FROM THE "YOU COULDN'T MAKE THIS UP" FILE:

From Persia to Wall Street, Queen Esther�s star shines (Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
By E.B. Solomont

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 (JTA) � From Persia to Wall Street, there�s a lot to be learned from Queen Esther, the heroine of the Purim story.

Call it the Esther effect or call it good business � it�s the practical businesswoman�s guide to success, starring Queen Esther.

In a book by two female authors � Barbara Smalley, a writer, and Connie Glaser, a businesswoman � Queen Esther of Persia deftly imparts timeless lessons on �palace politics� to modern readers.

[...]

In their pithy, pocket-sized book, Glaser and Smalley focus on the story of a Jewish girl who becomes the queen of Persia and goes on to save her people from the wicked Haman, as well as the principles gleaned from Esther�s tale, and the authors� modern-day Esthers.

�The book weaves together ancient wisdom and modern insights,� Glaser says. �There is a truth here as valid today as it was 2,400 years ago.�

That truth is neatly packaged into chapter-sized lessons for Glaser and Smalley�s readers: Dress to take over the throne. Carry yourself like a queen. Establish a royal presence. Deal effectively with life�s Hamans.

[...]

When she addresses her husband, King Ahasuerus, Esther dresses royally � modern readers, think power suit. In preparation for asking the king to save the Jews, she invites him to her quarters � �Negotiators today know you have more clout and control on your own turf,� Glaser says.

Esther learns that the king is indecisive � �Study palace politics or corporate culture.� Esther befriends the castle eunuchs who advise the king � �Don�t make the mistake that the receptionist, the janitor and administrative assistant aren�t important!�

[...]

�What Queen Esther Knew: Business Strategies From a Biblical Sage� is published by Rodale (www.rodalestore.com).

The book appears in Amazon (I've added the link to the title above), so I guess it is real.