When She Makes More

March 3, 2014
“As women we somehow feel responsible for taking on more of the housework even if we have a full-time job and make more money,” writes personal finance expert Torabi, as she explores the guilt, expectations, and challenges facing couples in an era after the feminist movement but before achievement of true gender equality. In this guide to navigating new rules in the workplace and the household, the author cites numerous research studies but uses interviews to bring her topics to life. The interviewees are clearly affluent, so the book’s rules, especially regarding hiring domestic help or keeping a personal slush fund for “guilt-free spending,” aren’t realistic for every household. One of Torabi’s keenest insights is borrowed from the relationship expert Alison Armstrong, who notes that it can be “lethal” if a woman starts thinking, “Am I better off with or without him?” Torabi’s mission is to make sure that doesn’t happen, recommending women change their expectations for a working household, communicate their needs without crushing egos, work hard without regret, and, of course, write a good prenup. Books like this one are never silver bullets, but readers may have trouble warming to the author’s approach, which can veer more toward advice columnist than financial reporter. Agent: Bonnie Solow, Solow Literary Enterprises.