The Secret Lives Of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes To Stay Married (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I might not have chosen to read this book had I not attended an event for MoverMoms where author Iris Krasnow spoke, and representatives from Politics and Prose were there to sell her books. Her presentation was very interesting, so I chose several of her titles. Ms. Krasnow interviewed hundreds of women in successful long-term marriages for this book. Her main assertion is that wives who don't rely on their husbands for happiness end up having the happiest marriages. Elements such as satisfying work (paid or volunteer) and friendships outside of marriage are vital. Despite the tantalizing title about "secret lives," there is no mandate to keep secrets from one's spouse. Rather, the advice is old-fashioned, in a good way: we made a promise when we got married and we're in it for the long haul. It is unrealistic to think our spouses can provide us with the answers to all of our emotional, intellectual and other needs, so let's take responsibility for our own happiness and discover for ourselves what works to keep ourselves and our marriages happy. Ms. Krasnow apparently only knows, or only seeks out, extremely rich people with extraordinary lives to interview. She also repeats herself multiple times and contradicts herself; once claiming that her women friends didn't understand her and she prefers the friendship of men. Toward the end of the book she raves about her women friends. One doesn't really know what to think of her advice. I wouldn't read another one of her books. Blah, blah, blah . . .
What do You think about The Secret Lives Of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes To Stay Married (2011)?
Couldn't finish it either...just not applicable to me or much wisdom in her words of advice.
—Blondie_1844
Endearing and interesting...mindless read I enjoyed to compliment heavier reads.
—nicole
It was okay. Some stories better than others. Overall inspiring.
—Superjinkay
Highly recommended for anyone married over 10 years!!!
—nella
