Reviews

You'll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love by Marcia A. Zug

sfaircloth's review

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informative sad fast-paced

3.75

rachelnevada's review against another edition

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You'll Do is a nonfiction book exploring the legal benefits and privileges conferred by the United States government to those who are married throughout it's history. Marcia Zug explores these benefits in distinct chapters focused on property, status, legal defense, parental rights, and financial benefits. 

As dry as this sounds, Zug brings the topic to life with tons of relevant legal cases. It was a perfect book to listen to if you love a little legal gossip (even if it is 100 years old)

clacranes's review

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informative medium-paced

3.0

writergracie's review

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dark informative sad medium-paced

4.0

kuklatravels's review

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funny informative

3.0

deboraha's review against another edition

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dark informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

pecsenye's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

4.5

Extremely informative. It's a dry-ish topic, but the author keeps it moving and I whipped through the book. The book made me angry, which I think was the point. Women get screwed no matter what, for the entire 300—year period the author covers. 

lacewing's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

3.25

laurenerickson's review

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dark informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

Leans very heavily into the history of marriage from the 19th century into the 1940s. Wished there was a bit more dialogue around how this influences modern-day marriages but still an amazing read for curious history buffs!

andrea_author's review against another edition

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4.0

This book critically analyzes marriage’s elevated status in American culture, exploring how society has long relied on it to address injustices while deflecting responsibility from government and institutions. Through historical examples from slavery to the Depression, the author illustrates the problematic tradition of using marriage as a solution to racial, gender, and economic discrimination rather than directly confronting systemic societal issues.

This book offers a thorough and in-depth exploration of the politics and social norms relating to marriage throughout American history. The writing style is engaging and easy to read. The tongue-in-cheek title is a little misleading, since this is a serious and sometimes scathing analysis.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.