Sex Relationships Books

I decided to write since the other reviews seemed so positive. I found a very few things informative (get some Rosemary from the restaurant kitchen to quell body odor if you just notice it them), many things were semi-interesting/amusing, but I thought the advice sounds like it was made up by a couple of people sitting in a room. However, they give the names of PhD references. But there is a good fraction of advice that is ridiculous on the face - like how to stop your love from marrying another....wait for it...at the wedding when the officiant says "anyone know any reason..." jump up and say so. Then you, the offician, the bride and groom can go into a back room to discuss. WTF? They do tack on that it is unlikely to work, and you may be escorted out. Duh. Why is something so ludicrous in this book? Why? Because they had only a handful of semi-useful tips, but they wanted to pad the book. A big problem is that most things are not black and white. The advice for fake breasts, faking and orgasm or spotting a fake, seemed too by the numbers. These things are more shades of gray. A person who says they can always tell fake breasts is wrong - how would they know if there were some that were fake that they didn't know - by definition they thought they were real! So, this is semi-amusing, you'll feel like skipping sections and reading it fast. It felt a little thin on content, basically.

This book is funny yet helpful at the same time! I've found myself using some of the advice from this boat. This is a good book for everyone to read because some of those things can and will happen to you! It is easy to read and has illustrations for you to follow.

This book, although amzingly funny, is actually quite insightful and informative. A must buy for anyone involved in today's chaotic dating world

The biggest draw of this series of books is their humor. Is some of the advice useful? Sure it is! Is some of it absolutely outlandish? OF COURSE! (My favorite example of outlandish advice is actually found in the Parenting handbook in the section on saving for your child's college fund.)

I've read many books in this series, primarily for their humorous value. Yes, there seem to be a lot of self-help authors flooding the reviews with 5 stars and the cynical, humorless jerks trying to balance it out with one-star ratings, but let's be a little realistic people: these books are called "Worst-Case Scenario" for a reason; they aren't likely to be filled with everyday useful advice and how humorous people find them as compared to others is subjective. HOWEVER, it's another solid book in a very funny series.

Very funny, light hearted book from the Survival Series. Great conversation starter!

Some of my favorite sections include how to ditch your date and how to remove a hicky bruise.

Doesn't address the core components of attraction; guess that's what lifestyle coaching sites are for!


- GiddyupGuy.com

Very dated graphic wierd nasty not as nice as the "kama sutra" or "everything you wanted to know about sex" maybe good for a teenager to scare them off sex forever...

This is a very good book, and came in very good condition! Shipping was speedy and the price was great!

Em & Lo make addressing sex (and more importantly, all issues surrounding sex) clever, entertaining and approachable. As someone who enjoys reading about and talking about sex (almost!) as much as having it, I found this book to be immeasurably helpful when attempting to broach the subject of sex with more conservative, shy or inexperienced friends. While most similar books come on too strong, (you know, the kind you hide in the back of the bookshelf...) The Big Bang is funny enough, informative enough, edgy enough and just offensive enough to make it a great book to leave on the coffee table or to give to friends without fear of getting a disgusted facial expression in return. If you've never owned a book on sex before, this is the best place to start. If you've owned a thousand sex books and don't own this one, you're insane.

There are only three species that indulge in sexual activities for pleasure, amongst which, humans probably differ most significantly in two factors. First, they have the most complex social constructs involving them; and second, they are probably the most hypocritical about it. Although people have explored it at depth and in as creative manners as can be thought of, few have dared to speak of it as this book. Those new to sex, it enriches with a plethora of information and guides them to make their journey as pleasurable as ecstasy gets. Those already in deep waters, it shows them ecstasy of several unexplored areas. And those explorers out there, it takes them on a tour, connecting them with several thoughts, lucidly put together. Ditch your inhibitions with your Dad's copy of 'The Joy of Sex' and dive in. To the authors: Applause n Kisses.

I thought I knew it all. I have been reading about sex for the last decade or more and gotten a chance to prqactice some of what I know, but this book really made me think twice. For one thing, it is written like the hip textbook you never got to read in high school. It also has a chapter on everything you could want to know about and then some. While I loved the fact that it gave some ideas of things to do, it was more the facts and basic information that I found really helpful. I loved this book so much, I have loaned mine to a good friend and bought a copy for another friend of mine. Because when it comes to sex, you can never know enough.

Tina Tessina has written a wonderful book on dating that tells it like it is! There's "life" out there in the singles world - and she tells you how to make the most of it. "The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again" is informative and quick-paced with all kinds of practical advice that makes getting back in the dating scene easy. The chapters are smart and right on target.

I know so many men and women who need to read and re-read her sections on: "Not just looking for dates but enjoying life," "Invite Interest by Showing Interest," and "Focus on Fun and Friendship." Too many people don't do this - and its soooo important! Even if you've been out in the dating world a while, this book is a great way to brush up on your dating skills and review some new possibilities. In fact, I think a lot of married couples would perk up their relationships by reading the sections on Sexual Intimacy and Communication!

For people re-entering the dating scene after being attached a long time, author Tessina takes the fear out of going back to being single. This should be on the "Gift Registry" for anyone who's ever been divorced!

So if you'd rather die than date - don't! Get yourself a copy of this book and you'll be ready in no time for dinner and a movie with someone new. It's a terrific guide for both men and women back in the dating scene.

All the dating rules have changed since I became single again. Sure, some things remain the same. Be polite, honest and have a great sense of humor. The biggest thing that is different is Internet dating. The idea of going online is a concept my generation could never conceive of, since there was no such things as personal computers during my dating years. After 30 years of marriage and a protracted divorce, I was ready to get back into the game, but scared to death. This book was very helpful, insightful and easy to read. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to start fresh. Since I'm a baby boomer, there was another book that has helped me more than any other. The author of Baby Boomer Bachelorette: How to Have Sex at Least Once More Before You Die doesn't pull any punches when she urges baby boomers to separate themselves from the herd and change their lives. And she is right there ready to tell you exactly how to do it. She says not to bother with trying to meet people anywhere other than the Internet. Sounds like good advice to me. Buy both books, and then go for it!

Very informative. Not the usual fluff these types of books are prone to contain. Provides real information and an honest view of what to expect.

If you've been away from the dating scene, divorce, dumped on, separated... you name it then this is the book that you'll want. I had applied most of the lessons that were highlighted in the book and it total changes my approach and strategies to dating. Now, my friends are using the same book and I could be any happier with my successes =-)

Having been out of the dating scene for awhile I thought I might pick this up. Ok, so it's been 10 years. I've been wrapped up in alot of things and just didn't have the time. This book is one I picked up just to bring me up to date on whats going on. There is alot of useful information for me but like I said I've been in the dark ages for awhile. It's a good book and one you should read if you've been dateless for some time.

Truth is the one I missed on was this whole switch to online dating and let me tell you I was lost. But I picked up a few more books on this subject so I wouldn't get blindsighted out there. I would strongly recommend to any man or woman out there the one that got me off the ground and soring so to speak. " How to get the Woman of your dreams using the Internet" and "How to get the Man of your dreams using the Internet" What mroe can I say but there is nothing that isn't covered in this book, and when your done you can't keep up with all the responses :)

Had the pleasure of meeting author YEARS ago when a friend of mine, C. Guajardo was her friend and lived in Ohio. Mrs C G recommended this book after my divorce and making my way back into singlehood. Boy did this book give me some clarity on my former marriage.. Hope it helps for the next one too... A MUST READ For SINGLE GIRLS!!!!

Who said that thinking like a therapist was a pre-requisite to dating? No one did, and no one should take this book seriously. Why?

"Profiling Your Date" is one of those types of books written to help you solve a problem where a problem does not exist, chiefly, how to determine using a pre-set guide what red-flags to look for as you, the woman, begin your "analysis" of your date.

What the "doctor" fails to understand, or perhaps simply does not understand is that, whether you are a man or whether you are a woman isn't the heart of the matter. Both men and women have preferences in their desires for members of the opposite sex, and in the dating arena it simply is ludicrous for any one (again, man or woman) to base their prefernces on psychological criteria developed by someone else, aka, the "doctor".

Quite simply, the "doctor" has forgotten that dating was and is as natural and as much a part of normal life as waking up in the morning, shaving, showering, getting dressed and going about your business. It is second nature: there isn't second guessing or guess work. You don't need to buy a book, take a course or read a seminar. The doctor forgets that there are no "dating" experts: they don't exist, because there is no need. I mean, come on: who learns how to drive, gets their license and still drives around with an instructor in the car? No body.

If you want to date, just do it. Be yourself, and take as little personal baggage into the adventure as you possibly can. Both men and women (mature men and women) prefer others who, yes, are attractive, appealing and possess physcial traits that they admire and adore. But equally as important, men and women intrinsically know, from their unique perspective, if you, the member of the opposite sex, know yourself, like yourself and offer to yourself and to others the harmony, passion and romance which are key ingredients in making dating or a long term relationship work.

Believe me...please believe me! This book will screw you up into thinking your date has problems, when in fact, if you discover anything wrong with him or her, it will actually be a reflection of the short comings you have failed to come to grips as being your own.

Doctor - do us a favor...don't become an M.D. Thanks.

I bought this book and have read it all the way through. It has great tips that even I can use. Just because I'm a guy doesn't mean I can't use these tips on how to profile someone and then use them to profile women.

I found Profiling Your Date a charming read. I finished it in two days and feel like I learned a lot about the kind of men I should be avoiding and the ones I need to be on the look out for. The book does not talk down to women, it really is a SMART woman's guide!

Im the kind of girl who allows her heart and her head to both have a say in her dating decisions. This book helped me do it in a thoughtful, evidence-based way. Most people have certain personality traits which causes them to behave in predictable fashions. The book descibes these traits and explains the behaviour it causes. It really helps you get into someone's mind. And being in someone's shoes (or mind) helps you understand them and communicate better. On the flip side - if some guy is trying to pull a fast one on you or has serious psychopathic tendencies- this book clues you into the tell tale signs to watch for!
The best part of the book is way the author has integrated the science with humor and wit. Easy read with tons of good advice!

Kristal, Nicole and Szymanski, Mike. "The Bisexual's Guide to the Universe", Alyson, 2006.

Light and Fun

Amos Lassen

What about bisexuals? We all know some, many of us want some. Now there is finally a guide for the bisexual lifestyle and it is a fun read. I laughed all the way through. And this book is quite a change from existing literature on bisexuality. There has been a lot written on bisexual theory, biphobia, the representation of bisexuals in the world but this is one of the first books to give us bisexuality with a sense of humor. And even better--the book is not just for bisexuals but for everyone. Amidst the humor is insight into the bisexual life style and a lot of facts.There is a wonderful balance between sobriety and humor and what could have been very boring has a life of its own.
You may wonder why a gay guy would want to read a book like this especially when so many gays insist that bisexuality simply does not exist. I am sure that many of us have had relationships with so-called straight people and the fear of being dumped for someone of the opposite sex is always there when dating a person of "the straight persuasion". Kristal and Szymanski help us out by provding us with a contract which limits the staights visits to the opposite sex. Some of the conditions could require the straight boyfriend to make sure that his other partner always have at least one foot on the floor.
There are also interviews with celebrities as well as scientific research such as the section on bisexual animals.
There are great little quizzes also which test just how bisexual a person is. All in all, it is a fun book and deserves a reading.

This is a funny read and has some good facts and information for both old and new Bisexuals, but the quizzes could have been better or left out completly.
Some of the questions for the quizzes were too broad, since some of us have never been in situations they pertain too.
I did think that they focused more on the sex issues then the mind/soul/community issues, but it was informative nonetheless.
However, I had great fun reading the book and could tell that the authors worked hard to acheive a good balance of sobriety and humor to make it entertaining instead of sterile.
I am actually looking forward to another book by the authors, if they decide to make one!

Who'd think that a dyed-in-the-wool gay guy would get so much out of a book called this. It's not a great title, because it limits who's going to pick it up, but geez, it's funny. I laughed out loud a few times and called a few of my friends to read sections of it. It's a humor book, and it has a lot of facts in it too.

Like every gay guy, I've had my share of relatioships with supposedly straight or bi guys who I always think are going to leave me for a girl, and they often do. Well, I wish I had that funny contract at the back of the book about what to fill out for my partners. I love it. Like the section that limits your partner's "other partner" to leaving one foot on the floor at all times, or not leaving a toothbrush over at the house.

I'm most fascinated about the celebs they have talking to them, and also the scientific research, good and bad about bi people. I didn't knw there was so much about it, and so much confusion. I love the animals section, where everything from snails to whales show incidents of going both ways.

Even if you're not promiscuous, or if you're straight, or gay, of if you've ever wondered or wandered the other way, you'll find something enjoyable in this. It's a perfect bathroom book, to pick up and read while sitting there. I've bought three copies for guys who wll at first get offended, but I've marked the pages they should read. Thanks Nicole and Michael for a good laugh.

I liked the book. It was a fun read and had some very insightful parts. Not to be taken too seriously,,,but for those who are just coming out..a good thing to have in your arsenal.

This is a great read for ANYONE. Don't be intimidated by the title. It's not just for Bisexual folks. It's funny and has some great "tests" to take on sexuality.

This book is well-organized, well-written, full of excellent information, and inspires real hope. Hope for marriages that are struggling, and also hope for stable marriages that they can be even better. This book is so much more than the typical advice to "take time for yourselves," or "go on dates with your spouse." It's full of concrete suggestions and thought-provoking analogies that I read, and then re-read, because they really fit my life. This book surprised me by giving me more insight into my husband's mind-set, even after 6 years of parenting special-needs children. The focus of much of the book is problem solving, and successfully, even joyfully, adjusting to life with these special kids. The chapter on divorce considerations is very real, very practical, and goes way beyond what most books cover. All in all, this is a valuable resource for couples parenting special-needs children!

As the mother of two children with cystic fibrosis, I really resonated with this book. I saw my own marriage and our challenges on many of these pages.

We "special needs parents" have so much in common no matter what our diagnosis is. Lack of time and energy, high levels of frustration and unrelenting stress can take its toll on a marriage. This book explains the challenges and presents realistic strategies for overcoming them.

The authors are clearly experts in their field and have interviewed many couples who are "living it." It feels good to know that we are not alone in our struggles and that what we experience is normal given our, at times, overwhelming situation. Laura and Fran's deep compassion shines through their words and will change many lives.

For additional resources for raising special needs children, see the new book Parenting Children With Health Issues: Essential Tools, Tips, and Tactics for Raising Kids With Chronic Illness, Medical Conditions, and Special Healthcare Needs

Written by professor of counseling Laura E. Marshak, Ph.D. and speech/language pathologist and parent trainer Fran Pollock Prezant, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, Married with Special-Needs Children: A Couples' Guide to Keeping Connected is a valuable guide for married couples to adjusting to raising a disabled child. From techniques for communication and problem-solving, to making time for romance and sexual intimacy, to practical solutions for practical problems (information overload, financial issues, time constraints, fatigue, etc.), to stress management strategies, what to do when a marriage is seriously troubled, divorce and remarriage considerations, and much more, Married with Special-Needs Children is utterly invaluable in its nonjudgmental, serious-minded approach to coping with long-term, life-altering changes.

I own all of Bradley Trevor Grieve's "picture" books. I discovered "The Blue Day Book" when a friend of mine really needed some encouragement so I bought one for her and one for myself. Since then I have given many of his books as gifts and have collected them all for myself. My grandchildren love to look at the pictures and it always brightens my day to read just a page or two. Gives me a whole new outlook on life at times.

I was a little discouraged when I started reading "Getting Back Together". In the early chapters, there were frequent references to partners that aren't speaking or won't accept phone calls. Thinking about reconciling when you can't even have a conversation with your partner seemed rather ridiculous.

The other thing I found disconcerting was the implication that when a couple decides to try again, the one that moved out immediately packs their bags and moves home. Don't get me wrong, the book addresses the soul searching and many changes that must take place in each individual prior to even considering a reconciliation, but it is only in the last chapter that a period of "dating" or being a couple without living together is even mentioned. I would have appreciated some practical advice on getting from the point of making the decision to pursue a reconciliation and moving back home.

Youngs uses a variety of couples as examples and they represent a broad spectrum of ages, situations and issues. No book is going to have an example that is exactly like your own situation, but I was able to identify with aspects of many of the relationships, and found something of value in almost all of them.

Even though I think my husband and I are beyond the first steps in her process, I thought the exercises were very helpful in capturing my thoughts, feelings, values and needs. I have a good understanding of my remaining issues and know the things that I need to discuss with my husband.

I'm the type that usually skips the exercises in self-help books, planning to return to them later or figuring that anything of value is gained from just reading the book. Because I have decided to put my marriage first, and I'm committed to making my reconciliation work, I went through each one, even when they began to feel a bit repetitive (probably because I read through it in two days). All in all, I found reading this book and working through the exercises to be well worth the time.

This was a very bad book. Save your money and if she comes back do not do the same things that caused her to leave in the first place. Change yourself for the better and let her see those positive changes if you do reconcile.

If you did not treat her badly and she left you then you need to find someone who appreciates you and keep her out of your life because the problem is with her not you.

This is free advice that will work and save you from spending money on a worthless book like this.

My wife and I are back together. Although struggling, this book was a great help when I need a great deal of help.

As a young, strong and independent woman, this book was perfect for me when I found out about my husbands affair. It didn't make me feel like a victim, and didn't make me feel bad about NOT wanting to get back together. I also bought it for my husband. Since we were not focused on getting back together, rather, bettering ourselves, we were able to decide if we wanted to be together in the long run. It is sooo important to focus on yourself when you are separated. If you focus on "saving" your marriage, you are already doomed. You must start over and if you CHOOSE to be together, you will be successful. If you want a book telling you how to "save" your marriage, look elsewhere. But if you want to regain and redifine who you are, this is the book for you.

"While nothing prepares us for what marriage is going to be like, the same can be said of divorce with children." ~ Joshua Coleman

How do you let go of your fairy-tale idea of marriage, maintain harmony and also take care of your children in a nurturing environment...when you no longer feel "in love" with your partner? This brings out a variety of complex issues that create waves of emotional response even for those who have yet to consider their options. When you decide to enter into a long-term relationship, you may not be aware of the challenges ahead.

"..the heady phase of newfound romance doesn't last, and that's often a disappointment, no matter how seasoned we are in relationships. It's disheartening because it means that we have to either break up or start dealing with our expectations of what a real relationship is going to be like with this person. This means moving into the uncomfortable realm of facing the imperfections of our partner and ourselves."

In the throws of initial infatuation and limerence, the future seems perfectly ordered and you can't imagine ever wanting to be apart from the person you imagine is your soul mate. Then the chemicals wear off and you start to experience the roller coaster ride of marriage that has highs and lows and various stages where we enter challenges that require personal growth. This is the time where either your heart takes over or your mind kicks into high gear and you start to solve problems with creative flair or a determination to save your marriage "no matter what."

Joshua Coleman provides a wise and compassionate view of marriage. He understands the dangers the dissolution of the family presents. He understands how parents worry about their children when they are away from home and why providing a caring and nurturing environment is better for the long-term emotional stability of children. As parents move through stages of denial, anger and bargaining they may come to a moment of acceptance and then find the required compassion to forgive and then move forward into a new stage of the relationship.

If you think your childhood is affecting your marriage, there is an entire chapter on the subject. Being neglected as a child is just as painful as being abused and the affects can later appear in your own marriage. This book sheds light on how the neglect or abuse causes you to react in your own marriage and how this can affect your children. With each problem, there is also a solution. The "Path for Change" sections give ideas for how to adapt or reverse situations that are completely in your control. This book will also help you understand why criticism can seem to be an act of betrayal or why self-destructive behaviors can be an attempt to manage fear. This chapter is especially interesting as it explains problems in a marriage from a perspective I had never considered.

"If your parent was depressed or neglectful, there might have been a reversal of roles. Rather than having the experience of being taken care of, you may have had to take care of your parent." ~Joshua Coleman

Imperfect Harmony is a book for anyone who is married, whether they have children or are considering starting a family. Even if you never intend to have children, but you are considering a divorce, this book could explain the real reasons your relationship is falling apart and there may be time to save your marriage. If you are depressed, this book also shows that when you are in a difficult relationship, it can affect your self-esteem. Anxiety, social withdrawal, sleep problems and decreased pleasure are only some of the effects discussed in this brilliant and enlightening book.

What can you do when your partner is depressed?
How do you deal with your own needs in a marriage?
What do you do when a partner withdraws sexually? (The humorous "Eleven Strategies to Guarantee a Bad Sex Life" is rather revealing and gives ideas for change.)
How do you avoid having an affair when your needs are not being met?
What should you do when a partner is verbally abusive?
How can you reduce conflict?

The "Eleven Ways to Work on Yourself" is a good way to balance out your life and create new priorities. The "Different Kinds of Marriage" encourage you to accept the stage your marriage is currently in or is heading towards.

Joshua Coleman presents creative ways to save your marriage that include everything from an "in-house separation" to "planning to separate after the kids are grown."

This is a must-read manual for marriage. This book will give hope to anyone who is married and feels that they are struggling to save a marriage alone. It will also provide a much-needed escape into "someone understands." With this book, you may truly be able to save your marriage and create a situation where you feel comfortable and secure. In this environment, you can then face all the additional challenges of raising children and balancing your career, emotional needs and spiritual goals.

For many, divorce is not an option and this book helps anyone in a situation where they are determined to stay married. Too often people casually advise walking away from a marriage, when truly a marriage is a learning experience and one of the most challenging experiences of your life. They don't seem to understand what you are fighting for and for some people, their marriage is extremely important and not something they casually entered into without consideration.

It is very satisfying to see an author take on this subject and make "staying married" very possible. This book will empower women who want to stay married! It is also a book that will give you deeper insight into the issues facing everyone who is married. We are all on a journey towards balance in our lives and this book is an excellent guide to balancing your needs with the needs of your children.

~The Rebecca Review
10 years and counting...

We have been married for twenty-seven years. Although our children are no longer at home, my husband and I were inspired by Dr. Coleman's book. We thought an alternative title could have been "How to Have a Satisfying Marriage". He recommends taking responsibility for one's own life and not looking to a partner for completion. Although a great read, Dr. Coleman's scholarly work draws on the research of anthropologists, psychologists and scientists. This is a book for all those who wish to be fulfilled in their own lives. We give this book two thumbs up!

In a sea of glib, peppy books that promise to transform a messy marriage into a fairy-tale romance in six (or seven or nine) easy steps, Imperfect Harmony is a bastion of practicality, sanity, and hope. No bogus promises here. If you want to stay together for your kids or just want to have a happier marriage, this smart, no-hype volume gives you a detailed roadmap for navigating your way through complex relationship issues.

Author Joshua Coleman never sugar-coats or flinches from the less-than-glamorous truth. He furnishes a toolbox of practical suggestions and exercises that can help you improve and sweeten your marriage. Real-life examples, drawn from Coleman's psychotherapy practice, illustrate in unvarnished detail exactly how couples can work to resolve specific issues. The outcomes may not always be sprinkled with self-help pixie dust, but they work in the real world.

Imperfect Harmony is radical in its perspective, compassionate in its tone, and rare in its honesty. Its no-bull quality is refreshing and somehow reassuring. This is a generous book, and the author seems to genuinely care about his readers. If you're looking for a quick fix (hey, let me know if you find one) or don't want to work on your marriage, this book isn't for you. But if you want to build a more loving, lasting relationship, this book could make all the difference.

Dr. Coleman's work is surely to raise an eyebrow or two for its novel approach to resolving marital discord and dissatisfaction. His premise that the adults in the relationship should work for a rapproachment (if total peace is not possible) for the sake of the children will not be popular in a culture where no-fault divorce is the preferred solution.

What I love about this book is the way Dr. Coleman approaches marriage; realistically. You may have started out with what you felt was a "match made in heaven," or you may have been under an illusion that yours was a match made in heaven, but when things look like they are going south, this does not mean you bail.

Can you accept half a loaf (half a loaf is better than none)? How about a quarter or even an eighth of a loaf to ensure that your child's life is disrupted as little as possible? After all, it is all about the kids.

This book has a number of vignettes where Dr. Coleman is working with clients to change their expectations, or at the least help them to establish realistic expectations. He even goes so far to instruct partners how to live separate lives within their own home if getting along is no longer an option.

Imperfect Harmony takes a look at marriage unlike any book I have ever read on the subject. Sometimes things happen and things don't work out, but this is not to mean that everyone (especially the children) cannot live happily ever after.

If your marriage is in trouble, if you know someone with marital problems, or if you are interested in the topic of marriage as a counseling profession, this is a wonderful book to have. As a soon-to-be counselor I can actually envision myself using this book in couples and family therapy; assigning parts of the book for the clients to read for discussion in therapy.

Five plus stars for Imperfect Harmony.

As a pastor, I have read many books on the subject of helping marriages because that is an important part of my ministry. However, this is the most radical, realistic and useful book I have ever seen. It is applicable not only to the average marriage but also to the more challenging ones like depression, personality disorders, alcoholism, and addictions.

I am very disappointed with many Christian authors of books on marriage who are so unreal and with many authors of books for family members of the mentally ill who don't say enough. Here is a book I can use in counseling others

After 10 years of marriage, a man's wife was diagnosed as a high functioning person with borderline personality disorder. Afterwards, she did not function on the same level as before.

For three and a half years, her husband did about everything Dr. Coleman says not to do in his chapter on depression in marriage. As a result, he ended up depressed himself after giving too much of himself away trying to hold the family together.

With the help of therapists and reading books like Imperfect Harmony, Wild at Heart, and No More Mr. Nice Guy, he found help to grow a long way from where he was a year and a half ago.

Marriage to anyone with a mental illness or addiction is under extreme pressure. Staying married for the children's sake and still be happy or wondering if you should stay married in such an imperfect harmony is the theme of this book.

Coleman writes of the various parts of a hoped for marriage that must be let go of. He writes about getting your focus off the spouse and onto what in your childhood attracted you to such a needy person. The author's definition of "toxic chemistry" is a helpful insight.

He challenges readers to work through their toxic brooding, despair, and chronic feelings of resentment. Then we can develop empathy and emotional seperatedness.

It is crucial to answer his question from chapter 3. How much meaning do you have in your life apart from your marriage?

Contrary to many other authors, he says that communication is not enough. Just because one has imperfect harmony in one's marriage does not mean you should leave.

He proposes good reasons for staying married with children present, even if your spouse is difficult or not fulfilling. Staying in such a marriage need not destroy you to be loved by them. However, he honestly states that in the case of physical abuse and extreme mental health issues the need to leave is very clear.

The major intent of this book is to help readers to see if it possible and necessary to stay in an imperfect harmony with one?s spouse without loosing themselves or their good impact as parents. His chapters on "Depression in Marriage", "The High-Conflict Marriage," and "Is Change Possible" are worth the price of the whole book.

One cannot and must not read this book at supersonic speed. It is a rich book to read, reflect upon, and dwell upon its searching questions. Reading it in conjunction with one's therapist will bring you the most benefits from this book.

Thank you Dr. Coleman for writing this book. I hope seminaries use your book in their marriage and family counseling courses for future pastors.

Stick with Daniel Dennett, this book, is nothing more than conjecture. Look I love evolutionary theory, I see nothing but beauty coming from an appreciation of human life and origins. But when a writer is insistent upon using research that is politically motivated-not by science-than that person has a problem.
It is evident that, Gilbert, is still bitter about his divorce, and this shown in his view on women. It would have done his book a great service and he researched Leonard Shlains work on women in the evolutionary time scale, instead of reading what researchers from the American Enterprise Insitute have to say on the matter-remember, AEI, are the folks partly responsible for our military adventure in Iraq-So don't waste your money on this book, I have a copy that you might find outside in a dumpster if you are ever down in San Diego

Pair this book with Matt Ripley's "The Red Queen" for an interesting exploration of the evolutionary structures that reside beneath the visible aspects of economic, social, and sexual relationships between the sexes.

Not only did I love reading this book because of it's common-sense approach to the topic but the background history and illustrative examples used to "set the scene" were entertaining and accurate. This is easy to read because of it's conversational style. The author is quite a likable guy. It feels like you are sitting right next to him discussing the topic -- even if I slightly disagreed with a theory I was not threatened by an overly aggressive opposing stance. I pretty much agree with most of what the book says so perhaps this is why I liked it so much. I think that it is a must-read for anyone raising a child in this day and age! Bravo!!

As a 37 single male living in Hollywood, CA, your book provided me with an insightful and invaluable perspective into "how come" we men are where we are today without being "preachy" or redundant. By means of pragmatic logic, light hearted anecdotes and statistical analysis you paint an uncanny holistic "snapshot" of many sentiments that i too have felt about being "disposable" in modern society. Indeed, it is a relief to have some of these pent-up concerns finally unearthed and validated by someone with legitimate expertise on the subject.

Now that you have firmly established the "how come" part, I'm hoping you next delve further into the "how to's" of attaining, sustaining and mastering the more enticing role of "Indispensable Man". Perhaps a follow up book is in the works? I sincerely hope so...KS

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RBXBAM3R5CIIX I loved this book and hope you enjoy the review.