Customer Reviews

Breakdown, Breakthrough: The Professional Woman's Guide to Claiming a Life of Passion, Power, and Purpose

5 star:		(13)
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3 star:		(1)
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In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a former colleague of Kathy Caprino's and was delighted to learn she had published this book through my wonderful former employer, Berrett-Koehler [the best small publisher in the country, and the most author-friendly.] As someone who reviews books for several national business magazines, I am always on the lookout for new books by and for women. Though one might think this was purely *for* women, I think it has real lessons for everyone seeking passion and purpose in their work. Too often managers get so caught up in the day-to-day firefighting that they forget what brought them to their current jobs in the first place. And who suffers most? Their employees -- and, sadly, often their families when they come home empty and burned out after another tension-filled day at the office. I urge both men and women to take a look at this entertaining and inspiring book. I ordered it for my Kindle this morning and have already almost finished it. It's the best book on the subject I've read since 'Time Off for Good Behavior' and 'The Power of Purpose.' Congratulations, old friend.

I just finished this inspiring book, and recommend it wholeheartedly. I am really impressed with the way in which Caprino features specific case studies of professional women and how they have not only survived crisis, but come through the other side more fulfilled, happier, and more connected to their higher selves. Each chapter addresses a different focus and set of specifics, but the overall message is as hopeful as it is direct. Each of us CAN live our best, most balanced lives, starting right now. Caprino provides interesting exercises, meditations, and checklists that help keep the more practical readers moving forward, and has a fresh writing style that will bring a new perspective to even the most self-help-addicted among us.

I read Kathy Caprino's book a couple of months ago in the midst of questioning my own professional future. It helped me clarify my thoughts and feelings and find a new direction in my professional life. Since the book has exercises for self questioning and lots of practical advice I still open it for ideas and inspiration.

I especially love the way Kathy divided the women's stories in four empowerment chapters: with self, with others, with world, and the higher self. In doing so she guides us gently to deal first with our self-centered concerns to those with our relationship with others, the world and ultimately, higher purpose and spiritual growth. This is an excellent book which helps us to tap into our own creative forces to find fulfillment and purpose in all aspects of our lives.

There are some great exercises in this book. I think it's going to help me figure out what I'm going to do next.

As a woman and entrepreneur who experienced a major career transition, I devoured books, looked for guidance, and sought some sense of meaning in what I was going through. This book is an excellent resource for that "in between" time. Kathy is a trusted guide who shares her own experiences and those of many others to offer much needed acknowledgment and support as well as a path to follow. Most of all, she helps you (re)discover excitement and confidence for the future.

This book has some good information but the stories are depressing. All the women go from high powered careers in marketing to average jobs. I expected the book to be more about bigger thinking. It needed more variety for me.

Although it's been well documented that many men go through a midlife crisis, women have only recently recognized a similar life transition. When a woman suddenly finds herself stuck in a career that no longer seems to fit and she longs for something more, she often has no place to turn. Breakdown, Breakthrough was conceived when Kathy Caprino found herself in the midst of her own professional meltdown, and provides answers for women facing these struggles.

When a woman feels out of control in this stage of life, she needs to be empowered to make the right choices. Four areas of empowerment are covered in this book: with self, with others, with the world, and with the higher self. In all four areas, the reader is invited to step back to explore what might be causing the problem, let go of something that just isn't working, and say yes to something new that might work better.

Caprino shares the wisdom she's collected from women who have been through some dramatic changes that improved the quality of their lives. In addition to sharing their stories, these women offer advice and affirmations to guide us on a similar breakthrough. Action steps and probing questions are also provided.

A resource list of reading, websites, and groups is included, and Caprino suggests that you may need the support of a life coach or therapist, if you feel you can't make these changes alone. But the most important thing you can do now is to recognize and take action to make your life the best it can be. Breakdown, Breakthrough can provide the expert assistance you'll need on your journey.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

I've just finished Breakdown, Breakthrough and I'm excited to have found such an excellent resource. I'm constantly on the hunt for materials that will help inspire and direct my clients toward change. Kathy's writing is excellent and each of the women's stories (including Kathy's own) serve to illustrate how much change is possible---sometimes with struggle---but, always worth it in the end. I think the book will be very helpful to women who find themselves feeling trapped in jobs or careers that are uninspiring and detrimental to their spiritual and emotional health; and for women who have lost their jobs in this economy and are looking for a way to reinvent themselves. Breakdown, Breakthrough is like having a personal coach you can turn to whenever you need one! Pamela D.Blair, author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and Beyond

This work is really incredible. The book starts with Kathy's own expereince which I find very helpful. She then goes on to tell us how she made it through her own life crisis. Even though I am not currently in a "Breakdown" stage, I found the book very helpful with ideas of how to avoid getting to that point. Kathy has made a great contribution for those of us who want so much to get more in the flow of our lives, to be valued, and to do what's best for ourselves and others. This is great reading especially in these time of uncertainty.
Janneta Bohlander, LMFT

Don't wait for the breakdown---grab Caprino's book when you start to slide. It's pitched to the professional woman in crisis but it works for the dips in the career path also. Plus, it goes beyond the executive or corporate professional woman to fit work-at-home women like me, a writer freelancing. Just be warned it is not a fast read. Each chapter needs to simmer and settle before the reader moves on. I suspect I'll come back to it again. Thank you, Kathy Caprino!