Customer Reviews

Time Off for Good Behavior: How Hardworking Women Can Take a Break and Change Their Lives

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As I was reading this book, I felt like I had met my soul mate. I, too, am a Type-A "good girl." ("You need this report by Friday, would Thursday be better?") Fortunately for me, I was forced into a sabbatical before I really knew that I needed one (and then, of course, spent the next two years struggling with the fact that I had my entire identity wrapped up in my job/career, that only now am I beginning to enjoy life). I was floored when Mary Lou wrote about being so tired that incurring enough injuries to require a stay in the hospital (without being life-threatening) seemed an attractive way to take a break from the craziness. That thought had crossed my mind more times than I would like to admit. If you're thinking about taking time off, or are so tired that you can't even think, then you might want to pick this book up. Even if you can't financially swing a sabbatical, it's helpful to understand that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed with your life.

I have reviewed books for a major business magazine for over a year now, and I think this is one of the best I have seen. I worry, however, that the package makes this appear to be only for women. I think a lot of stressed-out men (particularly attorney friends of mine) will find some real inspiration and an action plan for taking control of what little life they have.

Some may think this is all pie-in-the-sky stuff, but it's achievable with a little pragmatism. Read it and see if you don't agree.

If you are a hard-charging, hard-working professional woman who takes her laptop to the beach, you will recognize yourself in Time Off for Good Behavior. I could identify with many of the Type A "good girl" women Quinlan describes. She's right on target. She makes you think about your daily life in a whole new way. And, afterall, this is first step in making a change.

I recently read Mary Lou Quinlan's book and enjoyed it because at times, Women Can't Do It All! Being a mother, a spouse, taking care of the house and managing a career doesn't always provide women with the time to take a break and consider what we want for ourselves. This Sunday's NYTimes (business section) interview with Mary Lou Quinlan made me realize that this is a much bigger issue.

We need to slow down, take charge of our lives and start
LIVING, rather than racing.

This is a great read for anyone who might have forgotten there are roses out there - let alone take the time to smell them. Mary Lou Quinlan's writing style is so conversational, it's like you're having a cup of coffee with a friend. She takes you into her own life as well as into the lives of many others, which ultimately becomes an invitation to take a nice, fresh look inward. The book is filled with great anecdotes and experiences, poignant and pointed advice - and is even interactive. It offers you opportunities to explore, to create, and to examine life - your life - so that you can be inspired to live it fully and joyfully.

I couldn't put the book down because of how much I related to the stories. Especially reading the early years of the author...the spelling bee's, wanting to the best of the best at everything. As I was reading on the train, I heard myself say out loud, "me too!" I have so many friends who will see themselves in this book. Buying it for them.

I thought this book was great. I loved the different perspectives that were woven into it -- including the psychology behind type A's, the variety of women's issues that were presented relating to work, life stage and lifestyle choices, and the impact this has on corporations.

The actionable exercises at the end of the chapters were a great idea and can help women take the first steps towards assessing their own situations. Most of all, Mary Lou Quinlan acknowledged "taking time off for good behavior" was not easy, but the sharing of her own stories and her heartfelt honesty really makes this book a winner.

Although we've all read a ton of inspirational books, this book finds a way into our hearts and minds like few others have. The reality is that we all want to do the right things in our lives but we sometimes just never find the time. Ms. Quinlan's attitude is full of good/smart heart-felt advice that I know many of us could benefit from.

Definitely worth the read for both women AND men.

As a man, I got a lot out of reading Time Off for Good Behavior. Mary Lou showed me how I can get more out of life and work by being smarter, better AND by taking it easy occasionally. I could relate to many of her experiences and I felt I learned from how she coped. Anyone, male or female who wants to have a rich professional and personal life will gain by reading Mary Lou's insights.

Mary Lou Quinlan really knows what she's talking about. As a thirtysomething single woman, reading "Time Off for Good Behavior" was extremely validating. Her own story and the stories of other women captured in this book are truly rivoting, and made me realize I am not alone. Amazing that the book summarizes how I've felt all of my working life(and even before then). A serious page-turner; you feel like you're having an initimate chat, rather than reading non-fiction.