Cathi Hanauer Knihy

My friends and I complained about our exhaustion. During lulls in our conversation, I noticed a teenage couple at a nearby table sharing kisses. When a friend bluntly asked about my marriage, "Are you guys having sex?" I wanted to laugh. Women today have unprecedented choices, yet many smart, ambitious women feel angry and dissatisfied. This collection of essays by twenty-six women writers explores these feelings, inviting readers into their lives, minds, and bedrooms to discuss their choices and the outcomes. At work, people describe me as "unflappable," while at home, my family calls me "grumpy" and "tense," even suggesting I should return to work to escape the chaos. With humor and wit, these women, aged twenty-four to sixty-five, share personal stories they've never revealed before. They range from single and childless to married with children or divorced multiple times. One writer reflects on her desire to be a good mother while grappling with her own anger, which fuels her. The result is a powerful and intimate exploration of the experiences of successful women today, showcasing their anger, grace, and glory.

Virginia Woolf introduced us to the “Angel in the House,” and now we encounter a different narrative. Women today have unprecedented choices, yet many smart, ambitious individuals feel angry, dissatisfied, and stressed. This collection of essays by twenty-six women writers, aged twenty-four to sixty-five, explores these feelings and the choices they've made. With humor and honesty, they invite readers into their lives to discuss what’s working and what’s not. Topics include the challenges of relationships, the balance between love and work, and the complexities of family dynamics. Contributors candidly address issues like co-parenting myths, the pressures of traditional roles, and the frustrations of dealing with partners and societal expectations. They express anger over various issues, from body image to generational conflicts with their mothers. Cathi Hanauer notes that “this book was born out of anger,” yet it ultimately offers an intimate sharing of experiences that will resonate with readers. This collection serves as a vital companion for students navigating modern feminism, showcasing the collective voice of successful women today in all their anger, grace, and glory.