The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
This book offers insight into the motivators of social epidemics and explains why certain kinds of people brought together can make change happen. It really cuts to the quick of illustrating that little things can and do create big change.
Recommended by Dr. Sandra Read and Dr. Becki Tung
The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, M.D - Harper Torch, 1975 Revised 2000
Our Western world tends to push us into constant situations of "Fight-or-Flight". Dr. Herbert Benson helps us cope with our mind-body with the "Relaxation Response." We would all benefit incorporating this easy tool for 'better living' into our live.
Recommended by Dr. Lenore Kakita
The Heart of a Family : Searching America for New Traditions That Fulfill Us by Meg Cox
Have you ever wondered how you can create treasured and lasting family traditions when the daily juggle of professional and personal life is sometimes more than enough of a challenge?! Meg Cox interviewed over 200 diverse families for this warm and wise compilation of family rituals ranging from major holidays to everyday bedtime routines and gives valuable advice on creating new traditions--both practical and whimsical--from scratch.
Recommended by Dr. Kristin Stevens
Boys Will Put You on a Pedestal (So They Can Look Up Your Skirt): A Dad's Advice for Daughters by Philip Van Munching, Katie Couric
A cute book for those with adolescent daughters.
Recommended by Dr. Diane Berson
The Happiest Baby on the Block : The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp
As new parents, my husband and I found this book insightful and very helpful. Dr. Karp's five "S"s help pull together bits of wisdom and some instincts into a pattern that helps sleep-deprived parents quickly calm a newborn. The book is easy to read and short in length--key points for newborn parents. Dr. Karp's words had us swaddling, sshhhing, and swinging our baby to calmness and sleep with great relief. We recommend this book to any about-to-be parents or grandparents, and it is now our favorite gift to give with a simple flannel blanket just perfect for swaddling joyous bundles.
Recommended by Dr. Margaret E. Parsons
Beauty Basics for Teens by Dianne York-Goldman and Dr. Mitchel Goldman
This book has many good points for teenagers.
Recommended by Dr. Lenore Kakita
Thundering Sneakers by Prudence MacKintosh
For mothers who have all boys! Women trying to combine career and the raising of a family will find refreshing humor and insight in Prudence Mackintosh's books Retreads and Thundering Sneakers. I particularly recommend these books to others, like me, who are mothers of boys. The author is a skillful storyteller, whose tales of raising three sons sound all too familiar. E.g.:"If you ever doubted original sin, or for a fleeting moment believed in the innate goodness of man, you missed my four-year-old's birthday party." Trying to balance career and children, I have frequently reflected on her observation "...by the time the third one came along I was old enough to appreciate the pleasures of limited ambition."
Recommended by Dr. Janet Hickman
A Whole New Life: An Illness and a Healing by Reynolds Price
This is an inspirational book written so beautifully. When I first started to read it, I thought that I would feel depressed reading about a professor who becomes paralyzed by a tumor. Yet on the contrary, I felt inspired and loved his descriptions of his interactions with the doctors, his friends and the people who cared for him--especially how he had to learn to accept help and humble himself to survive. This book would be helpful for physicians and caretakers and patients suffering from any illness.
Recommended by Brenda Dintiman, MD
Wisdom of Menopause by Christiane Northrup, MD
Through her personal stories and many fascinating case histories, Dr. Northrup shows women how they can make menopause a time of personal empowerment and positive energy - emerging wiser, healthier, and stronger in both mind and body than ever before.
"Interesting insights from a woman doctor's perspective."
Recommended by Susan Weinkle, MD
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
From the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, a stunning novel about the afterlife. Heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it – loved ones or distant strangers – each one changed your life forever.
Recommended by Susan Weinkle, MD
Eve's Seed: Biology, the Sexes and the Course of History by Robert McElvaine, McGraw-Hill, 2001
This book combines anthropology, history and politics to explore how peoples views of sexual difference have shaped history, inviting new readings of Genesis, Darwin, Locke, de Tocqueville and many others. McElvaine's thesis is: "hell hath no fury like a man devalued." He considerably deepened my understanding of why the work of changing culture to support women's development is so challenging and complex. Also McElvaine is an outstanding, witty writer.
Recommended by Janet Bickel, AAMC
The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types by Don Riichard Riso , Doubleday 1999
I've only met a few medical educators who've ever heard of the enneagram, an easily accessible system based on ancient wisdom and referring to nine distinct personality types. It's an extremely valuable tool for personal transformation and development and for improving ones own mentoring/coaching skills. This book is the best introduction to it.
Recommended by Dr. Sandra Read
Celebrating Women by Paola Gianturco
In Paola Gianturco's book, Celebrating Women, Thais honor the women who saved their city. Swazi virgins dance for the Queen Mother. Polish girls float wreathes of wildflowers on the river. Moroccan Berber divorcees invite shepherds to marry them. Couples race over obstacles in Finland's World Wife Carrying Championships. Beautiful women in the United States vie for scholarships. Ten other festivals will intrigue and inspire you.
Recommended by Peggy Crawford, MD and Pat Engasser, MD, Co-Chairs, WDS Annual Luncheon Committee
Secrets of the Sexually Satisfied Woman: Ten Keys to Unlocking Ultimate Pleasure by Laura Berman, Ph.D. & Jennifer Berman, M.D.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful book as much as I did. These two authors know their stuff!
Recommended by Susan Weinkle, MD
The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich
The theme of this novel is about women reacting and responding to their environment.
Recommended by Elizabeth McBurney, MD
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (his debut novel)
It is an entrancing epic of fathers and sons, friendship and betrayal, cruelty and love. The setting is Afghanistan and America, but the political events are only a backdrop to the vivid and engaging personal story. It is a powerful first book of this Afghan and I hope many will follow.
Recommended by Elizabeth McBurney, MD
Going Alone: Women's Adventures in the Wild Edited by Susan Fox Rogers
A collection of stories written by women who explored the great outdoors solo, and along the way learned a great deal about themselves and their capabilities.
Recommended by Kerry Parker, WDS Executive Director
Queen of the Turtle Derby by Julia Reed
Ms. Reed is the keynote speaker at the WDS Annual Meeting Luncheon in New Orleans, LA on February 20. In this engaging collection of essays, Mississippi native Reed—a writer for Vogue and the New York Times Magazine who now splits her time between New Orleans and New York City—presents a fresh and eclectic portrait of the South.
Recommended by Deirdre O'Boyle Hooper, MD, Co-Chair, Annual Meeeting Committee
Three Junes by Julia Glass
A marvelous novel - you will wish there were a fourth June.
Recommended by Elizabeth McBurney, MD
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander
An uplifting short book written by the conductor of the Boston Symphony and his wife, a psychologist.
Recommended by Anne Burdick, MD
Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
A mystery set at Harvard with Longfellow, Holmes and Emerson.
Recommended by Marianne O’Donoghue, MD
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi
I highly recommend this book. It is a brilliant intermingling of literary criticism and politics.
Recommended by Sandra Read, MD
Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides
Cleverly written novel offering perceptions from the patient’s point of view.
Recommended by Suzanne Connolly, MD
Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
This book is about two Eastern Indian women who shared the same household. It is heartwarming!
Recommended by Barbara Reed, MD
Women of Silk by Gail Tsukiyama
This is a book that explores the development of sisterhood in the Chinese silk industry in the early 20th century. A fascinating look at women developing an independent voice in a male dominated society.
Recommended by Julie A. Hodge, MD
Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
This novel is set on the banks of the Loire River Valley in France during the Nazi occupation and postwar. I can’t put it down.
Recommended by Vera Price, MD
Ciao, America! by Beppe Severgnini
An Italian Discovers the U.S. A bella laugh.Wonderfully funny and perceptivefun from first page to last, pure and simple."-Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post
Recommended by Dr. Sandra Read
The Murder Room by P.D. James
Excellent character development. A great mystery.
Recommended by Marianne O'Donoghue, MD
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
One of the most profound books I have ever read.A must read for Doctor's which is a seminal work of Cultural Anthropology. It's about a Hmong child, her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures. This book explores the clash between a small county hospital in California and a refugee family from Laos over the care of Lia Lee, a Hmong child diagnosed with severe epilepsy. Tragedy which must be avoided between cultures.
Recommended by Dr. Sandra Read
BoBos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There by David Brooks
A hilarious and insightful social commentary about Bourgeois Bohemians. You will squirm and recognize yourself and people you know all throughout this book
Recommended by Dr. Sandra Read
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
I recommend reading "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas", by James Patterson. Fast
reading, but most enjoyable!
Recommended by Dr. Susan Weinkle
I Don't Know How She Does It: The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother by Allison Pearson
Bridget Jones Diary 20 years later....
Married Hedge fund manager, mother of two. She's got the working woman/mother thing down.
Recommended by Dr. Joy Rico
Sun Tzu for Success: How to Use the Art of War to Master Challenges and Accomplish the Important Goals in Your Life by Gerald Michaelson, Steven Michaelson (Contributor)
Know yourself; know your opponent" Although the Art of War was intended for emporers and generals as an advice book on eastern strategic thought, its simple truths have persisted over 2000 years and offer modern readers fresh insight on how to pursue and attain personal success. The subject is not about confrontation, but rather the key concepts of "winning without fighting"--seeking to win through psychology; "self knowledge" as the foundation for success; the value of preparation, strategy development and tactical implementation; and many others. Motivational quotations and examples sprinkled throughout the text further illuminate what is required to make the goal of success a reality. In short, an excellent read!
Recommended by Dr. Rebecca Tung, MD
Leadership: The Eleanor Roosevelt Way
Timeless Strategies from the First Lady of Courage by Robin Gerber
Gerber gives us an extremely motivating book filled with empowering leadership advice. Eleanor Roosevelt stands alone in history as a courageous woman leader, who was motivated by her desire to bring transformation in the areas of justice and equity within society at large. Each chapter in this book begins with a story from her life and explores how these circumstances and lessons shaped her personal growth and galvanized her leadership. With these anecdotes, we as readers are allowed entrance into her private world: her struggles, her vision, her determination, her mentorship of other women and her lasting legacy of a life well-lived.
Recommended by Rebecca Clare Tung, MD
What's Holding You Back? 8 Critical Choices for Women's Success by Linda Austin, M.D, Basic Books, 2000
This is best book on adult development I've yet found (and was the first one to stimulate me to appreciate my strengths rather than focus on my neuroses). I believe it will be of value to any with some awareness that they might be using their talent and energy more productively. Austin maintains that it is not that women fear success but that women have "failed to develop a value system that includes high achievement." A major theme of the book is how cultural hostility toward women's ambition has shaped their psychology such that women "cooperate but not initiate, produce but not invent, reflect but not create." And despite progress, "now discrimination takes the form of 'deeds undone'-collaborations not offered, acknowledgements unvoiced, introductions not made." Other important themes include competition, losing like a woman, and brokering power.
Recommended by Janet Bickel, AAMC
In the Company of Women: Turning Workplace Conflict into Powerful Alliances by Pat Heim, Ph.D. and SusanMurphy, PhD., MBA with Susan K Golant
Women to Women interactions can be positive or negative. Differences between women and men in their responses to workplace relationships and conflict are explored. Do we change the balance of power with peers of both genders when a woman is advanced in her career? Another woman can be an enemy or a strong ally. The authors give tools to enhance teams, to turn conflicts into peaceful endings, and to encourage mentoring. More women are entering the leadership roles of organizations and companies and are developing healthy alliances that lead to professional success.
Recommended by Dr. Lenore Kakita
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
A classic and favorite of mine! Here are tried and true techniques for lifting yourself out of your own point of view to truly listen to others and add value to their lives and yours. It is not only a refreshing view of interpersonal interactions, but adds zest to your business and personal relationships, while reaping unexpected rewards from your professional and family roles. I can never keep this book. One 25-year-old I lent it to went from hating her drudge of a job to becoming an appreciated leader in the same position and loving every minute of it. Beware. It can change your life.
Recommended by Dr. Laura Bolton
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins
It is a good read because it can help anyone focus on what is important to them in their life.
Wake Up and Take Control of Your Life!
Anthony Robbins, the nation's leader in the science of peak performance, shows you his most effective strategies and techniques for mastering your emotions, your body, your relationships, your finances, and your life. The acknowledged expert in the psychology of change, Anthony Robbins provides a step-by-step program teaching the fundamental lessons of self-mastery that will enable you to discover your true purpose, take control of your life and harness... read more from amazon.com
Recommended by Dr. Wendy Roberts
Tempered Radicals: How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work by Debra Meyerson, Harvard Bus Schl Press, 2001
Tempered radicals" feel different from the traditional majority in their organizations; they want to rock the boat while staying in it and use their differences to inspire positive changes. Meyerson's advice for TRs is extremely valuable to anyone working on the front lines of conservative institutions.
Recommended by Janet Bickel, AAMC
Historical Atlas of Dermatology and Dermatologists by John Thorne Crissey, Lawrence Charles Parish, Karl Holubar
This is a 'must read' for all dermatologists. It gives a historical background of the evolution of modern dermatology. You might even recognize or know some of these masters of dermatology. It is enjoyable reading.
Recommended by Lenore S. Kakita, MD
Women in Medicine: A Celebration of Their Work by Ted Grant and Sandy Carter
Today, 80% of health care providers are women. This book is a photographic tribute to the dedicated professionals who represent women in many disciplines.
"Beautifully done."
Recommended by Sandra Read, MD
Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty by Nancy Etcoff
This author skewers one of our culture’s most enduring myths, that the pursuit of beauty is a learned behavior and explains why so many cultures are influenced by beauty.
Recommended by Susan Weinkle, MD
Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway
An autobiography of her childhood in Australia before eventually becoming the first president of Smith College. Inspiring and beautifully written memoir.
Recommended by Rochelle Torgerson, MD
Madam Secretary: A Memoir by Madeline Albright
An autobiography of the highest ranking woman in U.S. history in which she shares her inside views on world affairs.
Recommended by Vera Price, MD
The Princessa: Machiavelli for Women by Harriett Rubin
Discover how to rise in a career...
Thrive in a relationship...
Eliminate obstacles to your happiness...
And take what you want from the world
Recommended by Dr. Lenore Kakita
Women and men at work by Barbara Reskin and Irene Padavic
This is a historical discussion comparing men and women at work. The sexual division of work from the pre-industrial age to the present is explored. What is the “women’s place”? Passed in 1991 the Glass Ceiling Act, employers are supposed to remove the gender barriers to work mobility. Enforcement of this law is critical. Gender equality in the workplace is the ideal goal.
Recommended by Dr. Lenore Kakita
Dancing on the Glass Ceiling by Candy Deemer, Nancy Fredericks
Book Description from "amazon.com" How to play it like a woman and succeed
"The authors have written a wonderful, insightful book to guide women to the top of the pyramid, and to their fullest potential as leaders and women in the fullest sense of both terms." --Mark Bryan, author of The Artists' Way at Work
"Freeing, insightful, validating, and best of all, practical. Any woman who reads this book will be forever changed by it." --Patricia Aburdene, author of Megatrends for Women
Going against the grain of three decades of popular business thinking, Dancing on the Glass Ceiling contends that women have been shooting themselves in the foot by trying to play like a man. Backed by research, interviews, and real-life experiences, authors Candy Deemer and Nancy Fredericks explain why relying instead on feminine-based skills such as intuition, relationship building and communication is more likely to get a woman where she wants to go in business--above the glass ceiling. More at amazon.com...
Recommended by Dr. Patricia Walker
Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst
This is an old book that I have revisited over my life. When I was in my 30's, I loved the chapter on friendships and how we have different kinds of friends in life that will needs. For example, historical friends who know us since childhood and ground us, neighbors who may be friends for a short stint in life, but fill a sense of community. There is reference to only having a few true friends in life that we nurture and they nurture us throughout our life. In different stages of life, I have read the chapters on loss in marriage and death to help me in my own life and understanding what patients are going through.
Recommended by Brenda Dintiman, MD
Fast Food Nation, The Dark Side Of The All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser
It will be difficult to stomach a Happy Meal again after reading this book.
Recommended by Dr. Sandra Read
The V Book: A Doctor’s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health by Elizabeth Stewart MD
I am recommending this book, as it is the best book covering a whole spectrum of vulvovaginal disease. It is written for any woman to read and I feel it is important that woman physicians have seen this book both for themselves, their families and their patients. Dr. Stewart has successfully tackled what she refers to as “the last frontier”of women's health, an area that has long been neglected by the medical profession. Dr. Elizabeth Stewart is a renowned gynecologist and vulvovaginal specialist. (I work with her in a combined vulvar clinic in Boston). She has written an excellent, reader-friendly guide to all aspects of vulvar health. It covers everything from yeast infections, rashes to vulvodynia. The V Book deserves a place on every women's book self.
Recommended by Dr. Lynette Margessen
The Uninvited Dilemma: A Question of Gender by Kim Elizabeth Stuart
Description from Book Jacket The Uninvited Dilemma" is different from the autobiographies and clinical studies on transsexuality. It represents two years of research involving carefully structured, in-depth personal interviews with seventy-five transsexuals, consultations with members of the medical and mental health communities, and conversations with loved ones of transsexuals. This book will give you an understanding of the true nature of transsexuality. It is a remarkable reading experience for all who are... read more at amazon.com
Recommended by Dr. Lynette Margessen
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen
A wonderful collection of true vignettes about healing written by a physician.
Recommended by Dr. Kristin Stevens
This Side Of Doctoring, Reflections From Women In Medicine by Dr. Eliza Lo Chin
Wonderful anthology of reflections of experiences in the lives of women doctors. There is also a contribution by a WDS member.
