Career advice: from Virginia Woolf to Bonnie Fuller.(MOVEABLE TYPE)

Last century's hard-fought battles of feminists have brought more opportunities to women today than ever before. But few how-to books help them choose a career path. Bonnie Fuller's The Joys of Much Too Much (2006) is an excellent resource for college students, and it offers job scenarios that apply well to the post-secondary workplace.

A product of the women's movement

Bonnie Fuller was formed by the women's movement of the 1970s. At the top of her field in the publishing industry, she has broken through more glass ceilings than one can count, with a resume chock full of editorships at major women's magazines, such as Flare, Cosmopolitan and Glamour. She is now editorial director of American Media, in charge of several U.S. magazines, including Star.

On the personal side, she has been married for more than 20 years and has four children. Fuller relishes her work and her family life, and she conveys that excitement to her readers, proving that you can have it all.

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It's rare to find a book about women and work that is accessible and optimistic. Along with specific advice on everything from researching your prospective employer to willingness to work late, she includes interesting anecdotes about her own career trajectory and home life. Her diction and tone are girl-friendly, and she writes like an aunt or older sister who can help you learn the ropes of the workplace.

First and foremost she emphasizes a good old-fashioned work ethic. Yes, you should follow what you are passionate about, but don't expect to get there overnight, even in the text-messaging age. She advises women to "do a job well no matter what it is" and that a job can build one's self-esteem: "Nothing beats that special, feel-good-about-yourself rush that comes from accomplishment."