need to find some time to pick a few of them up! I've heard a lot about DVF's book so I'm interested to know your thoughts!
-Claire
fashionandfeathers.com
Thanks for sharing these reviews! I've obviously heard a lot about both but have never read them. I think I might actually prefer Lean In because I don't mind when books like that are heavy on the stats as opposed to more of the storytelling part of the books. I'm going to check out DVF's book now too!
You have inspired me to actually read my copy of Lean In I got at a corporate woman event awhile back! I think this may make for some leisure reading during the holidays!