This American Ex-Wife

Lenz says that court-enforced 50% custody was the way to make her ex-husband a good father

Memoir-style stories interspersed with educational observations about American marriage culture with a dash of church shame. Less about Christian fundamentalism so much as general societal expectations. Lenz maps out the journey of reclaiming individual identity, as a woman who had spent her whole life trying to be good instead of being herself.

Gift it to the women you know in unhappy marriages who need the courage to leave.

I was one of the few kids that didn't think about being married. I never contemplated my wedding, and generally couldn't picture myself being with a husband. Even now, it's hard to picture myself being married to anyone, period. And while being married sounds amazing to spend your life with someone, I've had my reservations about it.

Now, after reading this book, I don't think it's completely off the table. It is good to be aware of these problems that modern women are having. It's one of those books that I think everyone even slightly interested in the topic of women's rights should give a try: the writing is fast-paced and interesting with facts and stories I could hardly believe were real–but they are, unfortunately.

The only reason this book has taken me so long to read is because, let's be honest, the subject matter is heavy and it makes the world bleak. I strongly recommend reading this book along with a horror book; for me, at least, it took my mind off of being scared of men haha.

Thx for reading ❤

This was a fun memoir with important larger social points. It skewed a bit religious for my taste, just a fact of the author's identity, but I do think that will make it more relatable for a lot of people.