Changing the Rules: The Resurgence of the Feminine
Reader Comments

"I was excited to see that this book has clearly captured the new paradigm. It defines the current trends and concepts of the changing dynamics of the world in which we live. Women are coming together in new ways, taking responsibility and participating in their own growth and development. Not to the exclusion of men - for it is with the participation of men in the solution of the 'cup half-empty' that our culture will become fully integrated, and change for the betterment of all will occur."
                                                - Margot Dorfman, CEO, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, Washington, DC

"As an educational tool, Changing the Rules is a MUST for Women's Studies and History classes. Pictures and illustrations are used to explain the text to anyone interested in women in our changing society. This book traces the roles women have played throughout history until present day, from the Middle East traditions to Europe to America. It establishes the time for a gender-cooperative society rather than a man-or woman-dominated society. I especially appreciated the history (her-story) that can relate to any woman's life in the 'Think About It' sections."
                                                - Martie Burman, Small Business Owner, Phoenix, AZ

"I am certain there will be relevance to many women who are struggling with their anger and with their avenue out, with various addictions - with whom I work in therapy."
                                                - Shirley Levene, Psychotherapist, White Plains, NY

"Changing the Rules is a rich and complex book. It defines itself as a college level textbook. At the end of each chapter, there are definitions to be provided and questions to be answered. Clear responses are given. In this respect, at least, the book is self-sufficient and hardly requires an instructor for it provides revisions for each section and an ample bibliography, including books, articles and Internet material. It is difficult to circumscribe the subject matter of the book. Any definition would be a limitation. The author follows a chronological order. As a history of feminism, the book includes more than one civilization, more than one continent. It demonstrates convincingly that patriarchy follows matriarchy and that further reversals are to be expected. The role of men versus women in all its complexity regarding myths and symbols as well as customs is shown as evolving in a favorable direction. Changing the Rules encompasses many disciplines, notably religion, political institutions, the arts. Its ample quotations demonstrate the author's erudition. Illustrations come from various sources: portraits of famous writers such as Mary Wollstonecraft, reproductions of paintings by Da Vinci and Michelangelo, multiple forms of crosses, scenes from sports events, and representations of female bodies, but verbal narrative always keeps the upper hand. The book gives basic information about women from very different times and provides many exemplary women such as Aemelia Earhardt, Gloria Steinem, Ann Hutchinson, Margaret Sanger, and Christine de Pisan. In discussing the present, topics such as abortion, racism, and voting rights, the growing number of women in higher professions assumes their full actuality. Clarity of style shows that the author always remains aware of her audience. The book concludes with an eloquent and effective appeal to cooperation."
                                                - Renée Riese Hubert, Professor Emerita, University of California, Irvine