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Joan Steinau Lester, Ed.D. the award-winning NPR commentator, columnist, and author of three well-reviewed books, is also an editor and writing coach. Dr. Lester's first novel, Black, White, Other, is due out in April, 2011. Click on Edit/​Coach for information on how to work with her in person or by phone.

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FIRE IN MY SOUL: ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (Simon & Schuster)Foreword by Coretta Scott King.

Tells the remarkable story of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton: impassioned civil rights activist, hard-driving legislator, and cutting-edge thinker.

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

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




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TAKING CHARGE: EVERY WOMAN'S ACTION GUIDE TO PERSONAL, POLITICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS (Conari Press) offers proven, effective strategies for every woman, from administrative assistant to CEO. Lester urges women to believe there are practical ways to confront even the most stubborn roadblocks. Real-world 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


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Joan Steinau Lester's first book, THE FUTURE OF WHITE MEN and Other Diversity Dilemmas (Conari Press; reprinted Authors Guild BackinPrint edition) provides a refreshing look at diversity. Every day we are confronted with new dilemmas--at the office, in our neighborhoods, with our children. Most of us are well intentioned; we try to keep abreast of rapidly evolving values and do our best not to offend. Yet the rules are constantly changing.

"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



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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.