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.
About the Author :
Jennifer Risher was born in Seattle, Washington, grew up in Oregon, and graduated from Connecticut College. She joined Microsoft in 1991 where she worked as a recruiter and then as a product manager. She and her husband, David, have two daughters and live in San Francisco, where David is CEO of Worldreader, a nonprofit he cofounded with a mission to create a world where everyone is a reader. We Need to Talk is Jennifer's first book.
Review :
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, PhD, 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
"The Challenges of the Newly Rich: Facing Judgment and Finding Their Way"-- Forbes, November 2, 2020
"In 'We Need to Talk, ' Jennifer Risher starts a candid conversation About Wealth" -- San Francisco Chronicle, September 23, 2020
"Four Questions to Help Demystify Your Relationship With Money", The New York Times, Wealth Matters by Paul Sullivan, September 11, 2020
"Wrestling With Wealth" -- Psychology Today, May 2020
Guest on the following podcasts:
Financial Grownup Podcast with Bobbi Rebell Crazy Money Podcast The Alain Guillot Show Creating Community for Good with Lindsay Simonds The Women Power Wealth Show with Jacquie Edwards Money Tale$ podcast QWERTY Podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books with Zibby Owens HerMoney with Jean ChatzkyStacking Benjamins Podcast Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast
