Self Made Woman

A writer for the Dallas Morning News, Women's Wear Daily and W, Jennings interviewed 12 businesswomen who, as she puts it, are ""unwittingly changing the world.'' Six of her subjects (Mary Kay Ash, Debbie Fields, Lillian Katz, Paula Stringer, Ellen Terry and Georgette Klinger) work in fields ``generally regarded as `feminine.' '' The others have had success in ``less typically female fields'': Sandra Kurtzig in software; Diane Johnson, oil field supply; Kay Koplovitz, cable TV; Faith Popcorn, marketing; Louise Vigoda, real estate development; and Cathy Guisewite, cartooning. Many of the women have positive self-images and experienced ``childhood as loners.'' Unfortunately, instead of writing in-depth profiles of her subjects, Jennings has jigsawed their comments into a thematic mix. Some will find this slim volume inspirational; others may be disappointed that the 12 women are covered in sketchy fashion. (November)