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There are currently 23 member reviews
for Listen to the Marriage
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Sharalynne P. (Valparaiso, IN)
Listen to the Marriage
I liked the fact that it was rather short as I think I would have gotten bored with it had it gone on for very much longer. The story of a couple being counseled for their failing marriage was interesting though. I was especially interested in the process of the marriage counselor and how she was able to get the couple to work out their problems. I thought, though, at times her "thoughts" seemed a little unprofessional and not really "nice". I could see how this could be an interesting discussion for a book club.
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Joanne W. (Ossining, NY)
Listen to the marriage
Interesting title with a concept which comes to light half way through the book. A marriage in trouble, not particularly interesting problems. Beautiful people with money and education. Poor communication skills, Issue which dooms many marriage. Husband cheats but wants to preserve the family and willing to do the work to make that happen. I liked that. But in general, wouldn't really recommend.
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Sally H. (Geneva, OH)
Listen to the Marriage
I wanted to like this book, both because of the author's past successes and because of his personal connection to the topic. However, I found it to be tedious and somewhat unrealistic. The therapist was unprofessional and her thoughts and reactions seemed odd at times. It was nice to see the couple work things out and stay together, but that's the best thing I can say about the book. I wouldn't recommend it to my book club.
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Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL)
Listen to the Marriage
This was not a favorite of mine - It takes place solely in the office of the marriage counselor and was a bit slow moving for my taste. I did find it interesting that the counselor was able to understand how to help both Gretchen and Steve - and to move them back to a point where there was understanding. I finished the book feeling that the problems were becoming resolved.
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Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)
Do we really listen to each other
I found "Listen to the Marriage" an interesting and informative book reminding us what communication really involves.
The story takes place in a marriage counselor's office with the exchange of thoughts, feelings and emotions between the separated husband and wife whether to remain married or divorce. There is an interesting concept of an out of place chair in the counselor's office,
My thought is that the book is definitely written in a male perspective. This would make a good book for a book club discussion group.
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Beth M. (New York, NY)
Grueling Marriage Counseling Sessions
I really wanted to like this book. The concept was appealing to me since I've been in this couple's situation and I am a therapist. While much of the couple's interaction sounded true, I felt the therapist wasn't very well written or professional. In my mind she didn't have a sensitivity to either client and she said some rediculous things. I appreciated the processes Steve and Gretchen went through to get at the truth of what they wanted and felt. However this book read more like a clinical case study rather than a novel. There are much better versions of this story. I'm disappointed.
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Celia P. (Melbourne, FL)
Too Obtuse for Me
I am sad to have to provide this review as BookBrowse usually picks such good books that I like, but here goes:
I am quoting a lovely reading friend 's review when I start this review.
"Yikes....it takes a saint to read "Listen To A Marriage"....or a masochist.....not sure which.......NAILS ON A CHALKBOARD grueling patience!!!"
I am not a saint, or a masochist, or do I have the patience. I would only fully read this book if it was the last novel on earth. (as it was I read the first 100 pages and skimmed the last 100).
First, the book is misnamed. It should be called Talk About a Marriage... and talk, and talk, and talk. This book is mostly one big, long, confusing conversation.
There is absolutely nothing to like about the three characters: immature, whining are two adjectives that come to mind. Even the psychologist and her methods are very suspect to me. Now that does not always bother me but even the writing does not save this book.
There might be some lessons to learn from this 'story' about how to make a marriage better, but I am unable to understand them, if they are there.
