Drawing on the analysis of a multitude of conversations, Thomas and Iding get and keep the attention of the reader to state their case in Explaining Conversations: A Developmental Social Exchange Theory. The uninitiated will gain new understandings of this important subject and the initiated will be afforded the opportunity to check what they have learned to date. I recommend this book without reservation. As with any newly created theory, its exploratory nature will bring important heuristic value to scholars and lay persons alike.

Dale L. Brubaker, Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

R. Murray Thomas and his colleagues always seem to plow new ground in comparative human development and its application to scholarship, education, and life. This book is no exception. Here, Thomas and Iding turn attention from the more macro elements of that development to its bricks and mortar—social exchange, particularly through conversation. Using vignettes drawn from around the world, the authors clearly propose, amply illustrate, and pointedly apply a new life span theory of conversational social exchange skill development particularly in childhood and adolescence. Bold psycho-social, interactional concepts like 'mind reading' and stages of social exchange skill development are blended with older interactional concepts like culture and human needs. The result is an intellectually and practically appealing volume useful to anyone—scholar, educator, and parent alike—who hopes to lead kids and youths through better conversations.

James H. Block, Professor Emeritus, University of California Santa Barbara

This delightful book will catapult you into new awareness of how our own issues and beliefs affect our social communication skills. The vivid vignettes in this book raise awareness of how we need to hone these skills, to become more sensitive, as well as effective, in understanding the ideas and meanings of others as well as promoting our own ideas and needs in an increasingly multicultural world.

Alice Honig, Professor Emerita, Syracuse University