A review by treehugginpam
For Better or for Worse: Divorce Reconsidered by E. Mavis Hetherington, John Kelly

3.0

I actually read this book for one of my classes, not for my own divorce. Still, there were a lot of interesting and relatable tidbits in it for me, and I think for anyone who has gone through or is contemplating divorce as well. The interesting thing about this book is that it's not written by some shrink trying to tell you what you're feeling; it's actually based on a long-term study of people going through divorce. Hetherington spent 30 years studying 1,400 families as they went through divorce, and was able to discern patterns that virtually all people go through. What's particularly interesting is her thesis, that divorce is often not a bad thing. Though it's nearly always tough for the first year or two, Hetherington discusses how, for many people, divorce can actually be an enriching life experience for both the people getting divorced and their children as well. Divorce can be the springboard to a better life, and the jump start some people need to become a better person.

Duh. ;)