A Day in the Life of the American Woman: How We See Ourselves

"A Day in the Life of the American Woman" has a beautifully simple premise-focus on the lives of "ordinary" American women who also happen to be unsung "everyday heroes." This premise happened to result in one of the best "coffee table" books I've ever read. "American Woman" is crammed full of skillfully done interviews and candidly beautiful photographs that investigate the lives of so many inspiring women. The women in this book aren't just glamorous career women or wildly successful entertainers-they're mothers, brides, and cancer survivors. Yet their stories are special because they so full of hope and the kind of realistic, hard-won perspective that will truly affect readers. I also found this book refreshing because it has no "agenda." It's not anti-feminist, pro-feminist, politically correct, or pushing alternative lifestyles. The authors, with real open-mindedness, investigated the lives of myriad women with complete honesty. The inner beauty and strength of ALL women is the focus-and that clearheaded aim makes the book even more valuable. "American Woman" really is a book that needs to be purchased. I have never found another book that did more to encourage me to be myself and live my "best" life.

This is an amazing project, many of the stories could be a book unto themselves. I could identify with many of the women, others were foreign to me, but interesting. This would be a great gift for mothers, daughters, sisters. Most importantly, it's not just a photo book, but photos and essays together tell many, many stories. Reading them makes me feel connected to all women.

Too often the lives of woman are told from perspectives that make us look at the perspective and not the woman. The life stories of the women featured in this amazing book are the women we walk past, sit on the bus with and nod to every day. More than photos, this book takes us into the lives of women whose primary task everyday is to keep moving forward. No matter their beginnings or pasts, every woman in this book teaches us yet again about the unwavering perseverance of women. An outstanding book.

One of the greatest books ever published, not only did it give me insight into my own world as a woman in today's society, but it also opened my eyes to how much we as women have accomplished in the past few years. I would recommend this book for every woman in America, and also there was just a great review in People magazine.

Not your average coffee table photo book; not only were the photos of women great, but the stories captured the essence of the subjects. I couldn't stop reading it; the essays were wonderful and inspiring. I bought a second copy for my daughter.