Journal Entry 1 by Breeni from Rockwell, North Carolina USA on Sunday, August 01, 2010

When she's not taking pot shots at President Clinton or feminists, Schlessinger actually makes some valid arguments against the petty and selfish behavior that destroys many relationships. Unfortunately much of her wisdom is overshadowed by her disdain for liberal values. She advocates a return to antiquated dating rituals of years of courtship prior to pursuing a relationship and enduring painful and destructive marriages for the sake of avoiding divorce. While I appreciate Schlessinger's assertions that we should be supportive and loving to those around us and always consider the well-being of any children involved, her vision for America sharply contrasts with the glaring reality most of us face. Experiencing life and learning about oneself through heartbreak and the richness of emotion are core facets of a healthy existence. Schlessinger would rather have us sacrifice this avenue of self-discovery for the security of monotony and boredom. Boredom, she asserts, is largely a state of mind we create for ourselves and have the ability to transform. And I agree. But transforming that boredom does not have to consist of brainwashing oneself into appreciating despair. Plus, her insistence that contentment lies solely in spirituality--more specifically The Bible--excludes the growing number of atheists and agnostics from her Utopian vision of marital bliss. A noble attempt, but I'd rather take relationship advice from someone a little less self-righteous and a lot more open-minded.

Passing this book onto my friend Amy so we'll have some good fodder for book club discussions. :) 

Journal Entry 2 by Breeni at Rockwell, North Carolina USA on Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (8/3/2010 UTC) at Rockwell, North Carolina USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Handing this off to Amy next time we have book club at Casa Grande.