Second Chances

by Judith S. Wallerstein

The national bestseller Second Chances has radically transformed the ways we think about divorce, and its message continues to gain greater resonance as more research on the long-term effects of divorce is completed. Based on the renowned psychologist Judith S. Wallerstein's landmark study of sixty families, this insightful report on the first decade after a breakup reveals the emotional, economic, and psychological impact of divorce -- on adults and especially on children. An instructive, reassuring, and sensitive account, Second Chances should be "required -- and eminently rewarding -- reading for anyone interested in the contemporary family" (Nancy Chodorow, Ph.D.).

Genres: Divorce, Nonfiction, Parenting, Self Help

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[dianne b. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with insight and authentic concern - but wildly uncontrolled (as a study) and a bit redundant.

This book is so convincing in its conclusions about the damage of divorce on children - much true - being a study of 2nd generations - that i (for one) stayed in an unhealthy relationship too long.

Modelling doormat behavior isn't healthy either.

Statistical significance IS significant, i suppose.

[Bruno Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be dated and class-specific in various ways, but I found it incredibly moving, and helpful. It describes perspectives and offers insights that have touched me deeply and I recommend it (perhaps as a starting point) to anyone who has lived through divorce, either as a child or as a parent.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time, this book was on point. Over 30 years have passed since its original publication. 20 years since I first read it. Yes, I did recognize myself in some passages, now easier to behold and understand.
Some of the book's premise is no longer valid, what with many gender-based myths shattered (or shuttered).
Robin Williams once said that the word 'Divorce' was another way to emasculate through the wallet.
Alternately, some partners chose to tear down everything and everyone around them.
Second chances? Not so much.....

[Benjamin Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book put into words so many nameless emotions, trains of thought, and relationships I’ve experienced in the years since my parents divorced. Upon reading the first 50 pages or so, I knew this would be incredibly informative and eye opening experience for me.

I would recommend this to anyone who has been touched by divorce.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written book about coping with divorce. As a child of divorce, I was quite surprised that neither my sister nor I followed the symptons, situations modeled in the book.

I think it is must-read for anyone going through a divorce or having difficulty who has survived the divorce of his or her parents.

[Bosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic look at the psychology of divorce.