Comments from Readers

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One of the most enlightening and true works of fiction about corporate life and love. You will learn what you need to know to become more successful in work and outside of work.
--Marketing Consultant

"So entertaining it was hard to put down, and insightful, too.  A Merger of Equals should be required reading for every young person planning on a career."
--Retired schoolteacher

A very fun read and a page turner.
--Information technology consultant

It took me a while to get my copy [of A Merger of Equals], but once I did, it sure didn't take long to get through it because I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed it and I thought you did a great job of tackling and exploring real issues that affect career-oriented women but generally, and sadly, go unnoticed by others - and you told a wonderful story while doing it.
--Lawyer currently on maternity leave

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed, and really needed, your presentation. I am a "junior" partner, work on a reduced hour schedule and have 2 young kids. I live the juggling act of working mom, and as difficult as it may be at times to keep all the balls in the air, I wouldn't change my situation (at least not now). Societal pressures, self pressures, self doubt, the working mom v the stay at home battle -- they are always there. I know in my heart that what I am doing is best for me, my kids and my family -- those pressures, though, have a way of getting in to my head, especially when I'm overtired and haven't had time for a pedicure in months! It was just so nice to hear you remind us all not to let what other people tell you we "should" be doing influence how we evaluate our choices. I truly enjoyed hearing about your life, career choices and successes. By the way, I loved, loved, loved A Merger of Equals, and will pass it out to my fellow girlfriends! Thank you for inspiring me and validating my choices.
--Law firm partner

I started reading A Merger of Equals yesterday. It is excellent! I learned more about gender issues in the first 20 pages of the book than I've read anywhere.
--CEO, Business Development Consulting

I am so excited to tell you that I finished A Merger of Equals. I absolutely loved it! Couldn't put it down!! It inspired me, challenged me, and comforted me - if that makes sense. I was awakened both personally and professionally by reading it.
--Nonprofit staffer/yoga instructor

I just finished reading A Merger of Equals, and I enjoyed it very much. Having spent 2 years as an investment banking analyst, I identify with Jane’s character in many ways. It continually amazes me how much of an “old boys’ club” Wall Street is, and there aren’t many books published that examine it from a woman’s position.... Also, I think that showing Jane’s human, emotional side was instrumental to making her character believable as well as likeable. I did not like her or identify with her nearly as much in the beginning as I did after she fell in love and ultimately decided to have children. I thought that by showing her in a typically “feminine” light – in love, pregnant, etc. – but still motivated and successful, really made the character, as well as the book. I also enjoyed reading about her friends, Charlie’s sister, etc., who were all smart and successful women, but with a variety of different personalities and styles. I enjoyed Charlie’s character as well – in life, as well as in fiction, everyone is drawn to the so-called golden boys, I guess! I have recommended your book to all my friends! I hope you write another!
--Investment banker

I purchased, and am reading, A Merger of Equals right now. I am really enjoying it! I particularly like the way you interweave business-savvy information and realities with a great story. (Ice cream totally cracks me up now! So does doing work on big proposals/projects in bed.)
--Law firm partner

I love the book (I also heard great reviews today from a few others at the firm who are also reading it). I cannot believe how densely it is packed with business advice. I am reading it slowly because when I pick up my speed, I miss the practical advice in favor of just taking in the story. It is like the most practical, valuable business book you could read wrapped in a very cool story.
--Law firm partner

I loved the character development and I really feel like I got to know the characters, especially Jane. She actually sounds like many of my girlfriends, and I can SO identify! Your insight is amazing! I loved seeing the personal and professional development and how you showed you can really have both.
--Investment banker

I enjoyed A Merger of Equals immensely. It was smart and funny. I identified with Jane, one of two main characters, - something I can't say about the characters in most novels I read (which is about 4 a week). Most 20 somethings in books smoke and work in PR and work is never discussed. They don't have long discourses on sexism in the workplace and ways to handle different situations. Neither do they work in finance/business fields and make a concerted effort to move along a career path. I wished that Jane were real, as we would be friends. I am now on the look out for a friend like her. I was sad to finish it, in fact, though I greatly appreciated the Epilogue. A sequel would be even better...
--Financial advisor

I finished your book..... brava! I was impressed by the forward momentum all the way through to that fabulous last line. There wasn't a lag anywhere in the course of my reading. The final chapters surprised me at first -- I didn't expect the shift to babies and home -- but then I realized it was part of the fabric of the message I took from it, i.e. you don't have to choose home vs. career, you don't have to be superwoman, you do have to be true to yourself, and let trust and optimism win out over distrust and victimness. I was bothered a little by Jane's good fortune in having two well-positioned, rich, and handsome men in her corner (wouldn't everyone's life be easier if this were true?), and she obviously had a leg up in going to a privileged school, but she didn't cave in and compromise her values and I admired that in her. Also, are there really men like Charlie? I have to say, I've never met such a creature, so I knew I was reading fiction throughout, even if the storyline was so steeped in reality! In short, I think you've done a superb job of recreating the scenario so many women face in the professional workplace (and Lord knows what they put up with in the blue collar world), and of creating several smart, quick-witted female characters who know how to harness their power and use it.
--Knowledge management professional

I read your book and I really enjoyed it. I definitely learned more from it than from a business book ;-)
--In-house real estate lawyer

I LOVED A Merger of Equals!!!! I found myself thinking of Jane and Charlie throughout the day, like they were real people who were friends of mine. I especially enjoyed the insights into the corporate world since I have never (thankfully, I think) had to struggle through many of those issues. It seems to be a very different (and exciting) change from the non-profit world and VERY different from my life as stay-at-home mom and part-time research assistant! I think it might take Jane awhile to get used to my choices! Nonetheless, I like that the characters had a little bit of all of us in them---sometimes I related to Charlie and other times to Jane--that was fun and forced to me to think a little bit harder than in my normal routine. PLEASE keep writing so I can have more enjoyable reading hours!
--Former nonprofit organization development director

I’m reading A Merger of Equals and enjoying it immensely. I recently reread The Productive Culture Blueprint and was once again wowed by your genius.
--CEO