A careful consideration of the place of families in our national fabric. Families can play a pivotal role in bringing America to greater unity, but even the definition of "family" can be divisive. The authors seek to identify the underlying values in these debates, find common ground among diverse traditions, and clarify the supporting roles of government, business, and civil society. *Starred Review* In responding to trends transforming American family life--especially high rates for divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing--conservatives have imitated Jeremiah in decrying moral degeneracy, while liberals have played Pangloss in applying feel-good labels of diversity and progress. Browning and Rodriguez decline both roles as they reflect upon the insights of a diverse group of scholars brought together by Columbia's American Assembly to clarify the current status of family life in America. Rejecting the oversimplifications of both the Right and the Left, the authors interpret widespread family disruption as the consequence of a complex network of cultural, political, and economic developments. Though they see no way to turn back the clock on these interlocking developments, they do acknowledge the harm suffered by children and adults alike when families fall apart. Reducing such harm will require both public and private initiatives to renew family life. Somehow, ordinary Americans must moderate the radical individualism rampant in recent decades, even as our government leaders devise new public policies to encourage reliance upon spouses and family rather than upon government bureaucracies. Some readers will resist as discriminatory the authors' recommendation that state and national officials seek ways to foster enduring heterosexual marriages while recommending against marriage-equivalent accommodations for homosexuals. But the authors argue their positions with a rational civility intended to advance not stifle debate. Because the stakes in that debate run high, this balanced and sober contribution deserves widespread attention. Bryce Christensen Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Don S. Browning is a chaired professor at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Gloria Rodriguez is president and CEO of AVANCE, Inc., in San Antonio, Texas.