Families of Two (Paperback)

~ Laura Carroll (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Families of Two: Interviews with Happily Married Couples Without Children by Choice, takes us into the lives of the growing number of couples who are choosing not to have children, and dispels the myths commonly associated with this choice. Families of Two provides insight for couples who are deciding whether to have children, and to friends and family of couples who have chosen or may choose not to have children. It celebrates the many people who are living lives that do not include parenthood, and the many ways to live happily ever after.

About the Author

Laura Carroll has worked as a writer, industry psychology consultant and seminar leader for fifteen years. Her previous works include Finding Fulfillment From the Inside Out: How to Unravel the Real You and Discover Your Purpose in Life. She and her husband live in Oregon, and have no children by choice.

Krista Bartz is a photographer who dabbled in classical piano performance and competition ultimate frisbee before embarking on graduate work in riparian ecology. She lives in Seattle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corporation; 1st edition (September 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738822620
• ISBN-13: 978-0738822624
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #416,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insights into Very Personal Choices, October 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Families of Two (Hardcover)

The author interviews couples from around the country about their choice not to have kids, and she does an excellent job of asking these couples insightful, probing questions about their choice. Each interview has its own chapter, and each interview follows a similar format, with similar questions. I liked that because I could compare the various stories of the couples. What's interesting is that while there are some commonalities, the reasons the people being interviewed gave for not having children vary widely.

The author writes a little intro for each couple, describing the setting and what each person does for a living. The people talk about their histories and how they met. So even though this book is nonfiction, I like the sort of character development that comes out. Plus, with all of the well-done pictures, you can easily follow their stories, and you aren't left wondering what people who choose not to have kids *really* look like.

I would definitely recommend this book. I think it quells some myths about the types of people that choose not to have children. It's a must-read, especially for those still deciding whether to have children, for people interested in the choices of others, and for those who know someone that has made the choice. I haven't seen any other books like it, but I sure hope more follow, at least if they're as well done as this one.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a book to get me off the hook, November 3, 2000

By	Tony S (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Families of Two (Hardcover)

I saw Ms. Carroll recently on the Early Show and so needed to hear what she had to say. My wife and I have been happily married for five years, and I am an only child. You cannot believe the pressures and questions we face every time we visit our parents. We immediately purchased a copy of Families of Two and read it this past weekend. Although we may not change our parent's desire for a grandchild, we are both more at peace with our decision, and now have amunition for dealing with our parents and our friends. The couples that Ms. Carroll interviewed also gave us hope that we can continue to enjoy a happy marriage without children. I highly reccommend this book for couples who have decided to be childless, as well as parents & family who harang them with pressure. Thank you Ms. Carroll.

103 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not like us after all, May 31, 2002

By A Customer

I was hoping to find that the couples, in this book, were alot like my husband and I. Just ordinary people doing something a little different. But these couples seemed to have cornered the market on degrees, phds and compassion (especially w/ children). We are not like the "hippie" "do-gooder" "aura watching" people in this book. I would have liked the author to have found a more diverse group especially in age and income.
We have dogs and cats (our children)and I would have liked to find some animal lovers in this bunch. Where were all the down-to-earth, average people? It was sad to find that these people are not like us after all. Maybe I should just have kids... nah there is that whole diaper thing.