Mothers-in-Law and Daughters-in-Law

Love, Hate, Rivalry and Reconciliation

by Susan Shapiro Barash

Mothers-in-law are often the brunt of comic routines from The Honeymooners to Everybody Loves Raymond. Now, Susan Shapiro Barash, acclaimed for her books, Second Wives and Sisters, turns her penetrating powers of observation to the oldest of triangles. She explores the uncharted dimensions of mother-in-law / daughter-in-law / son/husband roles.

Whether you are a long- or short-term mother-in-law or daughter-in-law, newly engaged, or the son/husband trapped in between, you will benefit from this book. Barash will lead you through this complex relationship to a better understanding of the dynamics of insecurity, generational jealousies, child rearing dilemmas and power struggles.

Utilizing an extensive survey of hundreds of women, their mothers-in-law and the men they share, Barash offers readers the chance to hear the real voices of those affected, of the mixed feelings and problems faced as well as the ways in which they learned to cope and solutions they devised. Interspersed with these first-hand accounts are the insights and recommendations of noted psychologists and relationship counselors.

From Mothers-in-Law and Daughters-in-Law, readers will learn how to create a mutually independent and rewarding relationship that allows mother-in-law, daughter-in-law and son/husband to grow.

"Barash reminds readers that building successful relationships means understanding and respecting each other's needs...even the worst relationships can be healed."
— Newsday

"A fresh look at in-laws...provides hopeful advice for all parties, making this a valuable tool for newlyweds as well as those who have been experiencing in-law problems for years."
— Beach Haven Times

"Addresses the issue that affects millions of marriages and crosses demographic lines."
— Cox News Service

"Very candid. Readers will feel as if they know the women in this book personally. Beneficial for a mother-in-law, a daughter-in-law and even the husband/son."
— Bride Again

*Featured in Redbook, People en Espanol, the Baltimore Sun, Arizona Tribune, Ventura County Star, Washington Times and on Lifetime Television
*Syndicated by Cox News Service and L.A. Times-Washington Post News Service
*Chinese (simplified) rights sold to Chine WaterPower Press

Susan Shapiro Barash is the author of Second Wives: The Pitfalls and Rewards of Marrying Widowers and Divorced Men (New Horizon Press), A Passion for More: Wives Reveal the Affairs That Make or Break Their Marriages, Sisters: Devoted or Divided and The Men Out There: A Woman's Little Black Book. Susan teaches critical thinking, gender studies and screenwriting at Marymount Manhattan College and resides with her husband and children in New York City.

A New Horizon Press Release
Self-help/Relationships
6 x 9, 224 pages
LC #00-132521, world rights
ISBN: 0-88282-206-3 (hc), $14.95