We want to think of the family as a haven, a sheltered port from the maelstrom of social forces that rip through our lives. Within the family, w... read full description
reviews
Apr 01, 2011
Stephen
rated it: 
An amazing book about the complexities of family relationships, socioeconomic influences and the connection between them. I enjoyed how the author took extreme care to present non-biased information and data based on his own series of interviews.
I especially enjoyed learning a new term, "master status" which I wrote about on my blog: http://stephenbruington.com/2011/03/30/master-status/.
I must read for anyone interested in the psychology of interconnectedness, More...
I especially enjoyed learning a new term, "master status" which I wrote about on my blog: http://stephenbruington.com/2011/03/30/master-status/.
I must read for anyone interested in the psychology of interconnectedness, More...
Jun 22, 2011
Melissa
rated it: 
I thought this was an interesting book ... although when I was halfway through, I realized I had already read it a few years ago! What most struck me is how siblings can have such different childhood experiences, depending upon when they are born into a family. For example, the youngest in a family may grow up "wealthier" than the oldest, if the parents become more successful in their careers as the years go on.
Feb 06, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it:
Interesting - but I burned out half-way through. I enjoyed the detailed anecdotes the best and just picked a few in each chapter. Got the gist of his theory and didn't feel I needed to read it cover to cover.
Dec 17, 2009
Jennifer
rated it: 
I read this book when i was experiencing self hatred. I just couldn't figure out why i was the way i am. It didnt explain everything about me, but it definitely made me realize the pitfalls in my life which made me more prone to my faults (ie. because i am a middle child, my parents tend to overlook me--> causing me to be disillusioned that i dont need anyone in my life --> but secretly wanting attention and love.)
Yak yak yak~ easy read and entertaining.
As huma More...
Yak yak yak~ easy read and entertaining.
As huma More...
Feb 22, 2009
Sharon
rated it:
It is insiteful . If you want to understand your role in your family of siblings, this will help you understand.
Aug 13, 2009
Kristycusick
rated it:
5 million ways to mess up your kids - or - how your parents messed you up!
Jun 07, 2008
Kimberly
rated it:
I've been trying to read this book off and on for the past... ehh ... year and this week i finally got around to finishing it off. It's very sociological, and I ended up skipping a lot of the psycho-analysis in favor of reading all of the stories from the many families he interviewed. Conclusions were not helpful, basically says that yes, this OR this may or may not have an effect on how well siblings succeed. But the stories are really interesting, and there are some insightful cause-effect
More...
May 12, 2008
Melissa
rated it:
A fairly readable look at why siblings can turn out vastly different from each other in class and social status. Probably more fun if you have siblings to compare yourself to... Conley pretty much leaves only children out of the equation, assuming that they get all of the family's resources and devotion. True to some extent, but it would have been interesting to hear more about families that are blended generationally, like mine was when I was growing up.
May 07, 2008
Suzanne
rated it:
An interesting book that talks about how siblings differ from each other in levels of success, and what factors contribute to sibling success. It had some good ideas, but wasn't exactly groundbreaking. Not the most fascinating boook, but I'm glad I read it. If anything, it tells you that parent's usually DON'T invest the same in every child. It can give you more compassion for your siblings and yourself.
Oct 16, 2010
Nicole
rated it:
This book just might change how you view your siblings and everyone else you know.
Dec 02, 2010
Cat
rated it:
Some interesting points interspersed in a LOT of anecdotal stories and rambling about how it's hard to isolate variables and prove anything at all about anything. The interesting points were good enough to keep reading.
Jul 02, 2009
Lenore
rated it:
Conley succesfully demonstrates that many other factors besides birth order affect the relative success of siblings.
Aug 07, 2007
Been wanting to read this book since last year! If anyone has a copy, let me know. Its been out of stock at the library forever~ grrr >=T
Oct 02, 2007
aksnowbunny
rated it:
interesting, but really boring to read.
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