Cutting Loose: Why Women Who End Their Marriages Do So Well (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In contrast to those who view divorce and its aftermath negatively, Applewhite (Thinking Positive: Words of Inspiration for People with AIDS, S. & S., 1995) focuses here on the positive effects. Using case histories and well-documented research, she offers a no-nonsense, practical look at women who have come through the process of divorce and feel good about their experiences. The chapters "Law and Lawyers" and "Money and Work" address many legal and financial concerns that offer the reader good direction. Building on her own divorce experience, Applewhite offers comfort, encouragement, and hope to women contemplating the end of their marriages. The book is easy to read and includes an extensive bibliography. Recommended for popular psychology collections in public libraries.?Elizabeth Goeters, DeKalb Coll. Learning Resources Ctr., Dunwoody, Ga.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

A divorc‚e enthusiastically explains why shedding one's husband can be the smartest, healthiest move an unhappily married woman can make. Applewhite, a freelance editor and writer, presents a composite portrait of today's strong and resourceful divorced woman, compiled through interviews with nearly 50 women of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds who initiated their divorces. As depicted here, marriage is too often an oppressive arrangement for women, one they can well do without. If Applewhite's figures are correct, three-fourths of today's divorces are initiated by women, and if her analysis of the situation is correct, they are better off, at least psychologically, for having taken the big step. Despite the financial hardship experienced by the women, especially those with dependent children, none regretted having gotten a divorce; indeed, some expressed regret at not having done it sooner. An admittedly unscientific sampling of women--Applewhite appealed for interviewees in The Pennysaver, Romance Writers Report, and other publictions--these confident women eagerly share their experiences of coming to the decision, going through the legal process, coping with the financial consequences, regaining their independence, and parenting and step-parenting. While Applewhite declares that this is not a how-to manual, she offers plenty of practical advice on finding a lawyer, protecting oneself and getting one's money's worth, using a mediator, and the basics of custody arrangements and child support. More significant, though, for any woman contemplating a divorce, is the hearty you-too-can-do-it encouragement that permeates the text. An empowering and comforting message for unhappily married women, but one whose validity is open to debate. ($30,000 ad/promo; author tour; radio satellite tour) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (April 7, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060928883
• ISBN-13: 978-0060928889
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #207,101 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CUTTING LOOSE is uplifting and honest, July 20, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cutting Loose: Why Women Who End Their Marriages Do So Well (Hardcover)

CUTTING LOOSE takes a fresh, and certainly controversial, look at divorce, incorporating advice, helpful information, and uplifting and honest narratives from fifty or so women who left their husbands. These women are not weighed down by guilt and regret and rightfully so, because clearly they, like many women who divorce, did not take their decision lightly. Many spent months, even years, weighing the consequences before ending their relationships, often consulting a therapist for guidance (while many of their husbands refused marriage counseling). No wonder that despite the pain, the guilt, and sometimes heavy financial losses, these women are doing so well. Moreover, so are their kids. As Applewhite points out, divorce doesn't devastate children; neglectful and inadequate parenting does, and that can exist in intact families. It's about time women in bad marriages had a book that shows them that divorce can be a positive experience in the long run for them, their children, even their husbands.
What a refreshing, positive view of a difficult subject. --Nancy Darrow, well-adjusted child of divorce!

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very affirming and encouraging, September 5, 1997

By	[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cutting Loose: Why Women Who End Their Marriages Do So Well (Hardcover)

Cutting Loose is not a "how-to" manual for women who are contemplating divorce (although it does have helpful information in it), nor is it a book designed to encourage women to initiate divorce. Rather, it is an extremely well-written commentary on the changing roles of marriage and divorce in our society today. Ms. Applewhite explores, with sensitivity, the issues that have led to divorce for a number of women, and how difficult it is, in almost all cases, for the woman to make the choice to leave. She also explores the many and varied feelings that go along with making that decision, many of which are brought on by the pressure of societal views, and what people still see as "right" or "normal", even in these days of supposed equal rights for women. This book took a very tough subject and explored it in great depth. Although it made me sad at times, overall I found this book very affirming and ultimately uplifting, as I read about others in similar situations as mine. I would recommend this book to anyone, married, unmarried, male or female, who is interested in exploring marriage and gaining some insight into why it doesn't always work. And for those of us who initiated our divorces, it's comforting to know we're not out there alone

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars informative, frank and uplifting, September 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cutting Loose: Why Women Who End Their Marriages Do So Well (Hardcover)

Our couples counsellor recommended this book to me soon after I made the decision to divorce. It gave me a fresh outlook at a time when I really needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. The book also inspired me to think about the future and all the good things that can come out of confronting and subsequently leaving an unfulfilling relationship.