Member Reviews
Navigating the complexities of whether to stay in or leave a relationship can be one of the most daunting and heart-wrenching decisions we face. *Stay or Leave* by The School of Life serves as a thoughtful guide through this emotional labyrinth, offering readers clarity and guidance without pushing any particular ideology or agenda.
The book delves into the nuances of relationship dynamics, posing critical questions that help individuals reflect on their situation. It explores whether a relationship is "good enough," the potential for a partner to change, and the impact of staying or leaving on children. By presenting these considerations, the book aims to bring readers to a point where their decision feels less agonizing and more informed.
*Stay or Leave* is quick read but packed with insights that prompt significant reflection, whether you're in a troubled relationship or simply seeking to understand the dynamics of your partnership better. For anyone grappling with the decision to stay or leave their relationship, this book offers a comforting companion to guide them through their thoughts and emotions. It may not provide all the answers, but it certainly opens up pathways to finding them.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
I found “Stay or Leave” to be a great practical guide for such a potentially intense matter. It’s an easy read which thoroughly addresses the things we all think about in these situations but don’t usually say, and leaves the reader feeling less alone and more prepared no matter what decision they make. I found myself highlighting quite a few relatively novel insights to serve as reminders to future-me, should I be in a position to revisit this text.
My only complaint is the lack of citations for some of the statements within. But regardless of the statistical legitimacy, the contents is likely to ring true to the experience of most. While perhaps negligent, the lack of citations does not take away from this books value or ability to have the positive intended effect.
Such a wonderfully well-written and insightful book. I read it in one sitting, for such a slim volume it goes straight to the heart of the matter on several key questions about staying or leaving a relationship. I presume, if one is reading this book, you're already one foot out the door - but the questions about our own behaviour and expectations are really something to reflect upon. Cannot recommend this enough!
An excellent book to help you make decisions in your personal life. Like The School of Life channel, this goes straight to the toughest questions and reflections. A quick read, but full of value for your mental health and love life!
A brief but powerful prompt to help you think through the troubling question of whether you need to break up with your partner. A great read even if you're in a stable relationship as a way of reminding you of what makes a strong partnership.
An easy and quick read that feels more like a lecture. The chapter are short, which is nice, and I appreciated the ones on sex and regrets, but the overall tone assumes that you actually want to leave but haven't admitted it to yourself. Which is useful in it's own way (you either find that comforting or off-putting, which means you know where you stand) but not for me at this time.
3.5/4 stars.
An insightful book that may be of assistance to those who feel stuck in a relationship, for whatever reason. The majority of the book does sadly focus mostly on hetero monogamous relationships with offspring, which was a little disappointing. But it does attempt, in a very small way, at the end to rectify that by mentioning possible other relationship routes.
I think the advise overall is helpful, I just wish that it was aimed at the wider world of relationships across the entire spectrum.
Thank you to NetGalley and The School of Life for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback and review.
This book is good for anyone thinking of leaving their marriage. It did seem like it was more for people who want a divorce instead of trying a separation first. It really did not give any tips, pointers, advice on trying to separate first. It made it seem like their was only 2 choices. I did get some advice from this book but I wouldn't really recommend it for anyone just thinking of separating or divorcing.
"Stay or Leave" is written in a familiar style of The School of Life. This book is a collection of thoughts and questions that may expand one's view on their relationship, making it a valuable resource for people who feel unfulfilled in their relationships. It's very philosophical and doesn't offer clear cut answers.
In "Stay or Leave" I found plenty of gems and nuggets of wisdom that inspired me to evaluate certain things about my own relationships. At times, I had a feeling, that the book focuses so much on leaving, rather than staying. There was more permission giving in terms of terminating the relationship than advice on what may be worth working on. Maybe the reason behind it was the idea that the person who feels alright in their relationship wouldn't be drawn to the idea of ending things with their partner?
I wish I had this book when I was stuck in a ten- year relationship, it could have been easier for me to decide what to do back then. I found this book very insightful. Even now that I'm happily married, I still find some pointers about relationships that are enlightening. That being said, I think I'm gonna keep this book as reference and re-read. In general, I find the style very accessible.
Stay or Leave is a thought provoking read encouraging you to explore more options and ask many more questions before you decide one way or another. I don't think it is instructional and will tell you "How to remain in, or end, your relationship" as it claims, but will instead give you lots more to consider and help you find your way out of a rut. I did find it a bit negatively biased and a bit cynical in places, but it is still very useful in helping you to ask many more questions. An unconventional but very useful read.
The book "Stay or Leave" is an absolute treasure-trove full of thought-provoking relational wisdom. I recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about leaving a romantic relationship.