mailbox delight: smart girls marry money

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Smart Girl$ Marry Money is not normally a book I would seek out. Nomadreaderboy and I are getting married, and it's safe to say neither one of us is marrying for money. We are definitely in it for love. Still, I'm intrigued by this book. The subtitle of the book is How Women Have Been Duped into the Romantic Dream-- and How They're Paying for It. The opening lines of the press release are: "Why does society applaud a woman who falls for a guy's 'big blue eyes' yet denounce one who chooses a man with a 'big green bankroll'? After all, isn't earning power more a reflection of a man's values and character?" I know my economic views are left of most everyone, and I think it's more often that earning power often stems from the absence of value and character. It's outrageous to think income is a reflection of value and character. Don't we all know plenty of teachers, librarians, clergy, non-profit workers, and social workers who have value and character? Our current state of capitalism does not value contributions to society equally.

Why do I want to read and review a book that seems it will make me incredibly angry? I try to not (literally) judge a book by it's cover, and I think it's important to listen (or read) things you disagree with. In the midst of planning a wedding, I'm fascinated by all issues of love, romance and marriage. There are two authors: a producer of The Doctors (I don't know what that is) and a primary care physician. I'm curious to see the medical elements of this argument. Lastly, each woman gets one blurb, yet their shared blurb is "Both women have married (for love) and have reaped the consequences. They live in Los Angeles, CA." Is it a personal vendetta at two marriages gone bad or will it manage to be a thoughtful inquiry to what and how attracts us to mates? I'll report back soon with how many times I groan, throw the book across the room or actually enjoy it.

In the meantime, check out the reaction of Bitch magazine when they received a review copy.

Comments

  1. KathleenApril 2, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    I am also curious to find out what statistical method they have used to determine that most women have been marrying for love all these years...

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 10, 2009 at 6:18 PM

    I married a divorcee for love. His ex-wife took the money they had. We started fresh and are now doing really well together. He said the problem with his past marriage was that she did not support him, and all she wanted to do was spend spend spend his money. Marriage is about love and support. All I can say is is "Men, you better sign a prenup if you marry one of these women."

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 10, 2009 at 7:03 PM

    I'm not sure what these authors are talking about. Is this book vengeful? Sounds like this book was written for therapy sake?! When my husband and I got married at the ripe age of 25, we had no money and lots of school loans to pay off. We married for love. We now are both in our mid 40s with 2 children and we both work full-time. I make 7 figures and my husband is in the mid 6 figures. We have always been very happy and supportive of each other and our children. I can't remember having nasty arguments with him...disagreements, yes...but, not bitter screaming matches. Over the years, I have seen a few of my friends husbands leave them because they had lost that fire they had when they married.

    I know this book is going to make me angry. Fortunately, not all women are gold-diggers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. CelesteApril 18, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    To the last commenter. I read the book and I would have to say that your way off base. It's really about female empowerment. And it's funny and eye-opening.

    Too bad a smart girl like you chose to judge the book by its cover. Your response makes ME angry!

    ReplyDelete
  5. CelesteApril 18, 2009 at 11:05 AM

    BTW, Nomad reader, I dig your blog.

    ReplyDelete

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