There are a number of books on my holiday list this year including Basic Black: The Essential Guide to Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) by Cathie Black, President of Hearst Magazines who publishes popular periodicals such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping and O! The Oprah Magazine.  Reviews have been extremely positive for Basic Black which provides useful business advice for women taken directly from Cathie Black’s experienceÂ

According to her publisher, Crown Business (a division of Random House):

“Cathie Black is the wise, funny mentor that every woman dreams of having. She was a pioneer in advertising sales at a time when women didn’t sell; served as president and publisher of the fledgling USA Today; and, in her current position as the president of Hearst Magazines, persuaded Oprah to launch a magazine. In 2006 she was named one of Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in American Business” for the seventh consecutive year. Now, in the exuberant, down-to-earth voice that is her trademark, Cathie explains how she achieved “the 360° life”—a blend of professional accomplishment and personal contentment—and how any woman can seize opportunity in the workplace.”

I also enjoyed reading the customer reviews about Basic Black on Amazon where the book is currently rated at 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Have you read Basic Black yet? If so, leave a comment and let Women On Business and our readers know what you thought of it.