How Jane Won Book

See Jane Win was propelled to the bestseller list by girls and parents seeking advice on how modern women can achieve success and happiness. How Jane Won, its companion, tells the stories of some 50 women who have been successful both at work and at home. Ranging in age from 30 to 80--some famous, some not--these women speak in their own voices about how their girlhoods sowed the seeds for their success, and how they coped with society's prejudices, triumphed despite discouragement, and found inspiration. They are lawmakers and judges, shatterers of glass ceilings, healers and discoverers, teachers and community leaders, artists and musicians, and communicators. And their stories are full of good counsel and inspiration. Christine Whitman, the first woman governor of New Jersey, recounts how she was "more of a problem than a leader" as a kid, but succeeded anyway due to the self-confidence imbued in her by her parents. Sandra Day O'Connor tells of gaining early independence on a cattle ranch and being sent off to school in a distant city with no phone to communicate with her family. Connie Matsui, the daughter of servants, describes how she became the vice president of a pharmaceutical company and the president of the Girl Scouts of America while raising two children. Eileen Collins, NASA astronaut and space shuttle commander, was a shy child who worked her way through college to put more women into space. After a copy of Booker T. Washington's autobiography literally fell on her head, plant physiologist Camellia Okpodu renewed her commitment to finish college despite the racism she confronted there. Mary GrandPré shares how becoming more confident improved her art, which in turn led to her being selected as the illustrator for the Harry Potter books, and news anchor Jane Pauley shares why not making varsity cheerleader in tenth grade was the luckiest thing that ever happened to her. These stories remind us of the qualities that make for success in any life's path, of the unseen gifts in the seeming tragedies, and of the real potential for creating a fulfilling life as a woman with a career and a family. How Jane Won is a terrific gift for the young woman in your life. --Lesley Reed Read More