Book Review: Toxic Friends: The Antidote For Women Stuck in Complicated Friendships

Toxic Friends?  I know I sure have had them in the past and I also know that my oldest daughter has had them because I have been the one to deal with all the issues that these "friends" bring on.  We really want to love them and be there for them but they just seem to suck all the energy out. Friendships can be complicated but some are harder than others to maintain.

I recently had the opportunity to review a book writen by Susan Shapiro Barash titled "Toxic Friends:The Antidote For Women Stuck In Complicated Friendships".  As I read through this book I could really relate to a lot of things that this book spoke about.  I remember areas in my life that I had dealt with "toxic" friends.  From reading just the first page of the book I was completely drawn in and found it hard to put down.  Being able to read the personal stories really helped me to see that there are other women out there that have struggled in the same situation. I know I have found myself being the "doormat" in a few relationships as well as having those friends that are "users".






In Toxic Friends, Susan Barash explores 10 types of female friends. (The Leader, The Doormat, The Sacrificer, The Miser Lover, The User, The Frenem, The Trophy Friend, The Mirroring Friend, The Sharer, The Authentic Friend), and also shares personal stories that she has collected from women of all age groups and walks of life. I know I have been friends with a few of the ones that I listed above. Once you read this book you will be able to better understand how to deal with a "toxic friend".  Maybe you can talk with the friend and make the friendship better?  If this doesn't work then this book also coaches in how to break away from damaging friendships and create more fulfilling ones.

About The Author:
Susan Shapiro Barash is the author of ten previous books, including and teaches gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College.  A well-recognized gender expert, she is frequently sought out by newspapers, television shows, and radio programs to comment on women's issues.

I do encourage all my readers to visit Susan Barash's website.  On this site you are able to take a two part quiz on what type of friend are you as well as Who is your toxic friend?

Toxic Friends is the type of book that is fantastic for all women to read! It helps us understand what type of friend we are, which enables to become a better friend once we see where we may have flaws towards our friends. Toxic Friends is a fantastic read and can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and many more retailers.