Unleash the Girls: The Untold Story of the Invention of the Sports Bra and How It Changed the World (And Me) Hardcover – 10 September 2019

I love this book. It was so illuminating in so many ways. First of all, it was super fun to be able to read the story of the invention of the sports bra, something that has become a staple and critical part of most women's lives and closets. Thank You! And then to read the experiences of a woman entrepreneur when it wasn't fashionable to be a woman entrepreneur and the challenges, successes and lessons learned along the way. It was great to read about the author's ideal of and then experience of "sisterhood" and how that ideal changed through time. The author's honest introspection and self-reflection allow the reader to do the same, reflecting on experiences in their own lives that may resonate. This book is packed full of nuggets of wisdom for anyone to glean, but especially women of all walks of life. And best of all, it is fun to read. The author's voice is witty, smart and deliciously sassy. I didn't want to put it down.

As a professional who takes care of young people with Epilespy, I knew the jogbra was invented by a woman with epilepsy and often talked about it to inspire my patients. I never thought about the impact this invention had on women all over the world. Lisa Lindahl tells this story honestly, humbly, not making herself the heroine of her story. It’s an interesting and easy read, inspiring and entertaining. Every woman who has ever owned a sports bra should read it.

The author writes a sensitive historical review of how a woman with a passion for an idea can storm through the pitfalls of relationships, through a male dominated world, and follow an idea to building a giant successful business without even realizing that this what is being accomplished. Lisa Lindahl certainly tells a story of women, before their time , walking through the jungles of finding one's way while staying focusing on an idea.Lisa seemed to have had the creativity and insight to know exactly what was needed and to pursue all the areas to create success. Even though, under the tremendous pressures of a friendship gone sour with immense personality clashes, Lisa still persisted on building the business. This product and her constant work, in many ways, was the birthing of the Women's Movement, as it served the women of the world entre into the sport's kingdom.And yet, with inventing a cutting edge product, one realizes people still have their human issues. It is hard to accept that, in the end, this became a ruthless situation between women vs the desired growth of a love of sisterhood. Lisa stays close to one partner illustrating there can be woman to woman loving support but on the other hand immense discord with the other woman.. The reader feels the author's deep pain of realizing the issues and the great disappointment as she realizes the human dilemmas.This book is an amazing historical reference for all future business entrepeneurs because exactly of this , that life is filled with potholes and only if one is willing to stand in the fire and to take responsibility for all the risks, could one walk to success. Success has its demands whether man or woman. So the question becomes how do we as women still stress our loving embracing feminine nature in a woman imitation of a male competitive world and find success? Lisa attempted this to the best of her ability.

I figured the story behind the invention of the sports bra was bound to be interesting, but as someone with a full time career treating epilepsy, I was especially keen to learn more about the author's experiences. I was happily surprised at how openly she discusses her seizure disorder and the myriad of ways it has impacted her life. Many people are afraid or unwilling to be this introspective about chronic health conditions, especially one as stigmatized as epilepsy. There is a lot to learn in this book about our relationships with our own bodies. I also appreciated the author's ability to extend grace to people who had hurt her, without excusing the wrong doing or sweeping the pain under the rug. No one is a demon or a angel. That is, perhaps, the biggest lesson from the book.

As a parent of a young adult who was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, reading what Lisa accomplished while at the same time navigating the challenges of a life with epilepsy and seizures, is truly remarkable. A life which includes epilepsy is one where you learn to expect the unexpected. Lisa certainly demonstrated and continues to demonstrate she is an indivdual who is not afraid to take risks, the road less traveled and is interested in using her own expereince to help and empower others. Thank you Lisa!