Women Who Launch: The Women Who Shattered Glass Ceilings (Strong women)

by Marlene Wagman-Geller

“These soaring stories will inspire you to live your dreams!” — Becca Anderson , author of  The Book of Awesome Women
Finalist Pacific Book Awards 2018
Dorothy Parker observed, “It’s a man’s world;” the lady entrepreneurs and game-changers profiled in  Women Who Launch  would beg to differ. Unlike the matrons of the 1950s, these kick-ass females left their DNA in the annals of time.
A history of women in business and beyond.  Juliette Gordon Low showed what’s good for the goose is good for the gander when she created the Girl Scouts of America. Sara Joseph Hale, authoress of  Mary had a Little Lamb , convinced Lincoln to launch a national day-of-thanks while Anna Jarvis persuaded President Wilson to initiate a day in tribute of mothers. Estee Lauder revolutionized the cosmetics industry. The tradition of these Mothers of Invention continued when, compliments of knitter Krista Suh, the heads of millions were adorned with pink, pussy-cat ears in the largest women's march in history. These women who launched prove, in the words of Rosie the Riveter, “We can do it!”
Biographies of women creators, innovators, and leaders.   Women Who Launch  is filled with inspiring true stories of women activists, artists, and entrepreneurs who launched some of the most famous companies, brands, and organizations today and changed the world. It is at once a collection of biographies and a testament of female empowerment.
Inside
If you are a fan of books about strong women such as Fabulous Female Firsts , In the Company of Women , or Behind Every Great Man , then you will want to read Women Who Launch .

Genres: Business, Feminism, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Leadership

244 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2018

About the author

Marlene Wagman-Geller grew up in Toronto and is a lifelong bibliophile. She is a veteran high school English teacher in National City, California, and currently lives in San Diego.

Reviews

[Brooke Emery · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’d give this book zero stars if I could. It’s supposed to be about women, but the author spends most of the book talking about men, even though it touts itself as a “feminist” book. Almost every chapter’s introduction is about a man or is just completely unrelated to the subject. Also, it glosses over the MANY issues with some of the subjects in the book, like Coco Chanel’s antisemitism. The few chapters on women of color didn’t go into any detail about their lives, such as the chapters on Alicia Garza and Tarana Burke, which is weird for a book that’s supposed to highlight powerful women. This book was a complete waste of my time, and there’s much better ACTUAL feminist works out there.

[Trianna/Treereads]

DNF @ pg 40 ish

Not a fan that in this so called "feminist" book that each chapter starts by mentioning a man who did a similar thing. I get why they did it, but I don't care.

Also, I was put off that the prologue was so dismissive of women who "lunched" aka women who were married and gossiped. We don't know these women's situations and honestly it is very unfeminist to dismiss women for choosing (or being forced into) a specific situation.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a really fascinating read!
The stories of these women, many of whom I had not heard about, were so inspiring not only because of what they achieved but the spirit and circumstances they did it in.
Be it Coco Chanel or Estée Lauder or the Queen of green and the Body shop, or the formation of PETA, the setting up of Planned Parenthood or the pink ribbon movement for breast cancer, these women are just amazing!
Though the challenges they faced were compounded by the times they lived in, they never backed down.
And that serves as an inspiration for today's women as well.
The stories are narrated in a very smooth, flowing way and the introduction of each was very nice.
Loved it.

[Gina G.]

DNFed on the 3rd chapter. This book is patronizing and misogynistic. Don’t waste your time reading it.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally avoid biographies so a book featuring thirty-seven of them making it onto my reading list seems a bit odd.

I confess that it was the cover that got my attention. I was confused why a woman writing a book about women fighting chauvinism and shattering glass ceiling would have three fifties coiffed women straddling a phallic rocket on the cover. Reading the blurb about the book didn’t explain the illustration (the prologue does explain the 50's focus) but “inspiring true stories of women activists, artists, and entrepreneurs who changed the world’ did resonate with me and make me want to learn more about these women.

Unfortunately, the table of contents gives names to the chapters but does not tell you who the chapter is about. I’ve created a cheat sheet at the end of the review giving the names of the women featured and an overly simplified note about what each are known for. Knowing who I was going to be reading about would have been helpful to me but, if you would rather be surprised please stop here.

I enjoyed reading this book. The range of fields and accomplishments focused on is diverse, the biographies of the women provides quite a bit depth despite their brevity, the struggles the women faced is clearly outlined, and the author is not afraid to mention some of their weaknesses along with their amazing strengths.

It was not apparent to me how the author picked these particular thirty-seven women. I read a lot about science and was disappointed that none of the women who battled the sexism in research and academia were mentioned. The subtitle mentions glass ceilings, a term often referenced about the world of business, and women in business get the most attention.

Reading about what these women had to overcome and what they accomplished is inspiring. While each came from a very different background and they all had very different personalities, somehow they had the chutzpah and moxie to power through. I am definitely glad I read this book.

Women Featured:
Julia Ward Howe - Battle Hymn of the Republic, Sarah Josepha Hale - Thanksgiving, Coco Channel - fashion, Emma Lazarus - Poem of the Statue of Liberty, Helena Rubenstein - Cosmetics, Elizabeth Magie - Monopoly game, Juliette Gordon Law - Girl Scouts, Anne Jarvis - Mother’s Day, Caresse Crosby - inventor of the bra, Margaret Sanger - Planned Parenthood, Rose Monroe - Rosie The Riveter, Estée Lauder - cosmetics, Lillian Vernon - personalized mail order, Abigail Van Buren and Anne Landers - advice columnists, Ruth Handler - Barbie Dolls, Rachel Carson - author of Silent Spring, Mahalia Jackson - gospel singer, Eunice Kennedy - special olympics, Norma McCorvey - Roe v. Wade, Anita Roddick - Cosmetics, Ingrid Newkirk - PETA, Jenny Craig - dieting, The Guerrilla Girls - Art Feminists, Evelyn Lauder - breast cancer campaign, Ellen Fein - relationship rule books, Sue Ellen Cooper - Red Hat Society, Sara Blakely - Spanx inventor, Arianna Huffington - Blogging Journalism, Tarana Burke - #MeToo, Sophie Amoruso - Nasty Girl, Cindy Gallop - make love not porn, Alicia Garza - #BlackLivesMatter, Sheryl Sandberg - Lean In Circles, Jennifer Kempton - fighting sex trafficking tattoos, Whitney Wolfe - Bumble, Krista Suh - Pussyhats, Teresa Shook - Women’s March,

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A departure from my normal reading material, this book intrigued me. Not least the title, clearly a play on the expression 'ladies who lunch'. A not entirely flattering description of women whose lives are dedicated to social gatherings and gossip. What captured me from the outset were the meticulously researched and exquisitely written stories of women who – from all corners of the globe and different backgrounds – went on to stamp their mark on the world.
This is not, in my humble opinion, a book to be devoured in one sitting. There is so much detail, it needs to be savoured in bite-sized chunks. It would be impossible (and unwise) to list all who are featured. Suffice to say, I was fascinated by the tales of one Anita Roddick, hippie entrepreneur and founder of The Body Shop; Mary Jacobs, who stitched together some silk hankies and created the prototype of the modern bra, and Sara Blakely, who went from a character role at a Disney theme park to inventing Spanx, 'changing the world one butt at a time'.
Please read this book, because it will open your eyes and prove that, 'the power of persistence' goes a very long way to pushing through the barricades. An uplifting and inspiring read.

[Jill Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wagman-Geller has done it again! She has given us another inspiring book filled with fascinating well-researched facts. Written in her lyrical prose it is as smart and sassy as the women showcased in it that have fought for women’s rights and gender equality. Thank you to these women who have made all of our lives better and to Wagman-Geller for another great read that has enriched my own knowledge. With all of this women power I have renewed confidence that we will have a woman in the white house during my lifetime.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book, which was a Finalist in the Pacific Book Awards 2018 for ‘ Empowering stories of game-changing women’ a real inspirational read. It contains biographies and quotes from women creators, innovators, leader’s activists, and entrepreneurs all of whom are amazing women and a ‘testament of female empowerment’. The blurb says it will inspire, empower and motivate you in your own life and career, which it does by teaching you the history of a collection of amazing women. I definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading other books by the same author.

[Chris Tunnicliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intruiging, interesting read about woman who have made something of their lives, often after overcoming obstacles e.g financial,sexism, family expectations.

Woman such as Coco chanel, Helena Rubenstein, Susan Hale and many more.

Some of these women are well known and some I had never heard of but all are inspiring.

Another good read following on from Still I Rise, both of which I would recommend.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Writing about women and their accomplishments in this way makes it relatable and remarkable. The writing style is wonderful! I learned more about women in history than I knew. I highly this book!

[Cynthia Bemis Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched insights into women who deserve much more ink than they've received. This book should springboard readers into wanting to learn more and perhaps embarking on original research about some very accomplished women.

We are better off every time the stories of women are told by women. Wagman-Geller has most definitely contributed to shelves that used to be bare.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlene Wagman-Geller — author of WOMEN WHO LAUNCH: THE WOMEN WHO SHATTERED GLASS CEILINGS and as fine a writer as I’ve ever read — contacted me after I posted on Facebook about a recent kitchen disaster.

Kitchen Afire

She wrote, “I set the kitchen on fire when my husband asked me to make him a cup of tea to help his cold. He told me if our marriage had any chance of working I was not to ever cook. It worked for me and it’s been thirty years.” A kindred spirit, I knew I MUST review her magnificent book.

Gorgeous Herstories

Marlene is also a teacher by profession and WOMEN WHO LAUNCH is how history should be taught. Finalist Pacific Book Awards 2018, this inspiring book features beautifully written, empowering stories of women leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives who revolutionized the way we live.

We Can Do It!

Estée Lauder, Girl Scout founder Julia Ward-Howe, Spanx creator Sara Blakely, and Mary Had a Little Lamb author Sara Joseph Hale who persuaded Abe Lincoln to set a national day of thanks are just a few of the kick-ass women featured. Read these stories and you know, as Rosy the Riveter proclaimed, “We can do it!”

5 Big Blazing Stars

Marlene, you deserve a big cuppa made by someone else because WOMEN WHO LAUNCH earns 5 Big Blazing Stars for Brilliance. It’s that good!

[Jamie Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlene Wagman-Geller has done it again!
I love her books and this is no exception! She does her homework on the history of amazing women. She finds the huge contributions that these women have made and then she writes the most interesting, well researched nonfiction stories.
Marlene Wagman-Geller makes me proud to be a woman.
This book like her others is very inspiring.
Have you ever wondered about the creation of Mother's Day or Girl Scouts of America? What the influence was behind major political change?
Women are recognized for their contributions to renowned companies, different brands, and a variety of organizations.
This book is for all women as well as men that respect women or wants to raise a confident daugter.

[Melissa Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars only because it provided some interesting glimpses into the lives of women I had never known before. I would like to give it less though, because the author spends a ridiculous amount of time talking about these women’s husbands, failed marriages and love woes more than their contributions as activists, creators, professionals or just good acts of human kindness. It’s infuriating to still have their relationship status so entwined with their “success stories.” Also, the author seems to be a bit too in love with word play. Sometimes the meaning and power of the story gets lost in her loaded language and odd pop culture comparisons. I’d say skip it if you’re looking for feminist inspiration.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. This. I really loved how Wagman-Geller made these women come to life on the pages. I liked this one infinitely better than the first one, and especially how each story was told - success isn't usually in the big moves and bold acts, but rather in the small and persistent doing of everyday work. I feel I learned a whole lot and it left me utterly inspired and happy to be alive in this time.

[Lev · Rating 2 out of 5]

So good! Super inspiring!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 2019 Women’s History Month Read

[Caro Parvathikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun read that covered a lot of accomplished women, in their own right. I wish the title of each chapter included the woman highlighted to make it easier to remember while reading.

[Kelly Cuellar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories about inspiring women who made an impact. Loved.

[Catherine Thorsten-thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and kept a pad of paper with me to make notes!! I liked the women in the first half the best as it was often”I didn’t know that!”

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggled A LOT with this book.
There are some good biographies of women who created their brands, Estee Lauder (who she calls a fashion horse), Coco Chanel, Helena Rubenstein. And exceptional with the rights activists of Tarana Burke who kick started #metoo, Alicia Schwartz of #blacklivesmatter and sex traffic survivor and activist Jennifer Kempton.
And they can and do make up for the following.
Although I'm never quite sure how the author feels about women really. Dismissive of some.
Not suggesting that Sarah Hale didn't promote white wedding dresses in the US but Queen Victoria did start a trend in the UK to wear white wedding dresses, and Prince Albert brought the idea of Christmas trees to Britain from his Germany, again sparking a trend. Not disputing a lot of German immigrants to America took the same tradition at all but it just seems a bit one upmanship in the book.
It's like she has to prove that the women in her book were more, or did it first or did it better. They were just as fab and didn't need the snarky back biting to get the point across. She continually denigrated "ladies who lunch" while extolling the virtues of women who created wares for those lunching ladies to buy and make them successful. Then says that Wallis Simpson "used her wiles to lure a King away from his throne", as opposed to two people who fell in love. I'm surprised my eyes haven't rolled out of their sockets.
Mothers Day in the UK has medieval roots, going back to their mother church. Admittedly takes a fair bit from the US one in terms of commercialisation but then the US, probably had memories of the original by European immigrants, so swings and roundabouts.
There were bra designs from mid to late 1800s, but yet the author doesn't reference this when talking about Mary Phelps Jacob.
I could go on but better not.
These are short, very selective biographies. And as others have said poorly written, it jumps. A lack of dates make it all a bit confusing.

[Carla Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this on my library’s app, and after recently enjoying Hilary Clinton’s Gutsy Women, I thought this would be a nice follow on of some sorts.

The book covers a range of women, many of whom I’d never heard of which was interesting, and mostly with a heavy American influence.

I listened to this book as an audiobook and I wasn’t keen on the choice of narrator! I had to listen at 1.25 speed and it still felt slow, which at time’s was frustrating.

The writing style wasn’t great which did detract from the woman being discussed. Sometimes it would take a while at the start of a chapter to know who exactly she was covering. I wish each chapter was just called the name of the woman being discussed.

In a very similar way to Hilary Clinton’s book, each chapter is a very small snapshot. A part of me wishes the book had focused one fewer women in more depth.

Overall a very average book, with only 3/5 stars from me.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating look at stories of women who have not only overcome adversity but also fought against stereotypes and people’s expectations to not stay in the roles they are assigned by their peers. Some of the stand out stories for me included Sarah Hale who was one of the first female authors and also the writer of Mary has a little lamb, the true inventor of Monopoly, Jenny Craig’s diet industry and how Spanx came about all because of a pair of white trousers. This book celebrates women and the amazing achievements of strong determined women over the decades.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like ‘Still I Rise’, ‘Women Who Launch’ is another inspiring read. Each short chapter tells the story of a woman who has created something, often from nothing, as a result of a political view, a desire to escape their life or just because they had an amazing idea. Some of the women were recognisable, others I didn’t know, but the stories are written so well that even within a few short pages you find yourself being a cheerleader no matter what. Once again I feel uplifted and I highly recommend this book.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essays about women who broke the glass ceiling but we have not always acknowledged their leadership--people like Coco Chanel, Estee Lauder, the sister writers of Dear Abby and Dear Ann Landers, Lillian Vernon, and others. While some were within the fashion and beauty industry, others were the leaders of businesses and banks, world-wise corporations.

An interesting essay and one to make us realize that INDEED women have been shattering the glass ceiling in their respective fields for a long, long time.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate this book so much, but subtracting a star because the writing style wasn’t my favorite. That being said, it does not detract from the great collection of women’s stories compiled in this book. The only other criticism I have is that it could’ve been more diverse. I think it would be awesome if the author created a “part 2,” so to speak, that includes more diverse stories. After all, there is no shortage of women’s stories — we’re probably just not as aware of many of them due to white men writing history.
Def would recommend this book to any woman and girl.

[Ana M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at 17%

Sorry, but boasting about the success of a woman who came to her wealth through fraud, isn't really a feminist move. If you look closely, many of these women were either born rich or had a certain reoccurring attribute, which made their success not entirely theirs. It almost feels like only the most privileged wonen were able to do something through their husband's connection or they were quite literaly committing a crime. Since I dnf this book at 17% I cannot generalise this book but the reoccurring theme here is just frustrating.

[Ashley Wertz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much potential I was honestly disappointed while reading. The stories are short and jump around so much that I find myself confused and rereading sentences over again. Many times it’s as if you have to know the story to get the inside jokes or to understand why 10 years just gets skipped over. Also the writing style is very elementary. It’s like “and then she did this this and that and then died”. Not my favorite book to say the least.

[Ashlin Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of mini autobiographies about women who broke the mould and challenged the status quo throughout history and in the present day. The list is by no means exhaustive but a great way to learn about some amazing women.
The short story format is also makes it easy but informative read.
I would definitely recommend to women and men who who want to learn more about some of the people who have shaped our society today.

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very eclectic grouping of women's stories... Some really broke the glass ceiling, others... Did not seem to fit with the other stories. Women were often put down... ie: Man are from Mars, girls are from Venus... Are Pussy Hats as famous as Abe Lincoln's stovepipe hat, or Davey Crockett's coonskin hat?

The idea for the book seemed to have been unfocused. The stories were good, if not a bit confusing, but not necessarily a great grouping.