Open Secret: The Autobiography of the Former Director-General off MI5

Bold, ambitious careers are possible even with an inauspicious start.

Open Secret: The Autobiography of the Former Director-General off MI5 by Stella Rimingon (London, Hutchinson / Random House 2001) 

Why you should read it: Who wouldn’t want to read about the first woman to lead MI5 - and discover it (a career in espionage) was a career she sort of fluked into (and pursued for practical reasons, such as qualifying for a mortgage). A fascinating read, and encouraging for those grabbing their gusto and ambition later along the career path.