The Common Thread: Mothers and Daughters: The Bond We Never Outgrow

by Martha Manning

No relationship is more fulfilling, infuriating, emotional, and problematic than that of mother and daughter. Now, in a work filled with truth, surprises, and humor, renowned psychologist and author Martha Manning offers mothers and daughters of all ages a new way to understand each other. Challenging the accepted premise that this powerful bond must be severed for emotional growth, Manning shows us why this precious attachment is never outgrown, how, if it is damaged, it can be healed, and what will enrich this lifelong commitment while fostering essential independence. The key is empathy, and Manning provides potent tools to help us build stronger ties and celebrate the crazy twists, joys, and secrets inherent in this most glorious of life connections. Combining personal experiences and scrupulous research, The Common Thread helps each of us develop a mutually empowering relationship -- and laugh, too -- as we more deeply connect with and appreciate the mother or daughter we love.

Genres: Psychology

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2002

About the author

Martha Manning (b. 1952) is an American writer, clinical psychologist and former professor of psychology at George Mason University.

Reviews

[Marilou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Manning, Here is a virtual hug.Thank you for pulling me out of muddy waters with warmth, clarity, and humour in your oh!, so inspiring and soothing book. Your research and comments helped me understand and, above all, accept the roller-coaster nature of the relationship which my beloved daughter and I share. It brought me peace in times of turmoil. l love your wits and will enjoy discovering new writers through the references and quotes from your favoured writers. About "Women Studies" at university: My daughter, like yours, studied in this wonderful, political sciences program. As you relate your inner stream of comments in reaction to the unfolding dialogue,I found my self laughing out loud in relief and shared emotions. Similarly, my daughter opened doors to the new political realities of her generation. Listening to her, I felt totally out of my depth, as if I had skipped on a whole chapter in the history of the world... a dinosaur at the beach...Whaaat? Ha! Ha! Daughters are, in many ways, also our teachers! Martha, I liked that you honesty wrote about this experience, and I appreciated the conclusions you draw. I also was thrilled to read your chapter on midlife and, deeply touched by the section "Links in a Chain". I would like whole book on that topic.Thank you for your intelligent, loving insights. This is a book I will share and give to my friends::: "No relationship is more fulfilling, infuriating, emotional, and problematic than that of mother and daughter" ::: You nailed it!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflective insights regarding one's relationships with mother and daughters. . .women.

[Cathlin Hidalgo-Polvani]

Bought this to give as a gift, but decided to read it first. Must be residual self-help-book-itis.

Mothers and daughters have a tough road to travel.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for daughter and mother relationships, has anyone seen all the My So Called Life series?

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ties that bind mothers and daughters. Tender, poignant and right on.