Case Against Divorce [Mass Market Paperback]

Diane Medved (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 1990

Despite the pain, the emotional turmoil, the fights and the tears, marital problems can be solved -- without ending in a trauma that will haunt you and your family for years.

Written by a renowned clinical psychologist, this reassuring book reveals how your family, your friends, and even society at large can inadvertently encourage divorce -- and subtly deceive you into thinking that single is better. Discover:
-- Step-by-step methods for recognizing your marital problems and working them out-together.
-- The very valid reasons to stay together that are usually given bum raps, including "We Should Stay Together for the Sake of the Children" and "I'm Staying in My Marriage Because I Can't Face Being Alone."
-- The most common reasons given for divorce -- and why they are, more often than not, excuses for not wanting to face the difficulties of marriage.
-- The destructive myths of divorce, including "The Fresh Start." "Meeting Lovers is Easy," and the "Greener Grass Syndrome."
-- The exceptional situations when divorce really is the only answer.
-- And much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Psychologist Medved ( Children: To Have or Have Not? ) presents herself like a thoroughly prepared prosecutor clinching the case against divorce as a major public enemy, arguing that couples on the verge of ending their marriages do their utmost to avoid it: "I discovered in my research that the process and aftermath of divorce is sic so pervasively disastrous to body, mind, and spirit--that in an overwhelming number of cases, the 'cure' that it brings is surely worse than the marriage's 'disease.' " Quoting from 200 "witnesses" who testify to divorce's long-term hardships, Medved makes clear that ex-spouses and their children bear emotional scars, reduced financial/social status and other wounds. Though a feminist, she blames the women's movement in part for the alarming growth of broken homes and claims that mothers and children suffer more than men from marital break-ups. Her male interviewees seem to regret the failure of their marriages, lending further credence to Medved's stance against divorce.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Clinical psychologist Medved here offers an indictment of divorce, taking the reasons most commonly given--such as adultery, need for independence, and lack of compatibility--and harshly criticizing couples for giving up too soon. She also attempts to demonstrate how dismal life is for the divorced individual in today's society. Though her book will certainly make couples hesitate before seeking a divorce, it lacks compassion and is almost frightening in its gloom-and-doom predictions. In addition, the statistics Medved uses appear skewed to support her argument without being remotely objective. Not a strong candidate.
- Kim Banks, Columbia Univ. Lib.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Ivy Books (May 28, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804106339
• ISBN-13: 978-0804106337
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.5 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #829,023 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Parenting & Families > Family Relationships > Divorce
  • #85 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Parenting & Families > Family Relationships > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A better understanding of why relationships work or do not., August 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Case Against Divorce (Mass Market Paperback)

This book has explained in an intelligent manner why some relationships struggle. It gives an honest and sometimes brutal opinion of people. I was surprised to find out that the way family and friends react can impact and even help destroy a marriage. My wife left me and I know she was supported through this when her friends could have pushed her to get help. Instead, they told her things would be okay without giving her reasons why things would be okay. They were there for her for themselves. Dont get me wrong, I accept my responsibility for our struggles 50-50 but did not get a chance to fix my marriage soon enough. I still have some hope. If your marriage is struggling read this and have your spouse read this. Have your family read this. Dont let anyone impact your marriage without some intelligent thought behind their words.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book!, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Case Against Divorce (Mass Market Paperback)

If you are considering divorce or are going through a divorce, this is a must read book! This book does a wonderful job describing the Lie and Lures of divorce and why your marriage is worth saving. After having an unwanted divorce served upon me I feel much better knowing it's easier to try and work things out instead of just throwing in the towel. Anyone who wants a divorce should read this, I wish my husband would have!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendously helpful. My marriage is 100% better., January 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Montana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Case Against Divorce (Mass Market Paperback)

My 20-year marriage seemed hopeless. I had gotten a list of divorce lawyers. Then I read this book. My husband and I decided that maybe there was hope. Our feelings didn't change right away, but by changing our attitude about marriage and divorce, we found the strength to try harder to make it work. The book was the main stimulus to help us do this. We are so glad it helped, and so are our children.