“Simple solutions for survival in this family-unfriendly culture. . . . Eye-opening. . . heart-wrenching and uplifting.”—San Francisco Chronicle
Even more resonant today than at its original publication in 1996, The Shelter of Each Other traces the effects of our society’s “anti-family” way of life, where parents are overtaxed, children are undersupervised, and technology is rapidly dictating how we interact. As she did in her number-one bestseller Reviving Ophelia, Mary Pipher illuminates how our families are suffering at the hands of shifting cultural norms, and she snaps our gaze into crisp focus.
Drawing on the fascinating stories of families rich and poor, angry and despairing, religious and skeptical, and probing deep into her own family memories and experiences, Pipher clears a path to the strength and energy at the core of family life. Compassionate and heart-wrenching, The Shelter of Each Other is an impassioned call for us to gather our families in our arms and hold on to them for dear life.
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"I felt Pipher is right on about her opinions on what families need today. The TV needs to be turned off, and people should be creating their own stories and memories. Her case studies presented didn't impress me or really illustrate her points further for me, but I enjoyed her messages. Families should be making conscious decisions about what media is entering their homes and also be conscious about the effect today's popular culture is having upon their specific families. A family's history is what is remembered, not material objects. This book was written over a decade ago. I wonder how Pipher feels now? The 90s references were a blast from the past. All in all, a good read cementing my beliefs on how to create a positive community."
— Kelly (4 out of 5 stars)
Simple solutions for survival in this family-unfriendly culture…Eye-opening…heart-wrenching and uplifting.
— San Francisco ChronicleCompelling.
— USA TodayA canny mix of optimism and practicality.
— NewsweekThis new book is an expansion of Reviving Ophelia but offers more ideas for change.
— The Washington Post Book WorldLively, straightforward… The Shelter of Each Other offers hope for the American family in a time that challenges its viability.
— Kirkus ReviewsPlain and practical talk for beleaguered parents and the families they are trying to protect.
— Publishers Weekly" Same author as Reviving Ophelia - about family relationships. Very good. "
— Kristen, 2/2/2014" I have had this book for ages and every time I hit a bumpy spot in a very important relationship I pull it out. I need to remind myself of some of the important reasons for sheltering each other. "
— Nicki, 1/22/2014" The sub-title is: Rebuilding Our Families. "
— Reuel, 1/17/2014" I love her books. She explores the needs of different groups (teen girls, older adults) with thoughtfulness and care. "
— Alicia, 1/16/2014" The emphasis is to focus on the family and not let distractions, activities, people, places or things get in the way of whats important. "
— Christina, 1/14/2014" I cannot say enough good things about this book! I think it is very timely (even if it is 10 years old) and well written. Pipher talks very adeptly about the importance of families, how families have been torn apart by the larger culture and how to fix this problem. I think everyone needs to read this book. Pipher ends the book with a really hopeful tone, giving the reader a feeling that one person can make a difference and that the ills of society really can be repaired. "
— Elissa, 1/13/2014" I read this book many years ago, but it is still relevant. I use the concepts for making families work in my own life and with the families with whom I work. Good stories to support the concepts presented and easy to read. "
— Jill, 1/12/2014" A very life- and family-affirming book "
— brooke, 12/31/2013" I'll refer back to this one in the future, I'm certain. "
— Ashley, 12/30/2013" this book has so many great ideas and positive outlook on how powerful families can be in todays scary world, I high-light and took notes. "
— Melanie, 12/29/2013" So me!! I read this book while camping when my boys were a little younger and I vowed for the simple life ever since! "
— Gina, 11/16/2013" This is an awesome book that talks about how family needs to be there for each other and respectful parenting. "
— Karri, 11/15/2013" I don't remember feeling like she offered anything specific to remedy the problems she describes so well, but maybe I need to reread it. I liked her discussion of TV and media---how we allow things into our home via the screen that we never would allow otherwise, etc. "
— Deirdre, 7/4/2013" I love this author - lot's of good insight into what is important in families and how society has impacted families. Will use it in my work everyday! "
— Brenda, 6/5/2013" Don't remember much, but have loved everything she has written. "
— Marie, 5/19/2013" Really important book for therapists to consider "
— Jane, 5/13/2013" Although forced to read this for my Masters degree, I suggest this book for ANYONE who is raising a family in modern America. "
— Sqyire21, 4/8/2013" Some parts I liked and some parts I didn't. But I thought it had good ideas on how to build families. "
— Lou, 3/29/2013" I found this a phenomenal book that not only reminds us the importance of families but teaches us how to nurture our children and our family. Every young parent should read this book "
— Lynn, 3/24/2013" I've read this book before but I am re-reading it because I am in need of a refresher. "
— Miranda, 11/4/2012" Very good. Very applicable. Maybe the author/doctor is Mormon! "
— Rosemary, 9/26/2012" An interesting book about the struggles different families go through. Mary Phipher writes about how technology and media have changed the dynamics of families in bad and good ways. She writes of the importance of families and communities. It really motivated me to reach out to family and neighbors. "
— Alyssa, 9/16/2012" This one is another very interesting book to read for common people (those of us who aren't therapists), that will impact choices I make for my family. I love her take on society and the impact it has on our lives and good advice how to help our kids and each other. Very good. "
— Stacy, 11/21/2011" Enjoyed it but didn't find anything earth shattering. "
— Katherine, 10/8/2011" Don't remember much, but have loved everything she has written. "
— Marie, 5/3/2011" A message more urgent than ever. "
— Kathleen, 9/23/2010" I have had this book for ages and every time I hit a bumpy spot in a very important relationship I pull it out. I need to remind myself of some of the important reasons for sheltering each other. "
— Nicki, 7/19/2010" Also read back in the mid-1990's and I remember being in adoration of this woman's writing because she wants people to love and respect each other. Good ideas on how to start in this book. "
— Tonia, 3/5/2010" this book has so many great ideas and positive outlook on how powerful families can be in todays scary world, I high-light and took notes. "
— Melanie, 1/13/2010" The emphasis is to focus on the family and not let distractions, activities, people, places or things get in the way of whats important. "
— Christina, 9/2/2009" Some parts I liked and some parts I didn't. But I thought it had good ideas on how to build families. "
— Lou, 6/23/2009" Enjoyed it but didn't find anything earth shattering. "
— Katherine, 4/15/2009" I'll refer back to this one in the future, I'm certain. "
— Ashley, 3/1/2009" I've read this book before but I am re-reading it because I am in need of a refresher. "
— Miranda, 2/27/2009" Very good. Very applicable. Maybe the author/doctor is Mormon! "
— Rosemary, 1/29/2009" Same author as Reviving Ophelia - about family relationships. Very good. "
— Kristen, 1/16/2009" So me!! I read this book while camping when my boys were a little younger and I vowed for the simple life ever since! "
— Gina, 11/16/2008Mary Pipher, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Reviving Ophelia. Awarded the American Psychological Association’s Presidential Citation, Pipher speaks across the country to families, mental health professionals, and educators. She has appeared on Today, 20/20, Charlie Rose, PBS’s NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and NPR’s Fresh Air.