A Woman's World that Works for All - Volume 1

Hi guys. How's it going for you? It's been pretty quiet around here this week, with many staff members out of town or out of the office for various reasons. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. The relative tranquility has given me a lot of room for thought, the result of which is this very blog entry. Hours of silent seclusion have led me far into the realm of the fanciful, and I'm about to propose something a little bit strange. However, this blog is one of few arenas in which I exert total control, so...go with me on this.

At Berrett-Koehler we talk a lot about creating a world that works for all and opening up new space, both ideas rooted in our mission statement. Like everyone else on staff, the energy I bring to work is motivated by these ideals (and, sure, the occasional free lunch), but I recognize that this is easier said than done. We may not always be ready or able to create that world that works for all but, in the meantime, couldn't we imagine what that world would be? As such, I'm imagining a series in which we invite others share their visions of a world that works for all, opening up new space with original, short, digitally-distributed pieces.

And, because this is extra-imaginary, I'm making all of the authors women. Now, my feminist leanings are no surprise to readers who know me well, but this aspect is as much a personal challenge as it is a political statement, so let's see how it plays out. In this series of short pieces, which I'm calling 'A Woman's World That Works For All', smart, talented, and accomplished ladies from various fields will envision our best possible futures, giving readers the motivation to figure out what it would take to get us there.

First up? Suzanne Collins, bestselling author of The Hunger Games trilogy and The Underland Chronicles.

Full disclosure: I have not ready any of The Hunger Games books, but they have been recommended to be my numerous well-respected friends, and are nearly next on my to-read shelf.

Published by Scholastic in 2008, the first book in this young-adult science fiction series introduces sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, formerly North America. In Panem, a powerful government working in a city called The Capitol holds power, hosting an annual televised event (The Hunger Games) in which one girl and one boy from each district are chosen and forced to fight to the death. The Hunger Games exist to show that not even children are beyond the reach of The Capitol's power.

Whoa, right? If Suzanne Collins can so handily (and successfully) envision our demise, just imagine what she could do on the opposite end of the spectrum. We already know that she's a hugely talented writer, and her readers are so loyal they couldn't help but follow her to Berrett-Koehler. As I type, The Hunger Games is being adapted into a movie, which means Collins is about to 'blow up' (as they say), making her one of the most influential figures in youth and pop culture. Katniss Everdeen is a strong role model for young women, and I think that Suzanne Collins is a good one for all of us.


*It should also be noted that Collins was a writer on the beloved (by me) television show, Clarissa Explains It All.