Customer Reviews

Career and Corporate Cool (TM)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Weingarten says she wrote this book as a hybrid between a business how-to book and a style book. Unfortunately, it does not really succeed as either.

The author too often adopts a cutesy, overly familiar tone with her readers that detracts from the book's impact and seriousness. For example, she writes on page 179, "I'm about to tell you a little secret. I know that I can trust you with it, because I feel we've gotten to know each other quite well over the past few chapters." This can be off-putting to many readers.

Secondly, Weingarten is quite star-struck, often tossing off references to Caroline Kennedy, Cher, David Beckham, and other celebrities in contexts where they really aren't necessary.

Thirdly, the book is quite New York-centric. Most of Weingarten's examples are taken from New York's fashion and other industries, and some of her style advice would not apply well in the American heartland.

Fourthly, the book contains several misspellings and factual errors. Well-known names such as Parris Island and Rahm Emanuel are misspelled, and the invention of the telephone is placed nearly three decades too early.

I should re-read this because it was written in such an easy to read fashion that I breezed through it without really studying the great advice the way I wanted to. (I don't think I've ever read a business book in one sitting before LOL) I also liked that each chapter was great as a stand alone. I find myself picking up the book and reading at any point and getting something out of it. I also really enjoy reading memoirs so I was delighted to see all of the personal anecdotes that describe Weingarten's road to success. There were so many situations touched upon that affect women in the work world. I think next I'd like to read certain situations discussed more in depth- like how she talks about doing damage control.

After a long day at the office the last thing that I want to read is a career book that sounds like my boss wrote it - Career and corporate cool felt more like an email from my best friend telling me about her day. I work with some very stylish women and always feel out of the loop but now I see that I have a very cool style of my own. I really loved this book not just for the advice which is great, but for the confidence that it gave me.

If you're looking to be bored senseless or to read a rehash of the same tired business rhetoric- this book is not for you. If you're looking for snappy writing, an understanding of what women working their way up in the workplace face on a daily basis, and some advice that is easy to integrate into your life- then this is the book for you.

Reading this book is like finding a new best friend. A very cool best friend, mind you, who will share her tips on everything from understanding corporate culture to hosting a successful event. Weingarten details how to turn up the volume on your career savvy quotient without getting lost in the shuffle. This book is fun to read and chock full of information.

My friend reviews books and urged me to read this. Since I do not care for most books geared to those "you go girls" I initially refused. I finally read it and loved it so much that I immediately ordered a copy. That's how good this book is. I'm newly transplanted in the States and still on the job hunt and feel a bit out of sorts and this book helped me realize that if I really stress what I've got instead of drowning in insecurity I'll be going in the right direction. The tips on emergencies were genius too, as were the He/Says/She/Says. I had a great laugh reading this- both at the sharp but gentle humour but also at the tough and sometimes embarrassing work and life lessons that she shares. And I love Ben Deilly- an original Lemonhead now an advert guru -who knew?

I love great book covers and liked the book in advance and knew it was written for someone like me. Also, I don't believe the get rich quick books or the ones that try to shock you into freaking out your boss. This book was not what I expected though because I almost felt like Weingarten let you into her life to see how she learned a lot of lessons about business but very importantly how she learned as a woman in business. I work almost exclusively with men and they just slap on a tie and head itno a meeting. This was one of the first books I read that not just talked about the differences of women at work, but didn't make me feel self conscious about trying to figure it out. So it was a really good read and made sense to where I am in my career which is not to say that I won't be getting a copy for my cousin who just finished grad school.

This book is a fabulous resource no matter where you are in your career (or life). It's fun, funny and informative. I love the tone, the "entre nous" feel of it and the literary references. I tossed all my other books aside to read it last night. Kudos to Rachel for a masterful combination of solid research and credible, compelling personal experience.

Reading this book should be a prerequisite for anyone entering, staying in, or leaving the workforce. The advice and practical tips can help all of us in our personal lives as well. On a professional note, the dozen or so years that I spent in human resource management would have been so much easier if everyone knew how to dress and behave. Where was this book then? Weingarten tells readers everything they need to know about business etiquette from head to toe, in the office or out, and she does it with a style that is entertaining and enjoyable to read. This book would make a perfect gift for the cool who want to get cooler as well as an irritating co-worker who can't take a hint. I loved the Day to Night transition that begins on page 117. There's nothing like leaving the house at 7:30 a.m. and coming home after midnight and still looking good. This book will help readers look and act their best around the clock.

The book is wonderful, I'm only through chapter one, but the whole section of "cool" was fabulous. Immediately I was impressed by how well every point was communicated and really made me feel as though I was having a conversation with someone. (haha I kept wanting to turn to a friend and say, hey look at this, but all I had were three 80 year old women next to me!). There are so many anecdotes that I think all ages can relate to and of course the fashion trends. Whether you're 20 or 50, so far this book reaches every nook and cranny of the generational spectrum. Can't wait to read more.