The classic that is widely acknowledged to be the most valuable and insightful book ever written on the dynamics of working-class family life by a renowned sociologist, psychotherapist, and bestselling author."One of the most devastating critiques of contemporary American life that I have read."--Michael B. Katz Professor of History, York University "This is a sensitive and compassionate portrayal of childhood, marriage, and adult life among the hard-working not-quite poor. It is an important contribution to our understanding of ourselves."--Robert S. Weiss, author of "Marital Separation"