Young Wives' Tales: New Adventures in Love and Partnership

I can't believe the negative reviews I've just found regarding this title... and some of them written by so-called feminists themselves. How can someone be offended by a book or the stories of others' lives? Only if they choose to fear words or the expression of others' thoughts and ways of life. Love and partnership: the very subject matter is quite personal and so, the anthology is a collection of intimate tales very openly shared showing the trials, tribulations, challenges, and discoveries of a variety of women. For the first time in reading these accounts, I've realized there are others like me...those of us who don't view relationships, sex, and love as conventional, traditional, or confined but as very unique and individual circumstances and arrangements fitting the uniqueness of the individuals involved themselves. The stories will open your mind, introduce new ways of thought, and support the idea that we are all connected, as humans and women, no matter how different we may be. The stories are inspiring, making you feel included rather than excluded, and give you the motivation to continue to seek the partnerships best suited to your own needs and wants. It's a joy to read, full of surprises, and exactly what you'd expect from such a title. It serves to confirm the definition and benefit of true and inclusive feminism, allowing room for all of us whether we go the marriage route or not.

I found this book to be witty, charming and honest. It offers examples of how heterosexual relationships are challenged and penalized by gender hegemonhy and the social narrative of heteronormativity. Moreover, it's far from a dry or verbose scholarly text. It is clever and fun to read.

If you're looking for a serious look at marriage and commitment in this day and age, Young Wives Tales is a remarkable book written with surprising insight and originality. The writers speak their minds while not giving in to so-called male authority or giving false homage to a male-centered agenda. These young women are daring and delightful! They take charge of their own lives, in their own way, without being obligated to evaluate their worth in terms of patriarchal opinions or vision.Don't get me wrong, these women are respectful of their male counterparts (those that include men) and live and love in a healthy manner. Some of the essays do not concern male participation at all and do not hinge on "male authority." Some folks may be uncomfortable with a marriage that does not need or want male endorsement. Nevertheless, the authors do not lessen their voices or cater to male-centered expectations. "A Crossing of Arms: The Pagan Handfasting," is a favorite because of the poetic skill of the author and the focus on male and female together. The unique name-sharing option described in this piece is neither pro-male nor pro-female. It is something more, beyond and between these dichotomies, the author asserting her voice, while not insulting or demoting the male experience. "The Lesbian Baby Dance" demonstrates the struggles of lesbian parenting -- a reality so often shunned, criticized or disregarded altogether. The women want a baby, and do not have to hook up with a male to make that happen, so they are not economically, socially -- or even reproductively dependent upon men. This book deals with sex, singlehood, feminist parenting, child-free marriage, living together, marital boundaries, multi-partnered love and feminist vision. The voices are strong, the pieces well-written and the collection, itself refreshing. Be warned, if a strong feminist consciousness could intimidate you, then perhaps this book is not for you. All 30 essays are stimulating, and are written by some extraordinary women who are not afraid to rattle some cages in living and loving as they please.

As a young feminist, I had an exceptionally difficult time reconciling my beliefs with the fact not only was I head over heels in love with a man, for some reason I was even thinking I wanted to marry him. I had spent most of my life to date deriding the institution of marriage, and when I realized that commitment was in fact what I wanted with this man, I felt utterly confused. I wish I'd had this book three years ago when I was looking for some guidance -- even reading it now gave me a fresh dose of insight and made me realize that there are OTHERS out there as well who struggle with this decision. In short: this book rocks. No matter what your situation and persuasion, you'll find something inside you can relate with.

This is an outstanding collection of essays. I could easily relate to many of the postives and negatives of relationship commitments that all of the women discussed. I found this book a breath of fresh air!