From Publishers Weekly
"If it weren't for wanting to be with a man, the single life can be quite satisfying." Psychotherapist Lewis hits the nail on the head in her seminal handbook for heterosexual women who are postponing living full, "adult lives" because they're biding their time in what they hope is the transitional stage of being single. All women, whether married or single, she asserts, have the same basic needs for intimacy, a healthy self-image and sexual expression; without a man, a single woman must work more diligently to fulfill each of these fundamental needs. To help women do so, Lewis offers nine worthy "tasks" ("being grounded," "making a decision about children," etc.), followed by opportunities for reflection and self-assessmentDa well-thought-out road map for women to travel beyond feeling overwhelmed by value judgments (theirs and everyone else's) about why they're not married. She encourages women in their mid-30s to their late-60s to recognize "this distinction: You have no control over when an appropriate man will fit in your life, but you do have control over making the life that you have a good oneDfor however long you have it." Well written, motivational and practical, Lewis's guide offers single women fresh and detailed advice for creating a happy, meaningful life. Like the 1995 bestselling Flying Solo, Lewis's book provides single women a bracing perspectiveDand an action plan. With its broad appeal, this title is well suited for reading groups. (Nov. 1)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Inside Flap
"There are lots of books on the single life, but this one is special. It’s packed with fresh insights you won’t find anywhere else. Lewis’ advice, particularly on communicating with men and being choosy in a healthy way, is solid gold." —Florence Isaacs, author of Toxic Friends/True Friends: How Your Friends Can Make or Break Your Health, Happiness, Family, and Career (Morrow)
"At last there is a popular book available that portrays single women as authentic individuals who can have rich and fulfilling lives. Without romancing the single state, Dr. Lewis addresses the challenges and opportunities it affords single women. Peppered with humor and wisdom, this book provides a unique and empowering view of single women while at the same time supplying well needed suggestions and a heavy dose of support and comfort." —Natalie Schwartzberg, author of Single in a Married World: A Life Cycle Framework for Working with the Unmarried Adult
"A thoughtful look at women’s lives today. Savvy and encouraging, like having a good friend in your corner as you face life’s challenges. A good read for any man who cares about the women in his life as well." —Sam Osherson, PhD, author of Wrestling With Love: How Men Struggle with Intimacy
"A deceptively easy read, With or Without a Man provides a framework for understanding why being single in our culture can be so difficult. Lewis, an always single family therapist, has written a thorough and authoritative book that can allow single women to stop blaming themselves for being single and to start taking charge of their lives. She helps readers name the unspoken and fashion strategies that can lead to a satisfying life with or without a man. This book is a must read!" —Beth M. Erickson, author of Longing for Dad: Father Loss and Its Impact and Helping Men Change: The Role of the Female Therapist
"With or Without a Man is a fresh and sparkling treatment of a subject treated so dreadfully in other books. Karen Gail Lewis understands single women in all their diversity, and offers astute and balanced insights about men as well. Ultimately, this is a book of wisdom about living a healthy life, no matter what your marital situation or marital prospects. Bravo, Karen!" —William J. Doherty, author of The International Family and Take Back Your Kids: Confident Parenting in Turbulent Times
"If it weren’t for wanting to be with a man, the single life can be quite satisfying." Psychotherapist Lewis hits the nail on the head in her seminal handbook for heterosexual women who are postponing living full, "adult lives" because they’re biding their time in what they hope is the transitional stage of being single. All women, whether married or single, she asserts, have the same basic needs for intimacy, a healthy self-image and sexual expression; without a man, a single woman must work more diligently to fulfill each of these fundamental needs. To help women do so, Lewis offers nine worthy "tasks" ("being grounded," "making a decision about children," etc.), followed by opportunities for reflection and self assessment—a well-thought-out road map for women to travel beyond feeling overwhelmed by value judgments (theirs and everyone else’s) about why they’re not married. She encourages women in their mid-30s to their late-60s to recognize "this distinction: You have no co! ntrol over when an appropriate man will fit in your life, but you do have control over making the life that you have a good one—for however long you have it." Well written, motivational and practical, Lewis’s guide offers single women fresh and detailed advice for creating a happy, meaningful life. Like the 1995 bestselling Flying Solo, Lewis’s book provides single women with a bracing perspective—and an action plan. With its broad appeal, this title is well suited for reading groups. —(October, 23, 2000 issue of Publisher’s Weekly Forecasts)
