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Shaz Kahng
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The Closer: Ceiling Smashers: Book 1 (Ceiling Smashers series) Paperback – February 28, 2017

by Shaz Kahng (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 58 ratings
See all formats and editions
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The Award-Winning Novel Series: Bronze Medal - IPPY Awards
Fiction Category Finalist - Eric Hoffer Awards
Finalist - Beverly Hills Book Award

"Unreservedly recommended" Midwest Book Review
"An inspiring and fun take on women in business" Foreword Reviews
One of Bustle's "9 Fall Debut Books By Women Authors You'll Want To Read Immediately"

There's a secret society of professional women called the Ceiling Smashers.

The Closer follows main character Vivien Lee, a founder of the Ceiling Smashers society, on her quest for business success. Vivien is an Asian American woman who dreams of becoming a CEO.

Vivien has spent her entire consulting career helping CEOs look good, so when she finally has the chance to go after her dream of running a business, she grabs it. A lifelong athlete, Vivien arrives at the Smart Sports campus in Portland, Oregon and is introduced as the first female president. It’s one of the highest-profile jobs in an industry inhospitable to women.

Principled but slightly naïve, Vivien believes her male peers will give her a fair shot. Stumbling early, Vivien makes a series of rookie mistakes. With guidance from the Ceiling Smashers, Vivien learns to navigate the treacherous business terrain.

A tight-knit group of male sports executives is determined to show that an industry outsider cannot prevail. The challenge is all too clear: will Vivien triumph in the sports industry against impossible odds?

You’ll want to stay up all night reading this page-turner to find out what happens to Vivien. The Closer is a fresh, riveting tale about a strong woman endeavoring to succeed with smarts, scruples, and style. And it delivers the kind of heroine we're all searching for. The Closer is a slam-dunk as your next book club recommendation!

The quintessential novel for the #MeToo and Time's Up era.
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 2
    Ceiling Smashers series
  2. Print length
    536 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 28, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.34 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0998656607
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0998656601
  8. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Midwest Book Review: Small PressBookwatch, January 2018
Critique: An original and compellingnovel about a woman who must compete in what has traditionally been a 'man'sworld', "The Closer" reveals author Shaz Kahng as an impressivelyskilled storyteller who is able to entertainingly engage her readers from coverto cover. While unreservedly recommended, especially for both community andacademic library collections, it should be noted for personal reading liststhat "The Closer" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,$9.99).
  • 2017 Beverly Hills Book Award Finalist
  • Selected as one of Bustle's "9 Fall Book Debuts By Women You're Going to Want to Read Immediately"
Foreword Reviews
The Closer is an inspiring and funtake on women in business, with plenty of ceiling smashing along the way. ShazKahng's fast-paced, sports-focused The Closer is timely and refreshing, a novelthat exposes the difficulties that women face in industries that are dominatedby men. Vivien Lee is a thoroughly likable lead...even faced with manipulationand outright lies, Vivien typically picks the higher road, following her dad'sadvice: Be great and be good. Still, she isn't a saint; she occasionally losesher temper, plays into the game, or even takes revenge. The story takes someinspiring turns, including Vivien's participation in a Wharton-founded secretclub, the Ceiling Smashers, which functions as a place to maintain allianceswith other women in business. Anecdotes about women's experiences at thosemeetings read as realistic and give credence to the bonds of sisterhoodhighlighted throughout. Sports analogies, jargon, and quotes are usedthroughout, giving the story a unique, entertaining quality.

Women' Running Magazine, Meghan Roos
"From the first page of TheCloser, readers are thrown into Vivien's world and given basic detailsabout her and the significant people in her life. Shaz writes with a lot offorward movement, providing just enough detail as any given scenerequires. She develops her characters much in the way humans develop theirunderstanding of the people with whom they interact: with time and patience,but it's worth the investment. There's no extra fluff--just the essentialsto keep the product marching forward...We really don't see many femalecharacters like Vivien. It's not until you read Vivien's story that you beginto feel inspired by the type of female role modelshe is: a strongbusinesswoman who side steps any "stereotypes" placed on women inpositions of power...When personal tragedies befall Vivien after her first yearat Smart Sports, she finds that the qualities most important to success inbusiness are the same that help her rebuild her life outside of work. In themoments when a reader might expect Vivien to break down, she shows strength.Shaz's creation of Vivien as a strong character capable of weathering brutalsituations speaks volumes--not just about the person she's loosely basedon, but also about the deeply ingrained stereotypes that persist today, both infictional constructs of female characters and real women."

Conversations Live! with Cyrus Webb, WMPR 90.1FM
"I think this [book] is something that all of us can learn from...We seewith Vivien that she got to where she wanted to because she was willing to dothe hard work despite the challenges, and setbacks and difficulties...The storyis a great reminder for us all as we look at our lives and what's in front ofus and what it takes to get there."

Get The Funk Out, Radio Station KUCI Irvine Janeane Bernstein
"I love this...I feel like this has taken your life and put it into afictional situation but it's cathartic for readers at the same time."

From the Author

Thanks for your interest in my book THE CLOSER. For a captivating listen on why I wrote the book and how I brought it to life, please check out the podcast series Reedsy BESTSELLER on iTunes. My journey as an author is chronicled as I describe the writing process, editing, design, publishing, and marketing as well as all the ups and downs along the way. Enjoy!itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/trailer-bestseller/id1445693823?i=1000425192172&mt=2

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ OLOM Press; 1st edition (February 28, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 536 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0998656607
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0998656601
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.48 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.34 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 58 ratings

About the author

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Shaz Kahng

Shaz Kahng

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Are you hungry for novels that offer up smart, strong, successful female characters who truly inspire you?

Shaz Kahng, a Board Director, CEO, and award winning author brings you the Ceiling Smasher series. Her first two books, THE CLOSER and SMASHERS SYNCHED, provide a fresh take on women in business and show how ethical characters can prevail by using their skills, brains, and creativity. In addition to compelling plots the Ceiling Smashers novels introduce you to accomplished and diverse characters you'll want to root for.

Shaz has worked in a number of male-dominated industries: as a research scientist, a global consulting partner, e-commerce expert, and a brand strategist. She also led businesses at Nike and was CEO of Lucy Activewear and Gymboree. She holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an MBA from the Wharton School.

Please visit ceilingsmashers.com to learn more about Shaz and the Ceiling Smasher series. Thanks to the many readers out there who are enjoying and sharing Shaz's books!

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
58 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

SJH
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and important lessons
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
I stayed up until 4 am reading this book as I could not put it down! Shaz Kahng has a wonderful way of bringing the story of Vivien Lee to life. I found Vivien to be relatable and felt like this could have been a story that a real-life Vivien could have shared with me over a series of lunch dates. What I found, and what other reviewers have not mentioned yet, is that the book also contains pearls and take-home messages sprinkled throughout without the weight of coming across as lessons. Great read for anyone, especially for women in the workplace, leaders & executives, women of color, allies, and fellow ceiling smashers! I'm looking forward to more books after this one!
3 people found this helpful
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E. J. Spangler
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2017
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This is a well written story which provides deep insights into how a new executive approaches the turnaround of a business. The story details in a very interesting way the many facets and intricacies of the turnaround. The writer weaves the story against the backdrop of a women executive trying to succeed in the male dominated sports industry. The character development is so well done. For me, it makes this book quite the page turner. I have bought many copies of this book to give to my younger, female colleagues because of its many lessons on how to succeed as a women in a male dominates world with style and grace.
3 people found this helpful
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Shani K.
4.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2021
Too often, women are overlooked for certain positions in careers because of male-dominated fields. In this book, the author focuses on Vivien, a woman who is full of determination, knowledge, and intelligence. She knows what she wants and what it will take to get there. Unfortunately, there are those who are not willing to help clear her path and she’s faced with the hard truth, not everyone can be trusted. Those whom you think will help you, would rather create a roadblock. It’s her strength and ability to push through that really make her shine above everyone else. It was interesting to me to see such a strong-willed character show vulnerability in this kind of setting. More often than not, professional women are portrayed in books with a more harsh persona. It was good to see a role where the protagonist is relatable and generally heartfelt among her grit and strength. Well written, and something I will read again!
One person found this helpful
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D. Griff
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2017
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What a great read! How fun and refreshing to read about a REAL woman who's made it to the top. As a woman in the sport apparel business I felt like I had a mentor in Vivienne's character, seeing how she handled many of the same issues I've encountered in business. Ms. Kahng artfully weaves great stories and lessons about leadership, friendship, romance, competition and the challenges met along a path to the top. This book is well researched which makes it even more believable and fun to read. I was sad when I came to the end. Within the title is states "Book 1"; I am hoping that there are sequels!
2 people found this helpful
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RitaB
5.0 out of 5 stars Something I related to
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
Shaz King was able to create an engaging story about the challenges a talented woman can face in a male-dominated business environment. Coming from that corporate world, I related to the personalities and the struggles. Doing a good job is not enough if you want to make it to the top. You have to navigate through political alliances, egos and hidden agendas and be able to develop a solid game plan. You have to effectively identify allies and detractors and make sure you have the right people in your corner. I found myself routing Vivian on and learned a little about myself along the way.
One person found this helpful
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vedapierce
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and relevant narrative - Kahng has a gift for storytelling
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2017
Verified Purchase
Funny, gripping and smart, THE CLOSER couldn't be more relevant for the times we are living in. Written by someone who clearly has encountered hurdles in the business world and has an insider's take on how to tackle them, Ms. Kahng has a terrific sense of narrative and character which makes this book a particularly compelling read. Vivian is a terrific protagonist - likable, enterprising and resourceful. Really great book - thoroughly entertaining and timely!
One person found this helpful
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kenkesey
5.0 out of 5 stars Once you pick it up, you can't put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
Vivien is a terrific lead character who you like more and more as she navigates the treacherous waters of the male dominated sports apparel world with brilliance, style and grace. She is a star - and you cannot stop rooting for her!
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S. Longworth
5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent and captivating book
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018
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This is an excellent and captivating book. Ms. Kahng captures some of the subtle and not-so-subtle politics that unfortunately transpire in corporate America with a keen eye for detail. Although this is a work of fiction, I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the less glossy reality behind those corporate brochures and polished interviews. Finally, it is fun to have a smart female executive as the lead character!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Not yet convunced
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable First Book
Reviewed in Canada on May 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
A great first book and good read! I just ordered her second book. Can't wait to read that one.
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Winnie
4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed it
Reviewed in Canada on November 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
I loved reading about Vivien Lee, a strong, intelligent, and accomplished female lead that's so rare in books and movies. I particularly enjoyed the business-oriented plot with the strategic and creative solutions described by the author. I felt the other characters were endearing, especially the antagonist I loved to hate.

My only complaint about this book is the lack of depth of emotions in some tragic and devastating parts of the story. Also, Vivien seemed too perfect with no flaws at all, which I found unrealistic.

However, I recommend everyone to read this book, particularly girls and women who are looking for some girl-power stories.
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