The Feminine Mistake – Erin’s Review

Great book! I imagine Leslie Bennetts may bristle at the harsh and aggressive words voice by critics of The Feminine Mistake. I imagine the number of times Leslie Bennetts has rolled her eyes thinking “here we go again” after being bombarded by voices of passionate opposites who have obviously not read the book in its entirety, or even at all. However, I also imagine the sly smile and the hopefully overriding feelings of accomplishment that must accompany the proud mother of this new baby…cough…I mean book! How truly rewarding it must be for Leslie Bennetts as an author, businesswoman and mother to have written a book that has generated so much important dialogue…and the dialogue has just started!

The Feminine Mistake has sparked interesting and important discussion amongst broad business and educational sectors as it relates to women, marriage, children, careers and money in every socioeconomic category. Feisty debates and imperative discussions about The Feminine Mistake are making their way into monthly trade publications, daily/weekly national news publications, women’s journals, blogs, financial newsletters, etc. Congratulations! And, thank you. And, thank you to Leslie Bennetts well adjusted children for sharing their very cool and really smart mommy with all of us. And…kudos to sainted Jeremy (see? I did read the book), her husband, for choosing wisely and doing what he can to raise the “slug bar”.  LOL.  I am very glad and appreciative for the lively discussions and I hope they continue for a long time to come.

Obviously, read the book. Twice actually.  And, I am still not done rereading it. I have highlighted passages, written notes in the margins, stopped and wrote e-mails, called friends in mid-sentance and even recommended this book to a young lady I met on my plane yesterday. I have not found myself engaged this dramatically with a book since college. I am also a bit paranoid as I believe Leslie Bennetts may have been secretly observing me over the past three years. Was she secretly witnessing my life in the months after I had my first baby in February 2005 (going into labor at work) and quitting my executive management job because I was 33 and was “only going to have a baby once and needed to bond?” This book put into words so many of the issues with which I have struggled while failing to become the “successful” stay-at-home mother that my educated mind inaccurately envisioned and tabloid styled women’s periodicals (found while waiting in line at the grocery store buying the equally controversial baby formula) dictated.

I agree with The Feminine Mistake that financial downside is the most powerful potential ramification of opting out of the workforce. A woman’s ability to generate, manage and control money is critical and unbelievably undervalued, especially as it relates to the well being of her children. I also believe that financial downside has broadest and greatest impact on a woman’s short and long term options. However, I would also like to bring attention to the significant immediate and long-term impacts of major depression and alcohol (drug) abuse and the seemingly insurmountable challenges and consequences that many bright, educated, driven and seemingly competent stay-at-home mothers may otherwise avoid by staying engaged in the workplace. Depression and alcohol (drug) abuse are rampant ”coping mechanisms” used this recently identified pool of women who have opted out of the workforce. Depression and substance abuse are crippling, not usually obvious and have the potential to be equally devastating as it relates to a woman’s power and choice.

I look forward to observing and engaging in the ongoing dialogue, debates and changes that are sure to result from The Feminine Mistake. Well done Ms. Bennetts!

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