Lean In

Women, Work, and the Will to Lead

By: Sheryl Sandberg

Narrated by: Elisa Donovan

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • “A landmark manifesto" (The New York Times) that's a revelatory, inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth that will empower women around the world to achieve their full potential.

In her famed TED talk, Sheryl Sandberg described how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her talk, which has been viewed more than eleven million times, encouraged women to “sit at the table,” seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto. Lean In continues that conversation, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can. Sandberg, COO of Meta (previously called Facebook) from 2008-2022, provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career. She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment, and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women both in the workplace and at home.

©2013 Sheryl Sandberg; 2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Lean In is an inauguration more than a last word, and an occasion for celebration ... Many, many women, young and old, elite and otherwise, will find it prescriptive, refreshing, and perhaps even revolutionary.” (Anna Holmes, The New Yorker)

“A landmark manifesto ... Fifty years after The Feminine Mystique ... Sandberg addresses 21st-century issues that never entered Betty Friedan’s wildest dreams ... Lean In will be an influential book. It will open the eyes of women who grew up thinking that feminism was ancient history, who recoil at the word but walk heedlessly through the doors it opened. And it will encourage those women to persevere in their professional lives.” (Janet Maslin, The New York Times)

“I approached it wearing two hats—one as CEO [and] the other as the parent of a nine-year-old daughter. In both capacities, I feel that Lean In is a must read.” (Mohamed El-Erian, CEO of PIMCO, in Fortune)

Good Book to Start With

Where does Lean In rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This isn't my favorite but it still is up there. I think it's worth getting either in audio format or the real thing.

Any additional comments?

I wish she would talk about more of her privilege and options that were available for her. She does make me want to listen to her next book.

I have this book on repeat

Loved this book. Listening to it mores than once to catch anything I've missed and as a constant booster.

Not a Fan of Narrator's "Recitation"

Would you be willing to try another one of Elisa Donovan’s performances?

Her performance seems to only suit young-adult fiction, so probably not. Her voice does NOT suit this book at all. She does not seem to be aware of what she's saying until moments before it's said, which diminishes the sense of wisdom and personal investment taken to write this book. I was slightly embarrassed to share this audiobook in a public area of my home.

Solid Inspiration

This book is powerful! in the course of one week, it broadened my horizons and increased my belief do greatly, that I am making major change in my life. it gave me permission to be strong.

Wish there was more!

loved this read and plan to join the groups online! If Sheryl writes another I am sure to read that one too!

Great book

I loved the book, it is based on true stories and draws our attention to what women go through when building their career.

Every woman should read this book

Not only is it full of fascinating stats and info about being a woman in the workplace, it's a wake-up call to all women, working or not, about our preconceived notions of work and womanhood, especially regarding the decision to have children. If you are questioning that, debating about whether to reach for the stars, or just in need of more information to back up that feeling you have about being a woman at work: here you go. Read it.

Inspirational

Where does Lean In rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Once I got passed the first Chapter, I this ranks as excellent information that I will utilize.

Would you recommend Lean In to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, every manager male or female will benefit.

Have you listened to any of Elisa Donovan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No however I wish Brene Brown had hired her for her books.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I resonated with the information.

Any additional comments?

Format and the context were well defined and flowed.

A Book for Women AND Men

Where does Lean In rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best ones I've listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the overall tone of what Sheryl had to say. She is realistic, optimistic, empathetic and very self effacing. She is not at all what the media has portrayed her to be. She speaks not in a critical voice, but in a way that says we can make the world a better place if we look at making choices more equal for both women and men. At the close of the book she talks of hoping that both her son and her daughter will have the opportunity to pursue what they want in both a career and at home and that they will be supported in their choices. That message is for everyone - not a particular demographic.

What about Elisa Donovan’s performance did you like?

Elisa did a good job reading the book. After seeing Sheryl Sandberg's TED Talk, I was familiar with how she delivered her message and I thought Elisa gave an accurate portrayal of that.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I listened to this with my husband Tom while we were driving around all weekend from one city to another. At various times, he stopped the book so we could talk about something she had just said. It was very productive for us to listen to this together over the course of 3 days in the confines of our car. We had an opportunity to really focus on what she was saying and to relay to each other experiences we've had that were an example of what she is talking about. My husband is a partner in a law firm and a baby boomer, and I think he got a great deal out of this book.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book to listen to with someone else because it is a wonderful catalyst for meaningful conversations on really important issues we ALL need to be concerned about.

All Women Should Read This

I found the information that was provided was incredibly insightful. I find my self trying to not to let any obstacles stand in my way of becoming the best. This book also helped me identify some of my short comings and I was able to make slight changes to be more successful at work. I really enjoyed the stories and it makes a huge difference when you can recognize some of the situations that you have experienced. LOVED THIS BOOK ...I listened to it 5 x and bought books for all the women I work with.... It can make a difference.