The release of a free ebook exploring women's rights history comes at a time when concerns about potential reversals of gender equality gains are growing. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, a positive psychologist and bestselling author, is making her novel 'Women's Freedom, Unfinished Love Stories' available at no charge on Amazon October 28-29, while announcing a forthcoming companion book titled 'Women's Freedom, The Dawn Of Possibilities.'
Holstein's work revisits the 1960s feminist movements that challenged societal norms and opened previously closed doors for women in education, workforce participation, and political leadership. Through the experiences of three college women navigating sexual awakening, identity struggles, and purpose-seeking during that transformative era, the novel captures what Holstein describes as "the emotional and psychological terrain that defined a generation."
"This is a story about two young women coming of age in the 1960s," Holstein stated about her upcoming book. "They live together as roommates, attending college in the city. They stay together as lifelong friends. They find themselves in love and out of love, happy and miserable, scared and confident." The author suggests readers will recognize themselves in these characters, whose journeys reflect timeless desires for autonomy, love, and self-expression.
Holstein's broader work focuses on positive psychology through various media formats, including award-winning films, podcasts, stage plays, and self-esteem workbooks for youth. Her recent workbook 'Secrets' achieved bestseller status in the 'Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Depression' category, while her previous book 'Conflict and a Bit of Magic' helps children build self-esteem through journal-based reading.
The author has also developed The Selfie Showcase project, which allows young people ages 13-18 to create selfie videos expressing concerns about contemporary issues. This initiative emerges from The Selfie Project and can be accessed through http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com, where participants can upload their videos. Holstein's primary professional website is available at http://www.enchantedself.com.
Holstein's multimedia approach extends to streaming platforms, with her presentations appearing on YouTube, Vimeo, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV under the title 'The Enchanted Self Presents.' Her work has been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Time online, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and The Today Show, establishing her as a recognized voice in discussions about happiness, relationships, and parenting.
The timing of Holstein's free ebook release and new book announcement coincides with broader cultural conversations about women's rights preservation. By examining historical struggles through accessible fiction while addressing contemporary youth concerns through projects like The Selfie Showcase, Holstein bridges generational discussions about equality, self-expression, and personal agency that remain relevant across decades.
