The power and purpose of young women take center stage in Imagining Ourselves: Global Voices From A New Generation of Women, a vibrant and inspiring collection of essays and stories from the most amazing women you’ve heard of - and never heard of. These are women between twenty and forty years of age who make up the new generation of international voices we all should be listening to.

This generation of women is supposedly the most educated, well-traveled and professional generation of women in history, and the entries in this amazing and colorful coffee table size book speak of the creativity, leadership abilities and insight of a new breed of women working for peace, values, understanding and empowerment all over the world.

Featured are offerings from women from every continent, on such topics as family and relationships; self-development, spirit and body; community; career; women and power; communication between generations; identity and borders; future visions for the world, and how young women all over are learning to adapt, change, grow, evolve and transform themselves and the world around them. Essayists include authors, painters, artists, war correspondents, royalty, children of presidents, activists, teachers, mothers, workers, designers, athletes and musicians - all a part of this global project that is aligned with the International Museum of Women (www.imow.org), an international educational and cultural institution devoted to honoring women.

Many of the names will be instantly recognizable, such as Oksana Baiul, Lauren Bush, Lisa Ling, Cathy Freeman, Queen Rania of Jordan and Karenna Gore-Schiff. The noted Isabel Allende wrote the Foreword. But many more are names that, after reading this stunning anthology, you will never forget – for these are women with a mission, to make the world a better place with their talents, skills and personal stories of courage, hope and inspiration.

The essays of these 105 women from 57 different countries create a textured fabric of global understanding and insight, the kind only women who are out living, working and interacting in the world can weave. And the photographs, paintings and even poetry and songs that are featured throughout the book make this a very unique gift for a young woman about to come fully into her own power.

Imagining Ourselves is an important book, even as it entertains, educates and inspires. Important because it tells the story of a new generation of women poised to become the stewards of the planet, and the leaders of tomorrow. Reading this book, I am certain we will all be the better for it.