Cousins: A Unique and Powerful Bond : Those Magical Siblings can Change Your Life

Rating:
Summary: TRIUMPH
Review: A fullhearted read, a fascinating approach, a must have!
I could not put this book down, and found it enlightening when it came to the chapter on cousin marriages, who knew such a taboo subject could be written about with such grace, tact, and truthfulness. If you ever wondered about your family this is a great place to find spirited, humorous and thoughtful solace, along with insight and educational tools. There is no deny it Cousins is "A Unique and Powerful" Book.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and thoughtful
Review: Cousins is a thoughtful and entertaining book. The author describes her relationships with her own cousins, to whom she was very close growing up, as well as an analysis of different types of cousin relationships, including marriage. She describes the significance these often neglected relatives can have throughout our lives. Cousins can provide a great sense of family without the intense and sometimes negative emotions that exist in sibling relationships. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in family interactions and wants to learn more about this special and powerful bond.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and thoughtful
Review: Cousins is a thoughtful and entertaining book. The author describes her relationships with her own cousins, to whom she was very close growing up, as well as an analysis of different types of cousin relationships, including marriage. She describes the significance these often neglected relatives can have throughout our lives. Cousins can provide a great sense of family without the intense and sometimes negative emotions that exist in sibling relationships. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in family interactions and wants to learn more about this special and powerful bond.

Rating:
Summary: On Second thought...
Review: I originally rated this poorly. I have since re-read the book, after a good deal of correspondence with the author, and have rethought my critique. The book is highly antecdotal, but also gives amazing insight into the pyschological bond between cousins. I had always valued that insight, yet failed to give proper credit for it in my review.

My original opinion was based on an error in judgement. I initially mistook the quotes of some of the sources as the personal position of the author.

It is well worth reading, for anyone who wishes to know more about cousin relationships. The book includes two chapters on romantic/marital entanglements, which, I will forwarn, may sometimes be unsuitable for the younger audience.

One final caution... Be careful not to assume the quoted sources are the author's prejudice. It is quite easy to come away with that impression if one is not paying attention.