The Woman Code: 20 Powerful Keys to Unlock Your Life

Women live by a variety of unwritten codes, argues former White House reporter, attorney, and author Nelson (Black Woman Redefined). “Your life ‘Code’ is formed from the time you are a small girl.... Your Code either propels you to greatness or keeps you stuck in the challenges and obstacles of your life,” she writes. Nelson explains how women can recognize the codes they operate by and use them to reshape aspects of their lives, using what she calls the “Personal Codes,” the “Emotional Codes,” the “Spiritual Codes,” and the “Professional Codes.” Within each section, she discusses topics that plague many women. For instance, within the Personal Codes, she addresses how to “Make Peace with Your Past” and “Guard Your Heart.” In explaining each of these codes, she gives real-life examples and advice, provides takeaways, and identifies key words. Nelson sprinkles Scripture passages throughout the book, but sparingly and only to lend biblical credence to her analysis. Unlike many of today’s self-help authors, Nelson doesn’t indulge in an us-against-them mentality. Rather, she says that women should be strong, assured, and responsible for their own actions and choices. This refreshing approach is both empowering and enlightening and should appeal to women of all ages. Agent: Leticia Gomez, Ascendant Group. (Oct.)