Reviews

I wish I could remember how this book came to be on my TBR list, but there it was, waiting for me, available at the library just when I needed it. No one who knows me would mistake me for a romantic, though my husband most definitely is. It would be tedious to describe all of the ways in which we differ, but I think we would both agree with the premise of this book. It wasn’t too saccharine for me, but I think it is sweet enough for him.

brittishliterature's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

3.0

Content Warnings

torifaye's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

This was nothing like I expected it to be, but it inspired SO MUCH THINKING!

candireads's review against another edition

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funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0

This was a truly no holds barred account of marriage. It’s beautifully written, self-aware, and it feels utterly real and incredibly honest. I can’t imagine many would offer up the gritty (and messy) details of their marriage on a plate like this while they’re still married, but I’m glad Ada Calhoun did. It’s a hopeful read, and it warmed the cockles of my heart.

I’d recommend this to anyone, married or not (as someone who is not).

There were moments when it did feel slightly preachy about the institution of marriage, and there were things I didn't particularly agree with, but I don’t think it detracts from the book as ultimately, this is about the author’s own views on marriage. As someone approaching the age where my close friends are gearing up to get married, I found it fascinating.

jackelynvb's review against another edition

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5.0

Roaming the aisles of a bookstore in downtown Denver, I spotted the cover of this book on a display table, and two things caught my eye: (1) a sticker announcing that this was an autographed copy, and (2) the word 'wedding' in giant letters. I got married in May, and anything having to do with marriage or weddings sets my interest radar way high. I opened the book to a random chapter - Toast 4: The Truth About Soul Mates - and I began reading. Every book lover dreams of opening a random book in a bookstore and getting lost in it, to the point that you have to buy it (at $25, I never would have unless it was amazing), and then spending the rest of your vacation lost in its pages.

This was so good, I want to re-read it every year. So good, I want to quote the entire book. Instead of doing that, I'll leave you with a couple favorite quotes, not least of all so you can get a sense of the beautiful language of the book that makes you want to find a copy to buy yourself so that you can hold it close to your chest whenever you need a reminder of why marriage is worthwhile and painful and yet, and yet....

One thing I love about marriage (and I love a lot of things about marriage) is that you can have a bad day or even a bad few years, full of doubt and confusion and storming out of the house. But as long as you don't get divorced, you are no less married than couples who have it all figured out.

"Only a very wise man at the end of his life could make a sound judgment concerning whom, amongst the total possible chances, he ought most profitably to have married," Tolkien wrote in a letter to his son. "Nearly all marriages, even happy ones, are mistakes: in the sense that almost certainly (in a more perfect world, or even with a little more care in this very imperfect one) both partners might have found more suitable mates. But the 'real soul-mate' is the one you are actually married to."

live_2_read's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring

5.0

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