Scan barcode
aliciasrealm's review against another edition
3.0
The Memo is a direct response to books like Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In, addressing issues faced by women of color that are routinely ignored in career advice given by white women. The advice feels tailored more towards women who are beginning their careers or are new to the corporate world, with chapters revolving around networking, office politics, racism in the workplace, negotiating salary, and more. Minda offers great advice, including questions to ask during job interviews to uncover the workplace culture, negotiation tactics, developing a career blueprint, and sample scripts for critical conversations.
The writing is entertaining and a quick read. Minda interjects pop culture references and song lyrics in a way that makes this book feel like she's a friend giving you advice. A large portion of the book is about Minda's career and her own experiences in the workplace. These are stories that are likely relatable to women of color but may also be helpful for white women who haven't experienced or witnessed problematic situations that women of color face in the workplace.
As a Latina, I found some value in reading this book, which felt geared primarily towards black and brown women. Unfortunately, other women of color seem excluded or ignored aside from being mentioned in the context of statistics. Because the title of the book is addressed to "Women of Color" I would have appreciated more inclusive language to women of color who don't identity as black or brown.
Much of the advice around networking felt dismissive towards introverts, essentially saying that of you aren't really a people person you should just suck it up and go to Happy Hour anyway. I wish that she had pointed introverts towards other resources or offered some tools for those of us who struggle to find the energy for socializing after work hours.
Overall, as a Latina who is about a decade into my career, I didn't find this book as helpful as I had hoped. Most of the information I have picked up from other resources such as career workshops, other career related books and essays, conversations with colleagues and mentors, and my personal experience in the workplace. However, I would still recommend The Memo to women who are just beginning their careers or to women who haven't read similar books in the past.
Quotes:
"There is a responsibility that each of us has once we enter the room and sit in our seat, and that's to fill the table with other women of color. Success is not a solo sport."
"[Y]ou don't have to make everything work. You can leave if you are being mistreated because it doesn't get any better."
"White people shouldn't get the privilege of whiteness and the pleasure of setting the definition of bias."
(Side Note: I would like to understand why the word "shit" is censored throughout the entire book. It felt unnecessary and distracting.)
The writing is entertaining and a quick read. Minda interjects pop culture references and song lyrics in a way that makes this book feel like she's a friend giving you advice. A large portion of the book is about Minda's career and her own experiences in the workplace. These are stories that are likely relatable to women of color but may also be helpful for white women who haven't experienced or witnessed problematic situations that women of color face in the workplace.
As a Latina, I found some value in reading this book, which felt geared primarily towards black and brown women. Unfortunately, other women of color seem excluded or ignored aside from being mentioned in the context of statistics. Because the title of the book is addressed to "Women of Color" I would have appreciated more inclusive language to women of color who don't identity as black or brown.
Much of the advice around networking felt dismissive towards introverts, essentially saying that of you aren't really a people person you should just suck it up and go to Happy Hour anyway. I wish that she had pointed introverts towards other resources or offered some tools for those of us who struggle to find the energy for socializing after work hours.
Overall, as a Latina who is about a decade into my career, I didn't find this book as helpful as I had hoped. Most of the information I have picked up from other resources such as career workshops, other career related books and essays, conversations with colleagues and mentors, and my personal experience in the workplace. However, I would still recommend The Memo to women who are just beginning their careers or to women who haven't read similar books in the past.
Quotes:
"There is a responsibility that each of us has once we enter the room and sit in our seat, and that's to fill the table with other women of color. Success is not a solo sport."
"[Y]ou don't have to make everything work. You can leave if you are being mistreated because it doesn't get any better."
"White people shouldn't get the privilege of whiteness and the pleasure of setting the definition of bias."
(Side Note: I would like to understand why the word "shit" is censored throughout the entire book. It felt unnecessary and distracting.)
bookaroundandfindout's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I found this book very helpful as a WOC and the tips and stories were quite insightful. I related a lot with some of the authors discoveries about the challenges of the workplace for WOC and how to navigate them. Definitely a great read if you’re looking for the confidence free to get ahead at work and life !
littlegreens's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. She’s succinct, witty, and gives a clear path for action-items to secure a seat at the proverbial table. As a white woman, Hart’s directives gave me ideas for how I can be a better success partner to the women of color in my professional circle. I’d highly recommend this book to all women!
nickscoby's review against another edition
4.0
There's a popular and apparently award-winning episode of Black Mirror where a white woman finds herself trapped in a Star Trek-like situation. The ship is ruled by an exceptionally obnoxious straight white male captain. Long story short, the episode ends with the heroine having overthrown the male lead (and, hence, patriarchy) and ends with her sitting in his chair while the rest of the cast flanks her on all sides. People LOVE this episode, pointing to it as evidence of female empowerment and a mark of How Far Women Have Come.
But I was like, hold up. Wait. The supporting cast that this woman now rules are people of color or gay, including one particular fiesty black woman. Why are we throwing a party for Captain Becky, I wondered? These people were running this ship before she came along, and I am sure they would be fine without her. Are we supposed to cheer just because a woman is sitting in the seat? Why not throw the damn seat off the ship?
So this is a long intro as to why I think The Memo is important. The book's subtitle tells us that Harts will share "what women of color need to know to secure a seat at the table." And indeed that happens. Harts offers concrete tips regarding salary negotiation, for example. She offers specific questions to ask during an interview. Also included are email templates! She could've stopped there and come out #winning.
But what makes The Memo a gift that keeps on giving is the methodical way she identifies white women who are accomplices rather than advocates in the workplace. "White women cannot be trusted to always do the right thing," Harts says plainly and without apology. In fact, one of the chapters is written directly to white readers. I won't get all into it, but it comes down to y'all need to do better.
I haven't read many reviews of this book, but I can only imagine the tears! "Why can't we all get along?" white feminists may cry. Because I can be the captain of my own damn ship.
But I was like, hold up. Wait. The supporting cast that this woman now rules are people of color or gay, including one particular fiesty black woman. Why are we throwing a party for Captain Becky, I wondered? These people were running this ship before she came along, and I am sure they would be fine without her. Are we supposed to cheer just because a woman is sitting in the seat? Why not throw the damn seat off the ship?
So this is a long intro as to why I think The Memo is important. The book's subtitle tells us that Harts will share "what women of color need to know to secure a seat at the table." And indeed that happens. Harts offers concrete tips regarding salary negotiation, for example. She offers specific questions to ask during an interview. Also included are email templates! She could've stopped there and come out #winning.
But what makes The Memo a gift that keeps on giving is the methodical way she identifies white women who are accomplices rather than advocates in the workplace. "White women cannot be trusted to always do the right thing," Harts says plainly and without apology. In fact, one of the chapters is written directly to white readers. I won't get all into it, but it comes down to y'all need to do better.
I haven't read many reviews of this book, but I can only imagine the tears! "Why can't we all get along?" white feminists may cry. Because I can be the captain of my own damn ship.
cheryl_fritz's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
pieceoftese's review against another edition
2.0
I probably would’ve have enjoyed this more as an audio book because the writing style wasn’t for me. It felt very group chatty and it just didn’t work for me personally so I couldn’t get past the 4th chapter. This is helpful book for someone who is just getting into the workforce and some of the resources will come in handy but overall it didn’t provide much for me
_tamara8464's review against another edition
5.0
This book was very helpful and relevant. I am going to purchase this book and use some of the advice that Minda Hart’s has recommended.
javonne's review against another edition
5.0
This book felt like a conversation with a homegirl about our issues at work! I loved her personal stories, the advice and tips, but truly appreciated the email templates, list of career coaches, the Professional Development Platforms and Conferences. Minda is a Black woman who sincerely wants to see other Black women get ahead! I totally struggle with networking (I’m a Black woman who truly believes in no new friends and day ones only), but this has opened my eyes to how this could be hurting me professionally. Maybe even personally in some ways. Recommending this book to every woman I know, including my 13 year old daughter, and plan to invest in a career coach!