(Fortune Magazine) -- Five smart takes from successful women on lessons learned, world affairs, and how to get what you want - when you want it.

Books

"Tough Choices: A Memoir" By Carly Fiorina

The six-time top-ranked CEO on Fortune's most powerful women list was ousted by Hewlett-Packard's board of directors in 2005. Now she tells her side of the story.

"On Becoming Fearless ... in Love, Work, and Life" By Arianna Huffington

The blogger, pundit, and onetime gubernatorial candidate now adds self-help to her résumé with this manual on how women can achieve success.

"The Mighty and the Almighty" By Madeleine Albright

Another dose of intelligent observation and analysis from the original Madame Secretary, this time discussing the role religion plays in world politics. With an introduction by Bill Clinton.

"The Other Side of War: Women's Stories of Survival and Hope" By Zainab Ainab Salbi

Following the success of Between Two Worlds - her account of growing up in Saddam Hussein's inner circle - the Iraqi refugee collects the stories of women who have endured war.

"I Feel Bad About My Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman" By Nora Ephron

Before she was a Hollywood director and screenwriter, Ephron was a great essayist. Here she returns to the form with irreverent takes on aging and plastic surgery.