In Wife Material, Dr. Deborah Cox explores the world of mainstream religious legalism and patriarchy. Although the setting of her story is not as extreme as that experienced by members of the Quiverfull movement (the teachings associated most readily with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar), narrator Elizabeth experiences the same push toward early marriage as the ultimate goal of a woman’s life. When she leaves her closed community and begins to experience life beyond its bubble, she struggles to find her voice and honor her authentic, God-given self. By interspersing early life events and Elizabeth’s experiences in her later life, Cox shows the impact of environment on impressionable children. Wife Material is a worthy read for anyone attempting to deal with controlling systems or voices from childhood. For those raised in a similar environment, many scenes will seem familiar. For those who were not, Wife Material will provide an excellent education into the world of legalistic fundamentalism and the slanted perspective that often accompanies its teachings.

Lisa Fuller

I wanted to challenge myself to step away from my normal genres, and read something that would challenge my spiritual perspective, and give me insight into another point of view. I was right on the money with this one. As a Christian, I couldn’t help but oscillate between feelings of frustration and hopefulness as I delved into a different mindset. I don’t want to give too much away for those who haven’t read it, but I kept saying in my mind, “This isn’t Christianity. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go?” This legalism, and hypocrisy, and graceless environment. I wanted to impart my two cents at every twist to protect the protagonist. Wife Material was reminiscent of the the slow drip of frustration that was delivered by Catcher in The Rye, but with a beautifully descriptive cadence. I was, as a writer myself, almost jealous of how creatively Mrs. Cox painted visual imagery. It immerses you, and from reading it, I feel I have gained some insight as to how terribly religion can be presented to a young mind, and how that perspective will stick. On a personal note, as a Christian, a husband, and a father, this book is a good check on how we perceive and teach grace vs Pharasaic moralism. When asked about the mood of the book, I couldn’t decide between dark, hopeful, suspenseful, and thoughtful. This book is all four.

J.R. Cooper

Living authentically requires the ability to discern truth from lies, for which Elizabeth Campbell was shown no favor. Born into a family that thrived on appearances, hers is a world fraught with mixed messages and riddled with blatant contradictions. Lacking stability, predictability and connectivity, her parents exhist in their own strange and polarized bubbles, unable to nurture or hear the children. Bewilderment accompanied Lizzie during the formative years, creating a bleak and frightening backdrop where endless chaos reigned. From her thoughts to fears, confusion and realizations, and from her sinking to her swimming “Lizzie” ducks and weaves through life, attempting to make sense of the senseless. Then slowly and deliberately she begins to trust her own thoughts and before long, Elizabeth grows up – and into – herself.
From one emotion to the next, Deborah Cox pens a raw, brave and startling story that captivates and compels the reader to contemplate their very own truth. Fasten your seat belt and prepare for a riveting read!

Rosellen Mientkiewicz

Excellent metafiction. Truth told as fiction because it true.
I was in the same Church- the Churches of Christ. I share some of the experiences of the main Lizzie.

The spiritual abuse and struggle is evident throughout the book. How she broke free from that and grew into a mature human being is amazing and true to human nature. Mistakes, flaws, sin, and redemption are part of the process of growth, wholeness and maturity.

Gary Cummings

Wife Material is intricately woven, expertly paced and lovingly appointed with vibrant details and complex characters only a true connoisseur of the human psyche could develop. Deborah Cox’s mastery is only exceeded here by her bravery, when one considers the force of will required for such a thorough deconstruction of one’s own childhood milieu. I found every aspect of her novel compelling, and in some cases (due to my own fundamentalist upbringing) embarrassing and even cringe-worthy. But she is always authentic, and never spiteful.

In the end, we’re all humans, however flawed. But the better we come to see our own flaws, the better we can heal and grow. Deborah Cox knows this all too well, and Wife Material is the proof.

Ryan Wiksell

Great description of fundamentalism, patriarchy, flawed families, and coming into one’s own.

Deborah Cox is a talented writer gifted with the ability to accurately reflect the nuances of growing up in a fundamentalist world and trying to find one’s own way. Her insights into the psychological effects of indoctrination and flawed family dynamics are uncannily spot on. Deborah’s descriptions of Waltham Academy and Waltham University are evocative and oddly reminiscent while shedding light on the overt patriarchal conservatism of such an upbringing. One of the most rewarding aspects of “Wife Material” is watching Lizzie’s journey from young girl to bride to empowered woman. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about fundamental patriarchy or anyone breaking away from such an upbringing.