Joan Steinau Lester

HOME PAGE

Joan Steinau Lester, Ed.D. the award-winning NPR commentator, former syndicated columnist and author of three acclaimed books, is also a free-lance editor and writing coach. Click the Edit/Coach button above for information on how to work with Dr. Lester on-line, in person or by telephone.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FIRE IN MY SOUL:ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (Foreword by Coretta Scott King, Simon and Schuster) tells the remarkable story of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton--impassioned civil rights activist, hard-driving legislator and one of the most powerful women in U.S. history.

"A well-framed memoir, satisfyingly candid while also abrim with political theory...A gratifying biography."
Kirkus Reviews

Dr. Lester and Congresswoman Norton traveled the U.S. discussing FIRE IN MY SOUL.Stops included New York City, where Gloria Steinem hosted a book party, and Washington, D.C. where Donna Brazile hosted another.

Terry Gross's "Fresh Air" NPR show featured the book, as did Tony Brown's Journal on PBS. A unique feature of the tour was that biographer and subject often appeared together; this made for fascinating dialogue.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"A rip-roaring political biography." Pat Holt, Holt Uncensored.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TAKING CHARGE: EVERY WOMAN'S ACTION GUIDE TO PERSONAL, POLITICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS (Conari Press, 1996) offers proven, effective strategies for every woman, whether secretary or CEO. Using a guidebook approach, Lester urges women to believe that there are practical ways to confront even the most stubborn roadblocks. Real-world anecdotes and vignettes heighten the sense of the possible.

"Lester's tome of 'feminist coping strategies,' peppered with humorous, helpful anecdoes, provides a lively jump-start to goal-setting and attaining."
Ms. Magazine
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Joan Steinau Lester's first book, THE FUTURE OF WHITE MEN AND OTHER DIVERSITY DILEMMAS (Conari Press, 1994; reprinted Authors Guild BackinPrint edition, 2000) provides a refreshing look at diversity. Every day we are confronted with new diversity issues--at the office, at home, in our neighborhoods, and with our children. Most of us are well intentioned; we try to keep abreast of rapidly evolving racial, ethnic, religious, gender, age, and class issues and do our best not to offend. The rules are constantly changing, and we still have ingrained stereotypes and modes of behavior. We want to change, but don't know how.

"In its chatty, no-nonsense way, puts all the taboos on the table...it's tricky territory, but in Lester's hands, the paths are clear and easily followed."
San Francisco Chronicle

"A warm, inviting book by a diversity consultant that doesn't toe the political party lines."
Orange County Register



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *







Selected Works

BIOGRAPHY
FIRE IN MY SOUL, BIOGRAPHY OF ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, FOREWORD BY CORETTA SCOTT KING
Showcases the many facets of a woman--Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton--who remains an iconic torch-bearer for the Civil Rights and Women's Movements
CONTEMPORARY AFFAIRS
THE FUTURE OF WHITE MEN AND OTHER DIVERSITY DILEMMAS
"This refreshing book captures what most miss--insightful lessons from personal encounters with diversity. Lester is a talented storyteller who shares her learning in an unpretentious way." ANN M. MORRISON, author of The New Leaders "Lester's generous voice sheds keen insight, humor and practical advice on the polarizing dilemmas of living with diversity." URVASHI VAID "Terrific writer." ANN RICHARDS
SELF-HELP/WOMEN'S ISSUES
TAKING CHARGE: EVERY WOMAN'S ACTION GUIDE
Offers proven, effective strategies for every woman, whether secretary or CEO. Provides encouragement and goal-setting guidelines. "Lucid...poignant."-- MS.



Find Authors

Created by The Authors Guild

A note for users of older versions of Internet Explorer, Netscape, or AOL:
This site will look a lot better in a newer browser. Download one for free!
Internet Explorer: Windows Mac   |   Netscape: Windows Mac Other
For AOL users, please choose Internet Explorer above.