Best Friends: The Pleasures and Perils of Girls' and Women's Friendships - Softcover

"[Apter and Josselson] argue in this breakthrough study, [that] the enormous formative impact of women's friendships outweighs most other influences--even that of parents. . . . Like its subjects, Best Friends is an illuminating experience."
--Book of the Month Club

"Both the joy and pain of friendship between adolescent girls and women are scrutinized in this interesting and accessible analysis."
--Publishers Weekly

"As Apter and Josselson trigger strong memories, they shed much-needed light on the profound influence young women have on each other."
--Booklist

"This book should become the constant companion of girls and women as they grow and change."
--Judith Michael, author of A Certain Smile

"Best Friends is a rich and engaging book that women from their teen years into adulthood will find revealing and helpful. The authors have found a deep truth in their descriptions of the lifelong emotional importance of friendship for girls and women."
--Nancy J. Chodorow, psychoanalyst and author of Femininities, Masculinities, Sexualities

"Best Friends is breathtaking in its promise of understanding what is compelling about female friendships."
--Annie G. Rogers, associate professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"No woman will be able to read this book without reliving her own experience, past and present."
--Lillian Rubin, author of Just Friends and Erotic Wars

Two psychologists share lessons from their extensive work with women and girls, exploring the relationship between women and the psychological forces that shape them, often beginning with girl-to-girl friendships. Reprint. 10,000 first printing.