Houston Chronicle Review

I honestly didn't expect any reviews of the paperback edition, but here's a nice one:

The naked truths

Despite the provocative title and cover, this is not a tell-all book about sex in the boardroom.

Instead, magazine executive Robin Wolaner (Parenting, Vibe) has penned a how-to book of sorts instructing career women on how they can shake up their career.

Wolaner draws liberally from her own life, primarily her adventures in launching Parenting, in her brash guide to career-blazing.

She boils it all down to 80 "Naked Truths."

Featured in little boxes strategically placed throughout the book, the Truths are the basis for a freewheeling discussion.

For instance, Naked Truth No. 1 says, ''Sometimes it's better to be female in business, sometimes it's worse, but it's rarely the same."

You could almost read only the Naked Truths and come away with a new understanding of how to approach your career.

But Wolaner also provides solid meat around these bones, with breezy chapters such as ''Hey Carly, It's Different Being a Woman," (Carly being Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard) and "Niceties, Manners and Rituals."

If you're a woman looking for inspiration in your career, this may be the spark you are looking for.

And men, this book might be helpful to you as well. After all, aren't we all trying to climb the career ladder?

Steve Powers reviews business books for the Chronicle.

Comments

[Anthony H. Su]

Very impressive.
I found the book from a public library catalog and read the loaned copy.
So impressive that I went ahead to buy my own copy.

The book is not about women for women only.
The book is not about boardroom only.
The book is not about career only.

It is a new way to recall a life journey and compose a biography.

Thanks for the inspiration.
I am triggerred to write about naked in the workrooms, intending to extend from the experiences of the author and add from my own journey.
http://www.sohisam.info/Sophpbb/viewforum.php?f=86&sid=bd7ae265d543a4106165bcd62decd652

Following along the philosophy around the anti-mentor I learn that I learn most from what I disagree and what I am disagreed.

[Anthony H. Su]

My previous comment is more like a comment on the book without commenting on the review.

I would say that the review has hit the right spot by using "inspiration" and "spark".

I would extend this point a little further by warning the young readers to think more while attempting to apply the "naked truths". While they worked for the author they might become myths in others' executions.

I love the book and intend to keep the book a source of inspiration rather than a cook book.

Also, the book is helpful to those trying to hold their positions up on the top of ladders too.

Go naked is an art rather than a procedure I guess.