The Power of Women

November 30, 2009
According to Yale psychology professor Nolen-Hoeksema (Women Who Think Too Much
), women have unique mental strengths. Neither conformist nor rigid, women find many pathways to their goals and work toward getting a job done rather than getting their way. Women, the author says, utilize their strengths to lead children, partners, neighbors, and colleagues to better lives; believing that every woman has the capacity to be strong no matter how beaten down she feels. Nolen-Hoeksema offers numerous case studies as well as tools and exercises (e.g., a “Breaking Down Obstacles Worksheet” motivates readers to take small steps to tackle obstacles to their important goals; an exercise shows readers how to make contracts with themselves and give themselves a reward when they achieve a difficult task). Although these tools are useful and Nolen-Hoeksema's advice lucid, if familiar, it's questionable whether stressed-out women will adopt the time-finding worksheet or other time-consuming exercises. Moreover, the book's gender emphasis feels dated and biased: it's not clear why the advice applies particularly to women.

January 15, 2010
In the tradition of Betty Friedan, Yale psychology professor Nolen-Hoeksema ("Women Who Think Too Much") celebrates "the power of women"their patience, optimism, and resiliency. Her "personal fitness program" includes exercises to help women be more assertive and feel comfortable about asking for help. Nolen-Hoeksema gives a good pep talk, but her intended audience is unclear; it's hardly true that all women and no men possess the attributes she praises. This book might have had more impact 20 years ago.

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