Behave

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Andromeda Romano-Lax offers a fictional biography of Rosalie Rayner Watson, a woman whose lab work is now widely repudiated but who in her time was at the cutting edge of parenting psychology. Both moving and horrifying, Behave is a thought-provoking and compelling novel about the meaning of motherhood.

Reviews

Praise for Behave

An April 2016 IndieNext Pick
A Top 10 Amazon Editor's Pick

"Riveting."
People Magazine

"Rayner could not have found it easy to be exiled from the lab, or to raise her sons according to a behaviorist program, which regards 'mother love,' as the real Rayner put it, as 'an instrument which may inflict a never-healing wound.' This novel suggests the pain of wanting, and failing, to behave."
The New York Times Book Review

"Offers a rich and nuanced glimpse of Rosalie Rayner, the woman behind John B. Watson, the man who founded the psychological theory of behaviorism. The ethical issues presented here are both shocking and thought-provoking; and the intimate struggles of a woman weighing her value, utility, and satisfaction both within and outside the home certainly resonate today."
The Boston Globe

"If you want an engaging read which will not only entertain you but also teach you a great deal about these giants in the history of psychology, and the ethics of those times which we now see as abhorrent, I recommendBehave!"
Psychology Today

"Although this book is a fictional biography of Rosalie Rayner Watson, readers can learn what a brilliant, complex woman Rosalie was, how influential her work with John Watson was, and how her contributions have been lost in her famous husbands shadow."
The Missourian

"A fascinating woman who unfortunately slipped through the cracks of history . . . Romano-Lax does her well-deserved justice through this heartfelt and intricate story."
Bookreporter.com

"A novel to be savored and shared."
Shelf Awareness

"[An] incredible book."
MomAdvice.com

"This is a book well set in its era. Historical details are plentiful and interesting, bringing the 1920s and '30s to vivid life, not only in setting, but also in attitudes."
Historical Novel Society

"Scorching . . . By detailing how the study of human behavior differs from understanding people, and how smart women can miss the obvious and make mistakes, Romano-Lax sheds a harsh yet deeply moving light on feminism and psychology, in theory and in practice."
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Fascinating . . . Romano-Lax writes compellingly about science and the Jazz Age."
Library Journal

"Rayner finally has the spotlight in this compelling fictional memoir."
Kirkus Reviews

A fascinating exploration of ethical and psychological unraveling.Behavecarefully excavates the plight of one of sciences forgotten women to create a tale of ambition, love, and the fears that shape us all. With the skill and confidence of a master, Andromeda Romano-Lax crafts a deeply personal narrative of a complex woman who lived in historys gaps. Quite simply, I tore through this book and so should you.
Erika Swyler, author ofThe Book of Speculation

A fabulous novel that brings Rosalie Rayner to life, allowing us to sympathize with someone caught in the whirlwind of her times, as well as John Watson, a man cursed, condemned to forever run from his own emotions. Ms. Romano-Laxs novel commendably sticks close to the available facts.Behaveinvites us to explore a lifetime of questions about science, ethics, motherhood, sexual attraction, and love.
Hall P. Beck, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Appalachian State University and author ofFinding Little Albert

"Of interest to anyone curious about Watson and the history of psychology. Andromeda Romano-Lax does well to place John B. Watson in the context of of the conflict between eugenics and environmentalism, consciousness versus behaviorism, and the rise of advertising and consumer culture. She draws the reader in with details such as the nature of fear-based adcampaigns. She teaches behaviorism and does it well."
Ben Harris, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of New Hampshire

"I loved Behave: a rich and nuanced glimpse of the woman (Rosalie Raynor) behind the man (John B. Watson) who founded behaviorism. The ethical issues presented are both shocking & thought-provoking, and the intimate struggles of a woman weighing her value, utility & satisfaction both within and outside the home certainly resonate today. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, this is a novel to be savored and shared. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read it early. I can hardly wait to put it into the hands of customers."
Tova Beiser, Brown University Bookstore, Providence, RI

"This isan interesting and educational look at the beginnings of behaviorism and the unique relationship between the two people who pioneered it.Behaveis thought-provoking and certainly promotes reflection on the tenets of child rearing. An enjoyable read!"
Stephanie Crowe, Page and Palette, Fairhope, AL

"I very much enjoyed reading Romano-Lax'sfictionalized account of Rosalie Rayner Watson's life.Romano-Lax offers an empathetic and insightful look into the heart of a complex and conflicted woman as she tries to forge newroles in society, academia, and business as ascholar, wife, scientist, and mother. I found the parallelof Rosalie's internal conflictbetween tradition and modernity withthefragmentedsocialbackdrop of the Roaring 20s to be particularly compelling. Many of the issues thatRomano-Lax touches upon inBehavefeminism, research ethics, work-life balance, consumerismwill resonate deeply with modern readers. Fans of biography orhistory of science, as well as readers who enjoy a novel with strong historical contextand deep moral conflict are certain to enjoy in Romano-Lax's newest novel."
Jennifer Gromada, Labyrinth Books, Princeton, NJ

"With vivid description, Romano-Lax introduces Rosalie Rayner Watson, an intelligent, ambitious woman overshadowed throughout history by her husband, famous psychologist John B. Watson.Behaveis engaging from the start and Rosalie is a fascinating at its center. Her life of passions, scandal, and regret will hold you riveted."
Tarah Jennings, Mitzis Books, Rapid City, SD

"Romano-Lax is so skillful at drawing you into the world of the famous behaviorist John Watson and his wife, Rosalie, that you feel like you're watching a slow motion train wreckhorrified by the approaching disaster, but unable to look away. On every page, you're silently screaming at Rosalie, 'Don't open that door!'"
Laura Keys, A Capella Books, Atlanta, GA

"Rosalie Rayner Watson will alternately grab your heart and make you furioussometimes in the same chapter. This imagined life of this early twentieth century scientist and her lover, the great psychologist John Watson is a great addition to your historical fiction shelf."
Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

"Behave is a novel based on the life of Rosalie Rayner who with John B. Watson conducted numerous experiments on babies in their efforts to popularize behaviorist psychology. Their scandalous relationship and methods of research will provide strong opportunities for discussion in book clubs."
Elizabeth Merritt, Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, MA

"Andromeda Romano-Lax presents readers with a glimpse of the 'woman behind the man.' This book proves Romano-Laxs talent forspot-on character developmentandimpeccable pacing.Readers may find they dislike John Watson intensely, but they will savor this story. Womens book clubs must pick this up!"
Nancy Simpson-Brice, Book Vault, Oskaloosa, IA

"Behaveis a fascinating portrait of cold psychological breakthroughs made by scientists more human than theyd care to admit, even to themselves. LikeStoner, it is a beautiful tale of quietly violent emotions straining against tempered times."
Thomas Wickersham, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA

Praise for Andromeda Romano-Lax

An impressive and richly atmospheric debut.
The New York Times Book Review

Ambitious and atmospheric.
The Guardian

The ethical issues of [The Detour] are thought-provoking, contrasting the artistic perfection of classical sculpture with basic human values. Ultimately, the sculpture itself provides the answer. Just as the discus thrower leans to balance the weight of the outstretched arm and the heavy disc, Ernst must learn to balance his love for classical art with personal morality; to reach for love, even while acknowledging it is more than any of us deserve.
Foreword Reviews

Romano-Lax is singularly gifted: she creates full-fledged, engaging characters and writes compelling narrative . . . Her descriptive passages take your breath away.
Library Journal

A gently haunting work of subtle and surprising wisdom.
Booklist

Author Bio

Andromeda Romano-Lax is the author of The Spanish Bow, a New York Times Editors' Choice that has been translated into 11 languages, and The Detour, as well as numerous works of nonfiction. She teaches in the low-residency MFA program at the University of Alaska Anchorage and is a co-founder of 49 Writers, a statewide literary organization. Recently, she has divided her time among Alaska, Mexico, and Asia.