cover image I Will Never Leave You

I Will Never Leave You

Hugh Prather. Bantam Books, $19.95 (374pp) ISBN 978-0-553-09533-3

Drawing on personal experience and case studies, the Prathers (Notes to Myself), human-potential workshop leaders in Arizona, argue that breaking up is seldom the best solution for a troubled marriage and can wreak emotional havoc in children. They make a strong case for avoiding today's trend toward separation psychology-the belief that humans function better when they don't ``need'' others. Detailing the eight stages (``mindsets'') of ``real'' relationships, the authors show how partners can protect their marriage against such threats as infidelity, financial insecurity and even the special problems of step-parenting. Candid examples of how the Prathers overcame obstacles in their own marriage add to this book's credibility. (Jan.)