We Need to Talk: A Memoir about Wealth - by Jennifer Risher (Hardcover)

About the Book

We Need to Talk: A Memoir About Wealth examines the hidden impact of wealth on identity, relationships, and sense of place in the world. In addition to telling her story, the author interviewed 11 women and included their voices to add different perspectives. At a time when income inequality is a huge problem and money is a taboo subject even among those closest to us, We Need to Talk aims to start a conversation that demystifies wealth and inspires us to connect.

Book Synopsis

When Jennifer Risher joined Microsoft in 1991, she met her husband, and with him became an extra-lucky beneficiary of the dot-com boom. By their early thirties, they had tens of millions of dollars. Today, there are millions of people like her. Jennifer's thought-provoking, personal story includes the voices of others in her demographic and explores the hidden impact of wealth on identity, relationships, and sense of place in the world. At a time when income inequality is a huge problem, our country's economic system is broken, and money is still a taboo subject even among those closest to us, this engaging, introspective memoir is essential reading: a catalyst for conversation that demystifies wealth and inspires us to connect.

Review Quotes

"An enlightening, deeply personal story written with introspection and grace, We Need to Talk explores how financial success impacts friendships, children, charity, and family. You need to read this book." --Scott Cook, co-founder of Intuit and member of the Giving Pledge

"Too often we either envy or disparage the wealthy. Rarely do we think about them as 'just like us.' But in this heartfelt memoir, Risher walks us through both the advantages and the challenges that wealth cultivates. Ultimately, as she says, 'We are all ninety-nine percent the same.' In a particularly divided country, it is helpful to be reminded of the fact that most of our needs and aspirations--for security, for health, for connection, and for love--are the same regardless of our bank account." --Madeline Levine, Ph.D., author of The Price of Privilege, Teach Your Children Well, and Ready or Not

"I devoured this book! Risher tells a compelling story and opens a crucial conversation about how those at the top feel about their wealth." --Rachel Sherman, Professor of Sociology at The New School and author of Uneasy Street

"In an era of income inequality, her book, which offers discussion questions about money and wealth throughout, offers a starting point for an uncomfortable subject of increasing importance to everyone...candid and topical." --Kirkus Reviews

"Risher's aim is to start an honest conversation about a taboo topic...to 'demystify wealth.' She's cognizant that hers is just one of many perspectives, and she hopes others will add their viewpoints to the larger conversation." --Washington Independent Review of Books

"Risher debuts with an unusual book. While numerous memoirists have shared their struggles with poverty, fewer authors have focused on the experience of rising to extreme wealth. An exciting look into the life of the privileged for curious readers." --Library Journal

"At a time when income inequality is a huge problem, our country's economic system is broken, and money is still a taboo subject even among those closest to us, this engaging, introspective memoir is essential reading: a catalyst for conversation that demystifies wealth and inspires us to connect. We Need to Talk: A Memoir About Wealth gives voice to an experience millions share, but no one discusses: what it's like to be rich." --Anna Ford, Book Clubs

"We Need to Talk: A Memoir About Wealth sensitively and introspectively examines the impact of personal wealth on everything from relationships to self-image to a sense of place in the world, within a framework of acute awareness of the dramatic income inequality in today's America." --Bay Area Book Festival

"A deeply personal story exploring how financial success can impact friendships, children, charity and family. An honest look at what it's really like to have a lot of money." --Financially Speaking podcast with Mitch Slater

"One of the few memoirs that openly discusses a wealth creator's struggles to acclimate." --Esther Choy, Forbes Magazine

"Jennifer's thought-provoking, personal story includes the voices of others in her demographic and explores the hidden impact of wealth on identity, relationships, and sense of place in the world." --The Alain Guillot Show