Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

Embrace the Power of You by Tricia Montalvo Timm is her story as a successful corporate lawyer in Silicon Valley and how she juggles being a mother, wife, and Latina, and battles with her identity throughout her corporate career. She shares her journey of revealing her true Latina heritage, everything that makes her a woman, and the courage it takes to be yourself at work. Additionally, she shares the stories of other successful C-suite executives and how they struggled with issues of identity and authenticity and how they overcame workplace biases. Regardless of your unique story, you will find someone or at least a part of a story you can relate to and start to forge your journey to become the real, beautiful you that the world needs. This book is for individuals and a useful guide for corporates, including insights on creating an environment where diversity and authenticity are celebrated and respected.

Embrace the Power of You by Tricia Montalvo Timm is a bold, candid, passionate, and inspiring book about being your authentic self at work, including the benefits and process of achieving it. As a professional of color in the corporate world, I could relate to almost every story in this book, especially the microaggressions we ignore to keep the peace and not make others uncomfortable. I could relate to the term code-switching and how often I was asked to change parts of my identity to fit into the norm, although this is the first time I realized code-switching is the actual term for it. I wish this book had been available when I started my career; it certainly wouldn’t have been as lonely a journey. Timm’s vulnerability in this story is apparent, sharing deep and some demeaning experiences, which I am sure were difficult to share but which I sincerely appreciated because it made this book highly relatable as I reflected on similar experiences. This book is a phenomenal must-read for anyone starting their professional journey or those already years into it to become confident in being their authentic and amazing selves.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Twenty: One Woman’s Trek across Corsica on the GR20 Trail by Marianne C. Bohr is an inspirational tale of persistence, drive, courage, and love that will touch the hearts of many and perhaps even motivate some to experience new adventures. Marianne and her husband were about to turn sixty and were determined to experience all they could in their retirement. Lifelong hikers, they resolved to attempt their toughest challenge yet by walking the infamous GR20 Trail which winds over the rugged mountains on the island of Corsica. Although they trained assiduously for this adventure, nothing could prepare them for the degree of difficulty they would face on this treacherous trek. With a guide and a small team of like-minded adventurers, Marianne and her husband Joe were as ready for this challenge as they could be but a shocking diagnosis from the doctor just before the trip had Marianne questioning her ability to complete the journey. Nevertheless, these two “seniors” were determined to give this trail their best shot. Along the way, they would make lifelong friends, and test the bonds of their love and marriage.

The Twenty appealed to me in many ways because the age of the pair is similar to my own and I found myself in awe of their commitment to both each other and the monumental challenge they had set themselves. Marianne C. Bohr brings an intimately personal touch to this memoir. She is not afraid to open herself up to introspection and criticize herself for her failings and, despite her often appearing overly self-critical, it is easy to empathize and feel her frustrations and anger, especially at the silent invader that is slowly robbing her of her ability to do the thing she loves so passionately. There is an underlying current of humor throughout the book which helped to keep the participants on course despite the sometimes harsh and unforgiving conditions they faced. More than a book about a trek across unforgiving terrain, this memoir is full of warmth, joy, and an unceasing zest for life which readers cannot help but be caught up in. For all of us approaching or reaching those senior years, this is a clarion call that life does not end at sixty. I salute Marianne and Joe and the magnificent achievement that they shared with us in this story. The writing style is conversational and carries the reader from one exciting, dangerous challenge to the next. Readers will soar with Marianne’s successes and feel deeply for her failures. This is a fantastic read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite

Why Brave Women Win by Jill Bausch provides a captivating glimpse into the author's personal journey of self-discovery and career transformation. It encapsulates the essence of the book, touching upon several crucial themes and offering valuable insights. The narrative takes an inspiring turn when Bausch stumbles upon a job advertisement that sparks her interest in social marketing for a government agency. Her unwavering determination to pursue this new career path, despite not meeting all the qualifications, is truly motivating. Bausch's belief in herself and her willingness to learn are portrayed as her secret weapons, and this resonates strongly with anyone contemplating a career change or transition. Bausch's mention of imposter syndrome and her advice on mirroring role models are particularly helpful, as they address common issues that many individuals face in their careers. The practical strategies provided for overcoming imposter syndrome are comprehensive and actionable. They offer readers a toolkit to combat these feelings, ranging from self-compassion to seeking support and setting realistic goals.

The valuable life lessons shared, such as the importance of persistence, self-awareness, and seizing opportunities, are universally applicable and provide readers with actionable insights. The message of empowerment and authenticity is powerful. It encourages readers, especially women, to take control of their careers and pursue their passions and purposes. In a world often filled with external pressures and expectations, this emphasis on staying true to oneself is a refreshing and motivating message. Bausch's writing style is candid and relatable, instantly drawing readers into her personal experiences and emotions. Her description of feeling empty in a luxurious Paris hotel effectively sets the tone for her quest for meaning. This relatability is a powerful element, making her story accessible and engaging to a wide range of readers. The passage adeptly conveys Bausch's desire for change, emphasizing the stark contrast between her high-flying corporate lifestyle and the troubling global disparities she observes. Why Brave Women Win promises an insightful exploration of career transitions, self-discovery, and empowerment. By sharing her journey and lessons learned, Jill Bausch invites readers to reflect on their own paths and motivates them to embrace change and authenticity as they pursue their aspirations.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Some friendships last a lifetime, changing lives along the way. Feathers at My Feet: A Memoir of Enduring Friendship is the true story of a bond just like that. Art teacher and author Barbara Pearson knew about fellow artist and activist Phyllis Bosco long before they met in 1980. A longstanding celebrity in Barbara's hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, Phyllis was a free-spirited woman well-known for her protests against the Vietnam War and artistic endeavors. Over the decades, the two developed a close camaraderie and, together with a clique of like-minded friends, called themselves the "Dancing Girls." Tired of failed relationships and broken marriages, Barbara and Phyllis decided to spend their retirement years together and bought a beach house in Florida. Everything did not go according to plan, but after a period of estrangement, tragedy brought the two friends together once again.

A heartwarming tale of companionship that showcases the impact friends have on each other throughout their lives, Feathers at My Feet is a moving memoir that hits all the right notes. Barbara Pearson gives an unfiltered account of her life and friendship with artist Phyllis Bosco, celebrating a woman whose influence on others lasted decades and changed the course of many lives. The narrative is doused in nostalgia, light-hearted humor, and emotional passages that will most definitely pull at your heartstrings. Told using a writing style that feels intimate and personal, Barbara's story will move readers to reminisce about the times spent with their friends. I found it relatable and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Joanne Ang for Readers' Favorite

One Pound, Twelve Ounces, written by Melissa Harris, is a tale based on a real-life event of a mother’s journey with difficult pregnancies. The story starts with her extraordinary uterus that made getting pregnant an outright miracle. While her first child was born with few complications, her second and third pregnancies were the storm that shook her world completely. From early contractions that progressively got worse, to repeatedly being reminded of the harsh reality they were in every minute, the prognosis for her pregnancy could not possibly get any worse. One Pound, Twelve Ounces is a miraculous journey of how a premature infant was born when all the odds were against him.

Melissa Harris, the author of One Pound, Twelve Ounces, is perhaps one of the strongest women I have ever encountered in my life. Her determination and bravery in showcasing her darkest moments and intense fears deserve to be applauded a million times over. One Pound, Twelve Ounces is the story of a mother’s love and desperate desire for her baby to have his best chance at life, even when there was only a 20% chance of hope. I also really loved how there was a shift between time frames (2010 and 2008) which multiplied the feelings and emotions that were going on in Melissa’s mind when faced with such immense difficulty. The challenge does not end at birth, and Melissa managed to capture the heart-wrenching moments where all hope seemed fruitless yet she persevered. I would definitely recommend this book as an eye-opening tale of miscarriages and preemies.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Uncolonized Latinas: Transforming Our Mindsets and Rising Together is a work of non-fiction in the women's writing and cultural issues subgenres. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Valeria Aloe. The book is an analysis of the Latina way of thinking and asks which aspects of the culture are actually holding Latinas back. Seeking to explore why Latinas aren’t represented as they should be in politics and business, the book is a discussion on the things holding members of the community back from individual success, such as the cultural narratives that narrow the perception of Latina people both for outsiders and for themselves.

This book immediately establishes itself as a work based squarely on empowerment and a compassionate understanding of the cultural context in which the target audience lives. Author Valeria Aloe is an intelligent writer who keenly articulates nuanced ideas about social and cultural norms in an accessible and engaging way, opening the door to deep and meaningful discussions about the future of the Latina people. By grounding the lessons taught and observations made in the history of Latina culture, the book is constantly able to create eureka moments in the reader as the root of behaviors and ways of thinking are laid bare. Overall, Uncolonized Latinas celebrates the potential in every Latina person to push past the chains their culture has endured for generations and find power and identity in the modern world. This is an important book in cultural understanding for Latina readers and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of Latino history and the cultural practices and habits that have survived into the 21st century.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever wondered why it's mostly women who are tasked to take notes in corporate settings? Why is it always female employees who are specifically asked to bring coffee during meetings between business executives and why do female entrepreneurs receive less funding than their male counterparts? In Never Get Their Coffee, CEO and thought-coach Lakisha Ann Woods sheds light on the inherent biases women have to face in their careers and offers valuable insights to help them navigate those challenges. The societal impact may affect a woman's ability to grow in her career. Like the way women are judged based on their looks much more than men. But it's important to avoid doubt and back yourself in your endeavors. Woods also provides advice on leading as a woman of color and dealing with discrimination in its myriad forms.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in women candidates fighting in elections for representation in Congress, but the ratio is still nowhere near what it should be. Lakisha Ann Woods highlights some of these relevant issues in Never Get Their Coffee. She lists all the types of challenges that women in leadership positions may face in today's increasingly competitive world and gives her perspectives on all aspects of leadership, including embracing diversity, mentoring, managing mistakes, communication skills, and much more. If you're a career-driven woman, this is a must-read, so grab a copy. I assure you, it will be an informative as well as an illuminating reading experience.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Chasing Perfection: A Journey to Healing, Fitness, and Self-Love by Rachel Brooks is a thought-provoking book that will inspire, encourage, and empower readers to embrace a life filled with passion and purpose. Most of the time in life problems are not addressed properly, they are just pushed aside. Reading the insights in this book will give hope to many readers out there to make their own choices and determine their destination; choose truth over lies, love over hate, confidence over doubt, faith over fear, and courage over comfort. The tools in the book will help readers to love and accept the self, and understand the key to unlocking destiny is in the power of choices they make for themselves.

What makes readers easily connect with Chasing Perfection is because the author's personal story and experiences make the book more human and palpable. Rachel Brooks speaks about how her struggles and hardships shaped her as a person and made her what she is today. The Points to Ponder section will actually help readers to reflect and make positive changes in the areas of their lives where they need it is required. The book is also a good way to make readers become more aware of themselves and see how their perception about themselves and the world around them needs to be changed. The author's honesty when it comes to talking about herself and her life is heartwarming and makes this book real and tangible.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Many women feel dissatisfied at midlife but do not know where to start to get something more. Yet, if they find the right person to help them, it is possible for them to make their next decades the best of their lives. Thanks to Ellen Albertson's mind-blowing book, Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter, women who now feel they are suffering a midlife crisis will find powerful tips to understand who they really are, learn to love themselves, reprogram their brains thanks to neuroplasty, get rid of their Good Girl syndrome, and much, much more. Thanks to Albertson, these women are seven steps away from their fulfillment.

Rock Your Midlife is a book that every woman who has reached middle age and does not want to settle for what she has achieved should read. Ellen Albertson is a wise and sensitive adviser who never forgets what significant changes happen in a woman's life in these delicate but beautiful years. She covers all topics of interest to her readers, from loving their bodies to relationships with children and partners. I liked that Albertson includes many stories (including hers) of women she met and helped because they enable readers to realize they are not the only ones facing these problems. I also liked the 7-day plan of action at the end of the book because it will help readers put Albertson's advice into practice right away. Rock Your Midlife cannot be praised enough. It is the first step on a fabulous journey that every woman deserves to take.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Newcomers in an Ancient Land: Adventures, Love, and Seeking Myself in 1960s Israel by Paula Wagner is a moving, powerful memoir about finding who you are in your life and finding the strength to be your own person. Traveling was in Paula's blood from an early age. Her travels took her from England and across America (Texas, Kansas, etc.). Her early experiences include living in California with her family, then enduring a boarding school with Naomi in London. She was familiar with her mother's heritage, but it was her father's Jewish history she wanted to know more about, so at the age of eighteen, she and her twin sister Naomi left the family nest. An excellent language student, Paula studied Hebrew, met a man, and traveled to France, but Israel called her name. She made surprising discoveries about her lineage and herself. Having a twin sister led her to carve out an identity that was solely her own. She wanted to make her own way in life, and this modern nation with ancient roots helped her do that.

Wagner has opened the door to herself and to Israel as it was in the 1960s. This is a memoir full of life, character, and meaning, and as you read, you begin to learn who this woman is and what she's about, chapter by chapter. In a way, the conflict and uncertainty that was going on in 1960s Israel echoed what was going on in Paula's life. The writing is warm, colorful, and sure, serving as both a slice of history and a captivating family drama and isn't meant to be an all-encompassing history book. You will also learn life lessons about other cultures and the hopes, fears, and dreams of their people. It was a defining time in her life, making this a wonderful coming-of-age YA story with themes of idealism versus reality and innocence-to-experience. This is a travelogue with style and substance, humor, heart, and wisdom. The accompanying photos add another layer of depth, bringing you closer to the story. The author's use of rich detail and vivid imagery shows us a time and place that we can only vicariously experience.

Wagner seems to be a natural-born storyteller, expertly sifting personal experiences into the time's history, politics, and culture. You will hear about her father Leon, her mother, her sister Naomi, other siblings, and other family members. Wagner's use of sparkling dialogue and Biblical references adds to the book's appeal. Her comparisons of modern Israel to 1960s Israel are poignant. But perhaps most intriguing of all is the bond she shared with her sister and how she yearned to have a separate identity. If you're looking for a standout memoir this year, make it Newcomers in an Ancient Land: Adventures, Love, and Seeking Myself in 1960s Israel by Paula Wagner.