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feminerdity's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
wendydagny's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
krin's review against another edition
4.5
I strongly recommend that everyone read this book. While the authors lean really hard into framing the book around arguments with a romantic partner, I believe the tools they share apply to all kinds of conflict and I often found moments where I could apply what I learned at work and in parenting. In some ways, it felt like a take on better negotiation.
Full disclosure, I felt a bit smug reading this book because I have learned A LOT about how to fight productively in the last few years and I think I was able to do that because my brain is very pattern-finding and some of what they identify, I figured out on my own. All that to say, this book resonated with me big-time because it felt like an accessible academic summary of things that have actually worked for me (and much more, with lots of super practical, tactical tips and guides.)
I listened to the audiobook (it was well narrated) and I received a digital ARC so I can refer back to it, but I think I will likely still pick up a print copy so that I can tab and annotate those handy guides.
Some content notes: While I buy into the research they share, I recognize that there may still be some pop psych in there so I'll always take stats and data with a grain of salt. There is clearly some very intentional diverse representation among the example couples (various income levels, different races/cultures, some queer couples) but I think they could have levelled up in their execution of that - for example, they identify non-white couples by their race/ethnicity, but clearly position white as the default. And while they include same-sex couples, and called out non-hetero samples in research, it still felt pretty heteronormative. Note that an early example includes a couple who are both police officers. There are also mentions of different types domestic violence.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Rodale Inc in exchange for an honest review.
lambchops814's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
As a person who is constantly trying to grow myself and grow in my partnership, when I saw the Gottmans had a new book out, I knew I had to read it. Filled with practical strategies that build on their previous research based framework, this book was absolutely excellent.
sophiefinch's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A must-read for anyone who interacts with other humans. The techniques in this book have applications across all human relationships, not just romantic ones!