cover image Everywoman's Emotional Well-Being

Everywoman's Emotional Well-Being

Carol Tavris. Doubleday Books, $19.95 (504pp) ISBN 978-0-385-18561-5

This third volume in the EveryWomen's series presents essays by 23 expert contributors covering universal and contemporary issues which confront women from adolescence to old age. With an emphasis on practical advice and strategies for action, and replete with anecdotes, up-to-date research and suggestions for further reading, the book is useful both as general reading, and as a reference guide. The four major sectionslove, work and self-respect; life transitions; conflicts and crises; and change and therapyare approached with the realistic attitude that perfection is impossible, that stress, flaws, problems and depression are inevitable elements of a normal life, and that problems should be dealt with with humor, self-esteem and joy for life. Illuminating discussions on motherhood without guilt, autonomy vs. intimacy, and the perfection paradox raise the book from the status of pop psychology. Illustrations not seen by PW. (May 16)