According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The Third Law shows us that even as women work to change their lives there are forces pushing back on that change, societal obstacles that must be overcome and internal demons that must be squelched. It explores what is required for chronically unemployed and impoverished women to create new lives for themselves. Most of all, the book argues for a more compassionate view of recovering addicts, convicted felons and victims of domestic abuse. Sometimes, believing in another person's potential is all it takes for lasting change.