"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." This is the wording from the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, that upon ratification 90 years ago, granted women the right to vote. Think about it: How would the world be different if this amendment never happened?

The three above terms are what immediately came to mind when I first saw the cover of this week's Time. Pictured is Aisha, an 18-year-old Afghan woman who was sentenced by a Taliban commander to have her nose and ears cut off for fleeing her abusive in-laws. Her story will certainly make you think, and might even make you cry. But in the Middle East today, women's rights have never been in more peril, and it's vital that stories like Aisha's be told to as many who are willing to hear them.

You must read Cathie Beck's Cheap Cabernet immediately! None other than Iris Rainer Dart—the author of the bestselling and beloved Beaches—says that Cheap Cabernet "will remind every woman to call her best friend right away to tell her how important their relationship is, and how she couldn’t survive without it." Now that's an endorsement!

I don't think I can underestimate how often the average woman asks herself, "What should I wear?" Nor am I able to overstate how many times that question has an undercurrent of downright panic. But thankfully, fashion maven Nina Garcia (fashion director of Marie Claire and star judge on Lifetime's smash series Project Runway has come to the rescue with her new book.

Time, in its July 12 issue, brought to light a long-simmering issue for women who have served in the U.S. military and who need to take advantage of the veterans' medical and hospital system: the problem is this system, designed to serve men, hasn't changed much since almost World War I; the VA didn't begin providing medical or mental-health services to women until 1988. There are efforts being made to bring the VA into the 21st century, as far as women's health is concerned, but more needs to be done. Our veterans all deserve the best care they can receive, no matter what their gender.

What is one amazing thing that's happened to you? We want to hear! Voice has joined forces with More.com and Barnes & Noble to launch the One Amazing Thing Story Contest, inspired by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel. Entrants who contribute their 700-word true story have a chance to have their story published as part of the Barnes & Noble "More in Store" program. Click here to learn more!

This week, Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan appears in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the start of her confirmation hearings. While at times a spectacle of bloviation, these hearings are part of an interesting process that's worth following; in the end, it could mean that the Supreme Court will finally meet the 30%-women mark.

My favorite time of year, summer reading! I'm about to pack the beach bag for vacation, and trolled around for some good reading lists; here are a few share. Pencils up!:

A year ago today, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which reinstated for women the right to challenge discrimination they experience in their wages. For me, it was significant that President Obama chose this issue to tackle so early in his first term—this act was the first one he signed into law as President. But as he notes in this statement, there is much more to be done to ensure that there is pay parity between the genders.

It never really feels like summer to me until I get my hands on the latest from Claire Cook! Seven Year Switch is available now; grab a copy and head to your favorite lounge chair.