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What I Told My Daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women
Empower yourself and the latest generation of girls with this collection of inspiring reflections from notable, highly accomplished women in politics, academia, athletics, the arts, and business, including Madeleine Albright, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and more.In What I Told My Daughter, a powerful, diverse group of women reflect on the best advice and counsel they have given their daughters either by example, throughout their lives, or in character-building, teachable moments between parent and child. A college president teachers her daughter, by example, the importance of being a leader who connects with everyone—from the ground up, literally—in an organization. One of the country’s only female police chiefs teaches her daughter the meaning of courage, how to respond to danger but more importantly how not to let fear stop her from experiencing all that life has to offer. A bestselling writer, who has deliberated for years on empowering girls, wonders if we’re unintentionally leading them to believe they can never make mistakes, when “resiliency is more important than perfection.” In a time when childhood seems at once more fraught and more precious than ever, What I Told My Daughter is a book anyone who wishes to connect with a young girl cannot afford to miss.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
April 13, 2016
This was certainly worth reading but some of the stories were better than others. There were some good lessons and ideas filtered throughout for sure but some of the stories were just harder to relate to. I do wish there were some average Mothers infused in the book to offer a diverse perspective as most of those sharing their stories live a life of privilege.
August 29, 2016
What I Told My Daughter is a compilation of 50 some essays from women in positions of leadership about how they raised or the advise they gave their daughters. It was a quick read with some familiar names (Nancy Pelosi, Laura Bush, Whoopi Goldberg, Madeline Albright, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, etc.) and some less familiar ones. Some of the essays were excellent and moved me, some were generic, some seemed pointless. I was most surprised by Whoopi Goldberg's.
What eventually grated on my nerves was the lack of diversity within this book. While there is racial/sexual orientation "diversity", the women all seem to come from a similar, driven, Type A mold and their advise or experiences ends up sounding quite similar. Their work spans several career areas, but almost all the women are activists of some sort, and the vast majority lean liberal. They all seemed to come from the same social set, and even reference each-other occasionally. It would have been nice to see more diversity of opinion or life experience.
The essayists also discuss situations most people don't have to deal with, such as the paparazzi or flying across the world for work.
The love these women have for their daughters shines through, but it isn't really worth it by the end.
What eventually grated on my nerves was the lack of diversity within this book. While there is racial/sexual orientation "diversity", the women all seem to come from a similar, driven, Type A mold and their advise or experiences ends up sounding quite similar. Their work spans several career areas, but almost all the women are activists of some sort, and the vast majority lean liberal. They all seemed to come from the same social set, and even reference each-other occasionally. It would have been nice to see more diversity of opinion or life experience.
The essayists also discuss situations most people don't have to deal with, such as the paparazzi or flying across the world for work.
The love these women have for their daughters shines through, but it isn't really worth it by the end.
March 31, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
A mother’s advice is beyond the greatest gift that can be bestowed to a child. It is honest. Raw. And most importantly, it’s comes from the heart. And in this beautiful book by Nina Tassler, she has gathered a collection of essays/entries from successful women around the world. Each entry is a recollection of a pinnacle moment shared between a mother and daughter and what lessons, hopes, and dreams that they wished their daughter to achieve.
In this inspiring collections of essays from celebrities, reporters, singers, athletes, politicians to everyday working mothers, Ms. Tassler has made a statement of empowerment, beauty, and love. A mother’s love is something that can’t be explained. It is a love that captures every essence of hope, dreams, and truth. This book is uplifting and unapologetically beautiful as each entry, readers can feel the love radiating through the pages. Though each mother may have different wishes for their daughter, but each essay is meant to navigate their daughter to the right path that was meant for them.
I love reading a book that is honest, raw, and inspiring. And reading this book made me a little sentimental as it made me recall memories from my mom. Each lesson, message, and words written in this book was out of pure love. This book sent a powerful message that regardless if you are a celebrity or not, we are a gender that needs to encourage one another and be supportive. So if you are looking for a book that inspires, teaches, and encourages young women that nothing is impossible, dreams are meant to be fulfilled and with hard work and dedication, the future is endless then I would highly recommend you to read What I Told My Daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
A mother’s advice is beyond the greatest gift that can be bestowed to a child. It is honest. Raw. And most importantly, it’s comes from the heart. And in this beautiful book by Nina Tassler, she has gathered a collection of essays/entries from successful women around the world. Each entry is a recollection of a pinnacle moment shared between a mother and daughter and what lessons, hopes, and dreams that they wished their daughter to achieve.
In this inspiring collections of essays from celebrities, reporters, singers, athletes, politicians to everyday working mothers, Ms. Tassler has made a statement of empowerment, beauty, and love. A mother’s love is something that can’t be explained. It is a love that captures every essence of hope, dreams, and truth. This book is uplifting and unapologetically beautiful as each entry, readers can feel the love radiating through the pages. Though each mother may have different wishes for their daughter, but each essay is meant to navigate their daughter to the right path that was meant for them.
I love reading a book that is honest, raw, and inspiring. And reading this book made me a little sentimental as it made me recall memories from my mom. Each lesson, message, and words written in this book was out of pure love. This book sent a powerful message that regardless if you are a celebrity or not, we are a gender that needs to encourage one another and be supportive. So if you are looking for a book that inspires, teaches, and encourages young women that nothing is impossible, dreams are meant to be fulfilled and with hard work and dedication, the future is endless then I would highly recommend you to read What I Told My Daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
August 20, 2021
Review originally published June 2016
Nina Tassler, author of What I Told My Daughter, appeared on CBS This Morning a few months ago, sparking my interest in reading her new book. I am glad I did.
The author has brought together in her book a group of 54 women with a voice. They are diverse, intelligent, and insightful with their knowledge and experience. Each of them, from Whoopi Goldberg to Beverly Johnson to Madeleine Albright writes about her experience in raising the next generation of empowered women. Each relates a story of teaching a daughter what is important in life. One writes about the meaning of courage, another about demanding to be treated with respect and dignity. A resounding theme by all the writers was that women have a voice, parents need to give their daughters freedom to blossom into strong independent individuals, learn from their missteps, be resilient, and that with each obstacle another door may be opened.
One of my favorite lines was in Gloria Allred’s section. She would often use a quote from the famous labor organizer, Mother Jones. “Don’t agonize, organize.” I had never heard of this before but it’s so true and practical for so many life situations.
All of these writers are feminists in some respects and all hope to see a future where there is fairness to all women, and the ability to walk through life without fear. Research tells us that actions speak louder than words. Every writer was a model to their daughter. They chose career paths and let their child watch and learn. Throughout history there have been strong women, rebellious women, heroines, and accomplished quiet women.
Other titles of interest on this subject can be found at any La Crosse County Library location in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska or West Salem. Here are a few titles: Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women, Save the World by Jean Shinoda Bolen; Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood by Carey Goldberg; and 4,000 Years of Uppity Women: Rebellious Belles, Daring Dames, and Headstrong Heroines Through the Ages by Vicki Leon. For more information on any of our services or summer programming check out our website at www.lacrossecountylibrary.org.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
Nina Tassler, author of What I Told My Daughter, appeared on CBS This Morning a few months ago, sparking my interest in reading her new book. I am glad I did.
The author has brought together in her book a group of 54 women with a voice. They are diverse, intelligent, and insightful with their knowledge and experience. Each of them, from Whoopi Goldberg to Beverly Johnson to Madeleine Albright writes about her experience in raising the next generation of empowered women. Each relates a story of teaching a daughter what is important in life. One writes about the meaning of courage, another about demanding to be treated with respect and dignity. A resounding theme by all the writers was that women have a voice, parents need to give their daughters freedom to blossom into strong independent individuals, learn from their missteps, be resilient, and that with each obstacle another door may be opened.
One of my favorite lines was in Gloria Allred’s section. She would often use a quote from the famous labor organizer, Mother Jones. “Don’t agonize, organize.” I had never heard of this before but it’s so true and practical for so many life situations.
All of these writers are feminists in some respects and all hope to see a future where there is fairness to all women, and the ability to walk through life without fear. Research tells us that actions speak louder than words. Every writer was a model to their daughter. They chose career paths and let their child watch and learn. Throughout history there have been strong women, rebellious women, heroines, and accomplished quiet women.
Other titles of interest on this subject can be found at any La Crosse County Library location in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska or West Salem. Here are a few titles: Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women, Save the World by Jean Shinoda Bolen; Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood by Carey Goldberg; and 4,000 Years of Uppity Women: Rebellious Belles, Daring Dames, and Headstrong Heroines Through the Ages by Vicki Leon. For more information on any of our services or summer programming check out our website at www.lacrossecountylibrary.org.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
April 4, 2016
What I Told My Daughter is a compilation of short narratives written by various female leaders and celebrities to empower and educate the next generation of women. There are actors, politicians, athletes, musicians etc - including Geena Davis, Pat Benatar, Marie Osmond, Whoppi Goldberg, Sharon Osbourne, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Laura Bush, Aylet Waldman, Mia Hamm ... the list goes on. These are women from many different walks of life who impart life lessons, based on their own experiences - both professional and personal - that they wish their own daughters to learn.
The book touches on several different topics facing todays girls and young women. Overall it has an empowering feel that encourages girls so that they grow into strong, well-adjusted young women who are happy with their own individualities, quirks and strengths. I admit to enjoying some narratives a lot more than others, and even glossing over some of the stories that didn't engage me. Part of the reason that I didn't connect with the authors was due to the fact that I didn't recognize many of their names.
Overall, this was a good read but not quite as inspiring as I was hoping for. I applaud the fact that women are sharing their struggles and triumphs - in the home, within the workplace or in the world at large with the next generation of women. I like its message about finding your own voice and what makes you an individual and fostering that difference but this was not a riveting, 'can't put it down' kind of read for me. That said, What I Told My Daughter tries to encourage and advise the next generation of women to be proud of the the strength innate in all women if we are only make/take the opportunity to shine.
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary e-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
** This book review, as well as hundreds more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) where I also share my favourite 'tried and true' recipes. **
The book touches on several different topics facing todays girls and young women. Overall it has an empowering feel that encourages girls so that they grow into strong, well-adjusted young women who are happy with their own individualities, quirks and strengths. I admit to enjoying some narratives a lot more than others, and even glossing over some of the stories that didn't engage me. Part of the reason that I didn't connect with the authors was due to the fact that I didn't recognize many of their names.
Overall, this was a good read but not quite as inspiring as I was hoping for. I applaud the fact that women are sharing their struggles and triumphs - in the home, within the workplace or in the world at large with the next generation of women. I like its message about finding your own voice and what makes you an individual and fostering that difference but this was not a riveting, 'can't put it down' kind of read for me. That said, What I Told My Daughter tries to encourage and advise the next generation of women to be proud of the the strength innate in all women if we are only make/take the opportunity to shine.
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary e-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
** This book review, as well as hundreds more, can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) where I also share my favourite 'tried and true' recipes. **
October 3, 2016
I rolled my eyes at this book when my mom first asked me to read it, but I ended up really valuing the insight from these women, especially as I do my own job/soul searching right now.
September 24, 2016
Not only did I not enjoy the book but I also became progressively annoyed. Firstly the title is slightly misleading. It should have just been called "what I told my daughter" and leave out the subtitle about empowerment. For the sake of accuracy a lot of what these women told their daughters is basic parenting mixed with crap that doesn't empower. And sure every mother is proud of their daughters but seriously what many of these kids achieve is due to access to their parents wealth, connections (to become the next gen of actresses themselves) and private schooling etc All stories are from women in the public spotlight. It comes off sounding like they are doing something spectacular to make a difference, when in fact with fame comes responsibility and except for a few of the women, the majority in the book are doing very little. Most average women on a daily basis break stereotypes as bus drivers, construction workers etc yet they are not celebrated in this elitist book of la la land women. Like seriously, the author includes the account of a woman who breeds children uncontrollably then dumps them on armies of nannies, and labels this neglect as "sacrifice" made by her children to further her career. Hello! When a child has no choice it's NOT a sacrifice, it's irresponsible neglect. Why have kids if u cannot nurture them? Part of empowerment is bonding with ur kids and empowering them with love to grow into secure adults! This story was the anti-empowerment! A lot of what is said is a given that majority of mothers do - telling their children they can be anything they want when they grow up. Hardly a revelation.
July 23, 2016
Perhaps I'm simply too young to truly appreciate the insights from this collection of essays by a wide variety of female "leaders", or perhaps I am unable to relate fully since I'm not a mother myself and most of my life is still ahead of me. However, I found the majority of these essays falling flat of their intended purpose. Most of them ended up running together because they all spouted the same generic surface-level themes without much depth or specific advice that could truly connect and drive the point home. A good number of them weren't even about the so-called advice that these mothers told their daughters, instead becoming a veiled way for these mothers to brag about how amazing their daughters are- and, to be fair, these girls probably are.
Although I know that Tassler purposefully approached those she deemed as leaders, I noticed that most of them were considered leaders because they were executives or star athletes or founders of companies and charities. That explains why so many of the essays were similar in theme. I think it would have been a lot more interesting if Tassler included women from other working backgrounds instead of just those who attended a prestigious school and became doctors, lawyers, and executives. Maybe a suggestion for the next book?
Although I know that Tassler purposefully approached those she deemed as leaders, I noticed that most of them were considered leaders because they were executives or star athletes or founders of companies and charities. That explains why so many of the essays were similar in theme. I think it would have been a lot more interesting if Tassler included women from other working backgrounds instead of just those who attended a prestigious school and became doctors, lawyers, and executives. Maybe a suggestion for the next book?
August 23, 2016
Some of the essays were 5 star. Some were 1. Overall it was an ok read. There were stories and advice that will stay with me as I raise my girls. I'm grateful to have books like this.
March 9, 2023
What (mostly white) women told their privileged daughters.
March 28, 2025
Vieglais lasāmgabaliņš. Īsi stāsti no ASV sabiedrībā pazīstamām sievietēm, līderēm dažādās industrijās, par dzīves mācībām, ko guvušas no saviem vecākiem un vērtībām, ko centušās parādīt savām meitām.
Grāmata rosināja reflektēt par to, ko pati esmu aizguvusi no savas dzimtas sievietēm un to, ko vēlos iedot savai meitiņai.
Grāmata rosināja reflektēt par to, ko pati esmu aizguvusi no savas dzimtas sievietēm un to, ko vēlos iedot savai meitiņai.
September 14, 2021
Not terrible.... But, I world not meme it.
The first reason is that a large majority of the book was written by privileged American women. I really wanted to see much more diversity in the contributions. As a result of this much of the essays were redundant and wrote a few ideas expressed were dated in some cases and some even harmful to the inclusive feminist movement. The part that really ended my reading experience though was that all of these women shared stories of a societal success how they molded themselves into a man's world, not how they redefined success and forced the patriarchal systems to mold to them.
The first reason is that a large majority of the book was written by privileged American women. I really wanted to see much more diversity in the contributions. As a result of this much of the essays were redundant and wrote a few ideas expressed were dated in some cases and some even harmful to the inclusive feminist movement. The part that really ended my reading experience though was that all of these women shared stories of a societal success how they molded themselves into a man's world, not how they redefined success and forced the patriarchal systems to mold to them.
December 24, 2021
Lots of short stories from famous women to their daughters. Some of them made me laugh, some were thought provoking, and some were sweet. A good “pro-women” book with these ladies encouraging their daughters to pursue their dreams and change the world.
May 28, 2023
Beautiful collection of mothers and their loving advice to their daughters.
May 12, 2016
Perhaps the universe is trying to tell me something when a dear friend gifts me Nina Tassler's What I Told My Daughter, and I also receive a copy in the mail to review. So, read I did. A work of nonfiction, Tassler along with Cythia Littleton act as editors to more than fifty essays written for their daughters by women who have created success in their lives.
What I Told My Daughter by Nina Tassler NonFic NG Read Mar 2016
The essay which initially drew me in was "Dear Eva" written by Rabbi Sharon Brous. She was told at her daughter's birth that ". . . having a child is like wearing your heart outside your chest" (19), and I can completely relate times two. Rabbi Brous continues with the importance of her daughter knowing ". . . one nearly universal thread, across ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries, is the oppression of girls and women" (20). Thus, having the knowledge which may not be so apparent in one's own community is key to creating an inner need to want to somehow make a difference, even a little, in the world.
Author Ayelet Waldman in her essay, "Be Nice to Fat Girls," further instills in her daughter the need to speak up for not only herself, but for others as well. Because of hollering moral advice while running alongside her daughter Sophie's bus years ago, Waldman's daughter remembers to always be kind, inclusive, and generous. When as a teenager, a group of boys in Sophie's high school create a competition on social media to find the "ugliest" girl in their eyes to ask out on a date, Sophie heads straight to the administration ". . . demanding justice on behalf of this girl and all girls subject to this environment" (37).
Most like to shy away from any controversy even if it is at the cost of a child's well-being. As Dr. Juliet Garcia discusses in "The Wall," many people during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing chose to run for safety as quickly as they could. However, some chose to run towards the explosions in order to see how they could help others. Dr. Garcia notes, "There is always much to learn from these moments, but chief among them is that the toughest battles in our lives are those we learn from the most. They are the ones that make us surface our courage" (72). Amen, Sistah!
Dr. Madeline Albright in her essay "Role Reversals," writes how the balancing act between work and home became more difficult as her career advanced, but ". . . the worst pressure . . . came not from my daughters but from other women" (83). In the same manner, I have felt pressure for choosing to stay home with my daughters. After taking nearly four years to conceive and then spending time in the hospital both before and after the births of both of my daughters, I knew I wanted to savor every minute with my girls if given the opportunity. While doctors still attempted to adjust my medications in order to control my blood pressure postpartum, I had people asking me, "When are you going back to work?" My thought to myself was always, "Well, my baby just left the neonatal unit, and I need to make sure I'm not going to croak first."
Further passages I have marked with Post-Its come from Sharon Osbourne in "Privileges," with " . . . never have a sense of entitlement, [do] not judge others, be accepting, tolerant, and always open-minded" (150). Michelle King In "Simply Irresistible," tells how her daughter stood up to a bully and what she learned from the experience, we ". . . need tough, self-confident young women willing to smack the bullies when they get out of hand" (161). And, Roma Downey's "Love Is a Verb," brought tears to my eyes while reading. Downey summarizes her offerings:
The lessons learned are at times painful. Loss is real, parents pass away, and hearts break, but the truth is that love never dies, not really. Love lives on through us. Not just in our memories but through our actions and the choices we make. In the way we live our lives we can make a difference. (212)
A thoughtful gift for any woman, not simply a woman with a daughter, or man, Nina Tassler's What I Told My Daughter is a must read.
What I Told My Daughter by Nina Tassler NonFic NG Read Mar 2016
The essay which initially drew me in was "Dear Eva" written by Rabbi Sharon Brous. She was told at her daughter's birth that ". . . having a child is like wearing your heart outside your chest" (19), and I can completely relate times two. Rabbi Brous continues with the importance of her daughter knowing ". . . one nearly universal thread, across ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries, is the oppression of girls and women" (20). Thus, having the knowledge which may not be so apparent in one's own community is key to creating an inner need to want to somehow make a difference, even a little, in the world.
Author Ayelet Waldman in her essay, "Be Nice to Fat Girls," further instills in her daughter the need to speak up for not only herself, but for others as well. Because of hollering moral advice while running alongside her daughter Sophie's bus years ago, Waldman's daughter remembers to always be kind, inclusive, and generous. When as a teenager, a group of boys in Sophie's high school create a competition on social media to find the "ugliest" girl in their eyes to ask out on a date, Sophie heads straight to the administration ". . . demanding justice on behalf of this girl and all girls subject to this environment" (37).
Most like to shy away from any controversy even if it is at the cost of a child's well-being. As Dr. Juliet Garcia discusses in "The Wall," many people during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing chose to run for safety as quickly as they could. However, some chose to run towards the explosions in order to see how they could help others. Dr. Garcia notes, "There is always much to learn from these moments, but chief among them is that the toughest battles in our lives are those we learn from the most. They are the ones that make us surface our courage" (72). Amen, Sistah!
Dr. Madeline Albright in her essay "Role Reversals," writes how the balancing act between work and home became more difficult as her career advanced, but ". . . the worst pressure . . . came not from my daughters but from other women" (83). In the same manner, I have felt pressure for choosing to stay home with my daughters. After taking nearly four years to conceive and then spending time in the hospital both before and after the births of both of my daughters, I knew I wanted to savor every minute with my girls if given the opportunity. While doctors still attempted to adjust my medications in order to control my blood pressure postpartum, I had people asking me, "When are you going back to work?" My thought to myself was always, "Well, my baby just left the neonatal unit, and I need to make sure I'm not going to croak first."
Further passages I have marked with Post-Its come from Sharon Osbourne in "Privileges," with " . . . never have a sense of entitlement, [do] not judge others, be accepting, tolerant, and always open-minded" (150). Michelle King In "Simply Irresistible," tells how her daughter stood up to a bully and what she learned from the experience, we ". . . need tough, self-confident young women willing to smack the bullies when they get out of hand" (161). And, Roma Downey's "Love Is a Verb," brought tears to my eyes while reading. Downey summarizes her offerings:
The lessons learned are at times painful. Loss is real, parents pass away, and hearts break, but the truth is that love never dies, not really. Love lives on through us. Not just in our memories but through our actions and the choices we make. In the way we live our lives we can make a difference. (212)
A thoughtful gift for any woman, not simply a woman with a daughter, or man, Nina Tassler's What I Told My Daughter is a must read.
November 21, 2021
The foreword by author is not winning allies. Skip it to the actual content.
Author also says that "every woman has a story to tell" in the foreword, though in the book there are only stories of women from the top of society.
Author also says that "every woman has a story to tell" in the foreword, though in the book there are only stories of women from the top of society.
May 13, 2016
There were a lot of things I really, really liked about this read - a) that you could so tangibly feel the love and pride radiating through each and every story, b) that the lessons and examples women shared were often small, everyday moments (conversations in the car, things happening at school, etc.), and c) that after each essay I felt the ache of "am I doing enough? How can I do more/be better/help empower others/create or contribute to an environment that empowers others?"
At the same time, there were definitely stories or essays that didn't resonate with me as much (although that may also reflect that I tended to read the essays in clumps and that sometimes made the messages or themes feel repetitive). I also felt like there were times I couldn't connect with these women given their lifestyles/life stage/resources available as a result of their careers...on the one hand, this comment kind of misses the point because the stories these women shared are universal and relationship-/conversation-/lesson-based, but there were a couple times that I felt like the context around the story was somewhat distracting and hard for me to get past (which probably says more about me than anything else).
Definitely a collection I'll return to MANY times in the future though! And I so deeply hope that I'm more and more able to incorporate these lessons into my daily life now and better support the women around me.
At the same time, there were definitely stories or essays that didn't resonate with me as much (although that may also reflect that I tended to read the essays in clumps and that sometimes made the messages or themes feel repetitive). I also felt like there were times I couldn't connect with these women given their lifestyles/life stage/resources available as a result of their careers...on the one hand, this comment kind of misses the point because the stories these women shared are universal and relationship-/conversation-/lesson-based, but there were a couple times that I felt like the context around the story was somewhat distracting and hard for me to get past (which probably says more about me than anything else).
Definitely a collection I'll return to MANY times in the future though! And I so deeply hope that I'm more and more able to incorporate these lessons into my daily life now and better support the women around me.
May 17, 2017
As a single dad, I thought this might be a source of inspiration and ideas in how to relate to my daughter so I can do a better job and be the best dad that I can be for her. I'm sure there are things I can't anticipate or easily relate to as a man, so anything I can do should help.
But I don't feel like I got much out of this. Many of the stories were either too personally specific or just impossible to relate to. I think it would have been more inspirational to read advice from a greater variety of women, not just entrepreneurs, media personalities, and a small number of doctors. I understand that the author knows more people in these fields, or local to Los Angeles or NYC, but why so few strong women politicians (only Albright), or activists or intellectuals/academics outside of medicine? Reading how much Gwyneth Paltrow's mother admire her daughter is a great example. Gwyneth Paltrow is an exemplar of how a wealthy person can't relate to the challenges of middle class people, and reading about her as an example really soured it for me.
But I don't feel like I got much out of this. Many of the stories were either too personally specific or just impossible to relate to. I think it would have been more inspirational to read advice from a greater variety of women, not just entrepreneurs, media personalities, and a small number of doctors. I understand that the author knows more people in these fields, or local to Los Angeles or NYC, but why so few strong women politicians (only Albright), or activists or intellectuals/academics outside of medicine? Reading how much Gwyneth Paltrow's mother admire her daughter is a great example. Gwyneth Paltrow is an exemplar of how a wealthy person can't relate to the challenges of middle class people, and reading about her as an example really soured it for me.
Read
May 2, 2016I devoured this fantastic book of essays. It had powerful insights into the world of feminism and heartfelt mother-daughter stories from the most successful women in politics, medicine and film. It should be a staple on the bookshelf of the modern feminist and the lessons are beautiful and full of nostalgia.
As a side note, I couldn't put it down. I finished the book in less than 24 hours.
As a side note, I couldn't put it down. I finished the book in less than 24 hours.
February 7, 2017
It was fine. A collection of short-term, personal essays that share a lot of stories but don't say a whole lot. This book is cute, but many of the essays aren't relatable and don't give you much of a reason to call your own mother and say "I just read about ______, which reminded me about the time that we did _______." It was often sweet, but more often redundant.
August 14, 2016
A book of letters and essays written by women to or about their daughters, some of which were poignant, some of which were uplifting, and all of which reminded me how lucky I am to have a daughter. Worth a read (and it is a quick one at that).
April 16, 2016
An inspiring look at powerful women and how they are raising the next generation of empowered women.
March 14, 2025
Libby Kindle. I thought this book was perfect for Women’s History Month and took away a lot of pearls that I included below. This book is a compilation of essays from mothers to their daughters.
“It’s not about me,” she explains. “I’m fine.” And she is, and always was, fine. More than fine. “It’s about the girls who come after me. The juniors, sophomores, and most of all the freshmen, who don’t have the confidence to stand up for themselves, and who are learning that being a woman means tolerating this kind of abuse.”
When I told Sophie I was asked to write an essay about the most important lesson I’d taught her, she immediately replied, “Be nice to the fat girls.” And the lonely, and the poor, and the lost. What I tried to teach and what she learned far better than I could ever have hoped is that those of us who are privileged, who suffer no racial discrimination, who don’t worry if we can afford our next meal, who are safe and secure in the world, must share the fruits of this privilege, must care for others, must always be thinking of those who have less and need more.
— Ayelet Waldman on her daughter, Sophie
Raising kids is a lot like the old slogan for the Peace Corps: It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.
—Pat Benatar
Today, women have endless opportunities, but there is still a missing link in our evolution in society and in the economy. The evolution of women is not complete until we complete that missing link, which is child care and reproductive rights.
Many young women haven’t the faintest idea how at risk issues like a women’s right to choose are, which is a central issue to women’s future. Some of us still have to watch over that. We are at a place where we have to be optimistic and confident but we have to be vigilant and operational to get more done.
Why should it be a question that women don’t make as much as men? How could it be? It’s not your boss’s business what kind of contraception you use. Why are we even having a conversation about what a health plan should and should not cover?
It will be great when we get to a place where we talk about women and motherhood in the same way that we talk about men and fatherhood. Nobody ever talks about a “working dad.” Being a working mom does not define you as any less of a mom.
—Nancy Pelosi
There is always much to learn from these moments, but chief among them is that the toughest battles in our lives are those we learn from the most. They are the ones that make us surface our courage.
—Dr. Juliet García, University President
What we tell our daughters is of vital importance. However, it’s just as important to teach our sons how to be the kind of men who can be a true partner in life.
—Cheryl Saban
“It’s not about me,” she explains. “I’m fine.” And she is, and always was, fine. More than fine. “It’s about the girls who come after me. The juniors, sophomores, and most of all the freshmen, who don’t have the confidence to stand up for themselves, and who are learning that being a woman means tolerating this kind of abuse.”
When I told Sophie I was asked to write an essay about the most important lesson I’d taught her, she immediately replied, “Be nice to the fat girls.” And the lonely, and the poor, and the lost. What I tried to teach and what she learned far better than I could ever have hoped is that those of us who are privileged, who suffer no racial discrimination, who don’t worry if we can afford our next meal, who are safe and secure in the world, must share the fruits of this privilege, must care for others, must always be thinking of those who have less and need more.
— Ayelet Waldman on her daughter, Sophie
Raising kids is a lot like the old slogan for the Peace Corps: It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.
—Pat Benatar
Today, women have endless opportunities, but there is still a missing link in our evolution in society and in the economy. The evolution of women is not complete until we complete that missing link, which is child care and reproductive rights.
Many young women haven’t the faintest idea how at risk issues like a women’s right to choose are, which is a central issue to women’s future. Some of us still have to watch over that. We are at a place where we have to be optimistic and confident but we have to be vigilant and operational to get more done.
Why should it be a question that women don’t make as much as men? How could it be? It’s not your boss’s business what kind of contraception you use. Why are we even having a conversation about what a health plan should and should not cover?
It will be great when we get to a place where we talk about women and motherhood in the same way that we talk about men and fatherhood. Nobody ever talks about a “working dad.” Being a working mom does not define you as any less of a mom.
—Nancy Pelosi
There is always much to learn from these moments, but chief among them is that the toughest battles in our lives are those we learn from the most. They are the ones that make us surface our courage.
—Dr. Juliet García, University President
What we tell our daughters is of vital importance. However, it’s just as important to teach our sons how to be the kind of men who can be a true partner in life.
—Cheryl Saban
February 13, 2024
I wanted to like this book but just couldn't due to the lack of relatability of a collection of stories from women of privileged backgrounds. My daughters are mostly raised now, but it's always good to put oneself in the company of other strong women, even if only by reading their words. The length of each person's essay is a good length for bedtime reading when I often get too sleepy to read many pages. The brevity of each essay, though, also contributed to the downfall of the book. They weren't long enough to offer up much substance. The main problem, though, was the homogeneity of the authors. It seemed as if the editor of the book contacted all the wealthy, elite, successful women in her synagogue and invited them to contribute to the book. The number of authors who referenced either their own schooling at elite colleges, sending their daughters to elite schools, or both was not small. One woman's story was about the lesson her daughter learned when she wanted to leave her private high school and attend a public school (so egalitarian!) only to discover after *one day* that public school wasn't for her. ("Good on you for getting into the trenches, Darling! Now get back into the Benz and let's go home!") I nearly put the book up altogether when another author described a time when her tween daughter was helping her make design decisions for their vacation home (so relatable!) and noticed that the designers working with them were annoyed by the weight she was giving her daughter's opinions about the design. She wrote with admiration about how her tween held fast to her opinions about how the family's vacation home should be. (eyeroll).
Ultimately, I took nothing away from this book other than insight about how different other people's lives are.
Ultimately, I took nothing away from this book other than insight about how different other people's lives are.
May 27, 2019
I had a lot of hope for being inspired- in motherhood and parenting daughters- and was by some letters- one of which I nearly tearfully read aloud wishing it was my own letter (Mona Sinha), but so many others, perhaps subconsciously, are through a lens of extreme privilege and, thus, disconnect.
The Pelosi’s mother-daughter combo was actually motivational- ©️2016 vs this review (5/19)- so, also, sadly, a bit ironic and prophetic (“many young women haven’t the faintest idea how at risk issues like a woman’s right to choose are.. some of us still have to watch over that. We are at a place where we have to be optimistic and confident but we have to be vigilant and operational to get more done.”). If you aren’t familiar with RBG’s biography, this concise cliff note may inspire you to check out the PBS documentary. Several writers bring up Title IX, which really accelerated and dropped the hammer of change in women’s lives culturally and it is interesting to recall and observe how this is true through the various perspectives.
Resonating throughput is the theme many must hope their daughters hear, “you make me proud.”
This collection is worth sifting through for the gems that may speak to your own soul.
The Pelosi’s mother-daughter combo was actually motivational- ©️2016 vs this review (5/19)- so, also, sadly, a bit ironic and prophetic (“many young women haven’t the faintest idea how at risk issues like a woman’s right to choose are.. some of us still have to watch over that. We are at a place where we have to be optimistic and confident but we have to be vigilant and operational to get more done.”). If you aren’t familiar with RBG’s biography, this concise cliff note may inspire you to check out the PBS documentary. Several writers bring up Title IX, which really accelerated and dropped the hammer of change in women’s lives culturally and it is interesting to recall and observe how this is true through the various perspectives.
Resonating throughput is the theme many must hope their daughters hear, “you make me proud.”
This collection is worth sifting through for the gems that may speak to your own soul.
April 6, 2018
This was an okay read; however, it has a major fault. The essays are well-written, mostly interesting, and I appreciate the theme of mothers passing on lessons to empower their daughters. The downside of the book is that these mothers are all a part of an elite class, which makes their stories somewhat unrelatable to average women. The women featured in the book are all powerful figures in their field, and that may be the draw to reading the book in the first place, but I wish there were more stories of women leaders who were part of a lower socioeconomic status (because you can be a leader in your field and make less than six figures a year), and even stories of women who did not have careers, but were leaders in some other capacity.
This book carries a feminist message, but neglects discussing how daughters of elite classes are already empowered by being born into a wealthy family. A lot of essays promoted the idea of raising an outspoken, assertive, driven daughter; which is okay, but there are institutional barriers that hold a girl back more forcefully than the way she presents herself.
This book carries a feminist message, but neglects discussing how daughters of elite classes are already empowered by being born into a wealthy family. A lot of essays promoted the idea of raising an outspoken, assertive, driven daughter; which is okay, but there are institutional barriers that hold a girl back more forcefully than the way she presents herself.
March 12, 2021
Spring Break was a great time for extra reading and to reflect on Women’s History month I picked up, “What I Told My Daughter” by Nina Tassler.
This book is a treasure filled with essays written by a very diverse group of women who have each excelled to the highest levels across industries, politics, education, and media. The stories are at times humorous, serious, and heartbreaking... but all have a nugget of wisdom.
Two of my favorite parts:
“Try to make the world more just, because one day you’ll let go of someone you love deeply, and all you can do is hope and pray that the world is decent, kind, and fair.” - Rabbi Sharon Brous
“Ignore the rules of the common career trajectory, work hard, maintain a good attitude, serve the public- and never forget your Heely’s” (Use four of your five fouls) - Tani Cantil-Sakauye
This book is a treasure filled with essays written by a very diverse group of women who have each excelled to the highest levels across industries, politics, education, and media. The stories are at times humorous, serious, and heartbreaking... but all have a nugget of wisdom.
Two of my favorite parts:
“Try to make the world more just, because one day you’ll let go of someone you love deeply, and all you can do is hope and pray that the world is decent, kind, and fair.” - Rabbi Sharon Brous
“Ignore the rules of the common career trajectory, work hard, maintain a good attitude, serve the public- and never forget your Heely’s” (Use four of your five fouls) - Tani Cantil-Sakauye
November 21, 2023
Nice to pick up and read a few selections every so often. Some inspiring, some warming, and some ... concerning. For example, the advice "Be nice to the fat girls" is used with no apparent awareness or self-consciousness about how demeaning that is, judgmental and body shaming, even while being self-congratulatory for promoting 'independence and leadership for girls.' Some write they wanted their daughters to know no limits, but the relentless expectations some of the mothers put on their daughters, is expressed with no apology, no remorse. Lucky for them where their daughters could take the pressure?
Eventually the collection begs the question, where are the thoughts of the average woman? Where are the hopes and fears, the messages, of the women who did not work and claw their way to the top? Is this solely for the privileged and the fortunate? Because NONE of these women 'made it' alone, and finding and taking the right opportunity involves preparedness, ability, timing, and connections or luck.
Where are the contributions of mothers who worked hard and met their own challenges, but perhaps did not soar or float to the highly visible 'top'. What about the women who were not mothers, by choice or by fate or by circumstance: What would they say to their ghost daughters?
Those voices are sorely missing in this collection, and the stories blur too quickly into a humble-brag chorus. Worth a look, but misses the mark. Did not read some of the later pieces carefully; expect to return to them this winter.
Eventually the collection begs the question, where are the thoughts of the average woman? Where are the hopes and fears, the messages, of the women who did not work and claw their way to the top? Is this solely for the privileged and the fortunate? Because NONE of these women 'made it' alone, and finding and taking the right opportunity involves preparedness, ability, timing, and connections or luck.
Where are the contributions of mothers who worked hard and met their own challenges, but perhaps did not soar or float to the highly visible 'top'. What about the women who were not mothers, by choice or by fate or by circumstance: What would they say to their ghost daughters?
Those voices are sorely missing in this collection, and the stories blur too quickly into a humble-brag chorus. Worth a look, but misses the mark. Did not read some of the later pieces carefully; expect to return to them this winter.
July 11, 2017
This is a good concept. Here is how it could have been better: the message for our daughters (about equality, fairness, perseverance and hard work) is also a message for our sons. The essays were too short, 1.5 - 2.5 pages on average, mostly by women in the entertainment world. If I were editing this book, I would been more selective in the voices sharing their stories, the essays would have been lengthy, and I would have included women from all socio-economic walks of life. I did enjoy the essays by Nancy Pelosi and her daughter, Alexandra, as well as Woopie Goldberg.
March 15, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with several different short stories from leaders from all sorts of industries. It is a quick easy read and provides a lot of similar advice about working hard for what you want , being nice, and equal rights for woman. I agree with other reviews about it not being too relatable when it seemed every other person went to Harvard or Yale then from there worked hard to get an executive job to finally fund a charity of some sort. Definitely recommend for great advice from aspiring women!
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