Andrew J. Cherlin's three decades of study have shown him that marriage in America is a social and political battlefield in a way that it isn’t in other developed countries. Americans marry and divorce more often and have more live-in partners than Europeans, and gay Americans have more interest in legalizing same-sex marriage. The difference comes from Americans’ embrace of two contradictory cultural ideals: marriage, a formal commitment to share one's life with another; and individualism, which emphasizes personal choice and self-development. Religion and law in America reinforce both of these behavioral poles, fueling turmoil in our family life and heated debate in our public life. Cherlin’s incisive diagnosis is an important contribution to the debate and points the way to slowing down the partnership merry-go-round.

"A snapshot of the civil-rights movement in one city provides insight into the important role of individual communities as change moved through the country…a case study of how citizens of one city both precipitated and responded to the whirlwind of social change around them."—Kirkus Reviews "A profoundly moving tribute to the intrepid unsung heroes who risked their lives to help bring an end to Baltimore's Jim Crow Era."—Kam Williams, syndicated columnist On August 28, 1963—the day of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech—segregation ended finally at Baltimore's Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, after nearly a decade of bitter protests. Eleven-month-old Sharon Langley was the first African American child to go on a ride there that day, taking a spin on the park's merry-go-round, which since 1981 has been located on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Round and Round Together weaves the story of the struggle to integrate that Baltimore amusement park into the story of the civil rights movement as a whole. Round and Round Together is illustrated with archival photos from newspapers and other sources, as well as personal photos from family albums of individuals interviewed for the book. There is a timeline of major Civil Rights events. "Amy Nathan's book deftly describes the courageous struggle by blacks and whites to end discrimination in the park, the city, and the nation. Readers will walk away with a clearer understanding of segregation and the valiant Americans who fought against this injustice."—Debra Newman Ham, Professor of History, Morgan State University "Round and Round Together tells the inspiring story of how a generation of college and high school students provided the energy and enthusiasm that ended racial segregation in Baltimore's Gwynn Oak Amusement Park and changed the direction of Maryland's history."—James Henretta, Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland "With clarity and passion, Amy Nathan portrays the struggle of everyday citizens to end racial segregation in Baltimore. This compelling history, for and about young people, is simple but profound like freedom itself."—Taylor Branch, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the trilogy America in the King Years

Most of us will find ourselves on the merry-go-round of life. This merry-go-round looks good, has a soothing sound but is going in circles. This book will help you begin going down the path to wholeness and freedom.

Her love of God and love for a man led Delia down a path of thrills, chills and unexpected changes. Raised in a small town by a poor Irish farmer and his wife she was knowledgeable of many of life's ups and downs. As the oldest of twelve children she knew what it took to keep a house running and how to care for others. Her mother, a devout Christian, raised them in church and daily referred to the Bible to explain why they should respond to life's problems. Being a Christian she knew in her heart what was Godly and what was not. Her father, a fun loving, whiskey drinking, jig dancing, hard working man, was a believer but not a practitioner. Her well endowed bosom caused her young life to be filled with ridicule from her school age pears. She longed for someone to see her as she was; a caring, God loving young woman with the desire and the ability to make a good wife and mother. Fulfillment of her dreams began to unfold the day she left home with the son of the owner of a traveling carnival. She was in for the "ride" of her life.

Does it ever feel like your marriage is on a merry-go-round? You keep facing the same issues over and over again. You wonder if it can ever get better. You wonder if you can ever have the marriage of your dreams. The Married-Go-Round shows you how you can have the marriage you've always hoped for--a marriage that is peaceful, intimate and connected. You can stop arguing and start getting along. You can overcome resentment and love your spouse in spite of their weaknesses. This authentic look at relationships has helped countless couples in counseling and is now available in book form.