You're the Only One I Can Tell

June 1, 2017

Tannen's (linguistics, Georgetown Univ.; You Were Always Mom's Favorite! Sisters in Conversation Throughout Their Lives) in-depth look at how girls and women become friends, what constitutes intimacy, the value of listening skills, and the impact of sharing secrets and gossip, along with all too familiar miscommunications, illuminates how friends help one another to be their true selves. With knowledge and wisdom, the author helps readers navigate the subtle workings of language in interactions among women. How do you judge what people really say and feel? Across cultures and age groups, she offers countless examples from her own life and research that illuminate these uniquely supportive, sometimes competitive, and often challenging relationships. Tannen sets out to help women make friendships stronger, accomplishing this in a highly accessible manner with both scientific research and a warm heart. Of particular value is the exploration into the changes created by the advent of social media. VERDICT Firmly recommended for students of women's studies and for every woman committed to the gift of enduring friendships.--Gloria Drake, Oswego P.L. Dist., IL

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2017
Georgetown professor and expert in the field of interactional sociolinguistics, Tannen (You Were Always Mom's Favorite! Sisters in Conversation throughout Their Lives, 2009) presents many facets of the interactions in female friendship through case studies of girls and women, ages 9 to 97 and from various backgrounds. Her approach provides a detached, easy way for readers to look at and understand situations they've probably been in, too. While making clear that her use of typical or specific scenarios should not be mistaken for norms, Tannen addresses women's tendency to seek and make bonds, the way secrets and talk of personal troubles can act as currency in this process, the subtle balance between connection and competition between female friends, and much more. Appropriately, Tannen also examines women's communication via e-mail, text, and social media, often now synonymous with spoken conversation. Tannen's extensive research and writing, full of thought-provoking questions along with facts, are sure to hook readers enticed by her rich topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)