Stepping Out of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want It Their Way... in Life, in Love, and at Work

The daughter of a lawyer and a community activist, Merlino describes herself as ""chubby from the age of nine and generally known as 'outspoken' (if you liked that sort of thing) or 'bossy' (if you didn't)."" Her go-getting resume includes a Fulbright Scholarship, a non-profit she started to foster women's entrepreneurship, and work on three presidential campaigns (including Bill Clinton's). In this self-help memoir, Merlino recounts those and other adventures while tracing the path to her crowning achievement, the 1993 founding of Take Our Daughters to Work Day. Looking at the idea from conception to execution, Merlino illustrates ways in which any woman can actualize her desires. Imagination and dedication are key; Merlino insists that no matter what ""the system"" you're up against may be-courtship, marriage, politics, law, workplace power structures-it's ""more malleable than you think."" Citing role models ranging from the women of Rwanda to Eddie Murphy's character in Coming to America, Merlino's extended pep-talk should inspire readers to envision and pursue their ideals: ""Whatever you can imagine for yourself, you can achieve.""