If you are a feminist, will the teachings of Fascinating Womanhood interest you? It depends on what you want out of life. If you want to be liberated from the chores of the household so you can pursue any path you choose, one for which you may have great talent, this may not be for you. Or if you feel marriage is a 50/50 proposition in which you must claim your rights even if you must demand them, then this message is definitely not for you.

On the other hand if you want a perfectly happy marriage - the foundation of a perfectly happy home, if you want your husband to love and cherish you with a tender affection that becomes more intense as you grow older, and if you want him to appreciate you every day of your life, then Fascinating Womanhood will show you the way.

What is the Fascinating Womanhood Way, and how does it differ from the Feminist Way? Here is a quick review of the basic differences: Feminism centers round claiming rights, whereas FW centers around filling responsibilities, especially those in the home. The feminists want to assure equality of the sexes, whereas FW women want to preserve the differences between the sexes. Feminism teaches women to focus on their needs. FW teaches women to focus on their husband's needs and their family's needs. Feminism promises women a life of freedom and equality. FW promises women a life of love and happiness. Feminism is a self-centered philosophy, whereas FW is an unselfish, giving philosophy. Feminism ignores basic religious principles, such as those taught in the Bible. FW is based on religious principles, supported by the Bible.

It is easy to see why some women become involved with the views of feminism. The words rights, freedom and equality sound so fair and square. They are especially attracted to feminism if these ideas are planted in their minds by their mothers, who hate housework, hate men and urge their daughters to liberate themselves from the chores of the household by seeking careers outside the home. Once out in the world of men they are urged to claim their rights in all areas - equal pay, equal opportunity, equal benefits etc. Naturally, young women exposed to this background are easy targets for feminism. They relate to their ideas and the influences of other young people. If there is no light to guide them in a better direction, they listen to the loud voices of the feminists and think it must be the only way to go.

Now and then an honest, open-minded feminist finds her way into the world of Fascinating Womanhood. With courage and persistence she applies the teachings and becomes transformed. With her eyes wide open she compares the two contrasting teachings, with a message of great value to others. Here is a letter from such a young woman.

Dear Mrs. Andelin,

"You have been like a mother to me even though you don't know it. My parent's marriage was a disaster. It is true that my father had many faults but my mother's reaction to his faults went against everything you teach, and I mean everything! Consciously or unconsciously she trained me the same way. My mother never taught me the importance of being a "domestic goddess" or how to understand men. In fact she taught me to be selfish and demanding and refused to teach me to cook or clean! She said I should demand a maid from my husband because she didn't want me to become the "slave" she had become, as she put it. I never did laundry until I went to college.

"I went to a woman's college where feminism ran rampant. In fact, it went overboard. I can understand wanting equal pay for equal work but I was surrounded by man haters. For awhile I bought in on it then I was struck by the stupidity of it all. They were trying to show how awful men are by taking all the negative traits of masculinity and expressing them themselves. It became very transparent to me. The men I knew were even more confused than the women. They wanted to be manly but were afraid to because the only way they could win a woman of my generation (I'm 26) was to be a "sensitive new age guy." Mrs. Andelin, we have a generation of women trying to be men and men trying to be women. It's absolutely insane!

"I used to be very masculine. I wore work boots, jeans, t-shirts and had boyish hair. Because I am a science teacher my job can be messy, so I still dress much the same way but I wear more feminine shoes and my hair is long. I also wear earrings and makeup to look more like a girl. I used to swear all the time, now I rarely do. I changed my mannerisms and my tone of voice. I have tried to quit smoking but have been unsuccessful in that endeavor. I used to stand there like a guy with a cigarette hanging from my mouth while I did something else like type or throw darts. What an ugly image. People who haven't seen me in years often comment on how much I have changed. FW helped me realize what I should be doing. Actually, when I read your book I felt more like I was "remembering" my long lost role. It all made perfect sense. When I'm not sure how to handle a situation I ask myself, "What would Mrs. Andelin do?"

"I love to sing karaoke and I go to the AmVets every week end to do it. Many of the men there are WWII and Korea veterans. They often compliment me and tell me what a lady I am. They say I am what a lady should be, and that so few women are anymore. My girlfriends never hear this, even though many are better looking than me. These older men have seen many of the changes in the male/female relationship over the years. They say when they see me I'm a breath of fresh air, and I remind them of their youth. Many of the men at my school are so confused because of the mixed signals they receive from women. Even though I am single I am much happier than I was before reading Fascinating Womanhood. I feel more at ease with myself and have much more confidence. The information I have gained from FW makes me confident that I will have a strong marriage when that day finally comes."

Before leaving this subject let's turn to the first paragraph, the part about the mother feeling like a slave, and teaching her daughter to demand a maid. Do you want to know what is wrong with this mother and why she hated her domestic work? Several things are wrong with her. In the first place she hated her work because she didn't consider it important enough. Second, she didn't put enough into it to enjoy it. And third, she considered herself too good to do such a lowly job. It was quite all right to let another woman clean her house but she was too good for the job. This is quite a different attitude from the Savior of mankind who bowed before his twelve apostles - humble fishermen, and with a pan of water washed their dusty feet and dried them with his towel. By this act he impressed on us all, in a dramatic way, the requirement that we remain humble.

"My mom sent me Fascinating Womanhood several months ago. At the time my marriage of 22 years was seriously floundering, our teen-age children were rebelling and our finances were in deep debt. Since reading the book I quickly saw my large part in causing many of our problems. Now, though our circumstances remain very difficult, our marriage is growing stronger and stronger day by day and we are in love again. Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing that book. I have bought seven copies and given them to friends."

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"I read FW before I ever married and it so helped me understand and have a much better relationship with my dad and brother. I have a heavenly marriage now and I believe it has a lot to do with knowing how to understand men. I praise our great creator for your book. Thank you! I have given some to friends and everyone who read the book is helped so much and inspired. If only everyone knew!