Pathwys to Madnes V882

This book was required reading for my Abnormal Psychology class and it was simply a pleasure to go through it. Henry writes with a poetic tilt that makes even the most tedious passages bearable, and his perspective is a refreshing change from the heavy-handed reading that's so common in our textbooks. I highly recommend this to any student of anthropology, sociology or psychology. Praises, praises, praises. Can't you hear me singing?

A man at the top of his game! Insightful and deep analysis of dysfunctional family dynamics. Quotable lines jump off every page. Descriptons of the patients are vivid. A very big book, but very very readable. Excellent writing, excellent natural style, pleasure to read.

Jules Henry lives with and observes four families. His observations of their homes, lives and interactions, and his analyses are great examples of how to integrate psychological and sociological theory. While some of his assumptions are now outdated, the real value of this book, is placing the families with "mental illnesses" on the continuum with "normal families." He is also able to write without judgment and many of his observations give us great food for thought.