This book surprised me. Given the title and the cover photo, I expected a more hostile discussion of marriage. What the book offers instead is a well thought out, articulate discussion of marriage in the 21st century. I've long been perplexed by the number of wedding related shows on cable TV, and I've been truly astonished by what people are paying for their weddings. I suppose it's a byproduct of our sexually "liberated" age that brides wear white even after having children, being divorced, etc. so that the beautiful white dress no longer means "brand new bride". The author explains the "Wedding Industrial Complex" that drives the image of the "perfect" wedding at the expense of all sensibilities. At the center of this, of course, is The Dress, that iconic image of marital bliss. The book also discusses wifely history, and of great concern to me these days, what women and men are doing about The Name Problem. I never thought it would still be an issue so many years on. but it is, and it's relevant, and we still don't have good solutions. In spite of the cover shot, this book is not anti-marriage. It is, however, anti-stupidity about marriage and weddings in particular. Read it if you are planning to get married, and read it if like me, you've been there, done that, and are doing it again soon. (I am truly mystified by why a second time bride would wear white, however. White speaks of marriage as a brand new thing. I do believe it should be left to first time brides, preferably those without kids, as white dresses after kids are still just silly. Yes, I know that's old school of me, and I really wish I felt differently. it's a matter of etiquette, not morality, however, in my case. )
The book also discusses wifely history, and of great concern to me these days, what women and men are doing about The Name Problem