A kitschy framework yields surprisingly sensible advice. Owens (Confident Investing
) incorporates commonplace language and everyday experiences to render complex or foreign finance concepts comprehensible, and though she errs on the side of cutesy—a thought exercise is a “purser-cize”— she generally strikes an admirable balance. She emphasizes becoming knowledgeable about the stock market and investing as a way to build personal wealth and independence, and underscores her point with examples of dozens of women who've made it. Her firm, cheerful tone—she encourages developing a “Wealthy Outlook” and “Wealthy Habits”—and a plethora of resource listings and sound suggestions make this a winner for women looking to gain financial freedom, as long as said women don't mind learning about investing in dieting terms. (Jan.)
