The Fabric Of Friendship »

If you have ever felt hurt, anger, or envy toward an important woman in your life—mother, sister, or friend—this book is for you. Exploring the emotional hurdles women face in their relationships—from trust and honesty to competition and envy—Joy Carol reveals a simple truth: friendship is never simple.

Library Journal

Believing that women's friendships are some of the most intense relationships in the universe, Carol (Journeys of Courage) draws on research findings, opinions, and case studies to validate the power of these friendships and provide solutions to possible problems. Carol discusses the important role played by mothers and sisters as a woman's first friends and explores that bond's implications in later life. A particularly helpful feature is the Q&A section at the end of each chapter, in which the author pulls together solutions women have managed when dealing with a particular dilemma. The Art of Friendship is not so much a narrative as a compilation of tips and rules garnered from a lifetime of experience. Catalog entrepreneur and Broadway producer Roger Horchow and his journalist daughter, Sally, offer suggestions on how to meet people, maintain quality friendships, deal with problems, and end a relationship if the need should arise. A lot of the advice seems fairly obvious and almost redundant (e.g., listen before you speak, express affection), but the authors' writing style and anecdotes make for a fairly engaging read. While Carol's book is satisfactory, Liz Pryor's What Did I Do Wrong? would be a better purchase because it deals more fully with the demise and pain of women's friendships. The Horchows' book is recommended for larger public libraries. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.