Finally, a Marriage Book for Men

You’d think a man concerned about his marriage would do anything possible to save it. But, one thing I’ve learned in the last 20 years of pastoral ministry and marriage counseling is how difficult it is to get men to do outside “homework”. I’ve handed over the best books on marriage, given DVDs, and recommended dynamic conferences. Too many of these resources aren’t appealing to men. Rick & Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage is the resource for which I’ve been searching.

Finally, a book on marriage men will enjoy reading. Radio partners Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey tell a man’s side of the marriage story…and it’s about time. They explain how men and women decipher the marriage vows differently. They share a real life anniversary gift chart. (What is a “paper” anniversary? If I gave my wife a roll for our next anniversary it would be our last.) They give expert tips on what not to say on your honeymoon. (“I’m sure glad my old girlfriend broke up with me!”) These tips are valuable and not found in the latest Crabb or Smalley marriage book.

I know there’s bound to be a woman who counters with, “My husband refuses to read books, so this one wouldn’t do us any good either!” Here’s where Rick and Bubba (and Thomas Nelson) go beyond the typical marriage help book by including a “Best of Rick & Bubba” CD. A wife can secretly pop that thing into the truck CD player one night and the next evening your husband will come home sharing funny marriage advice with you. A wise wife will respond, “I hear they’ve written a whole book of those stories. You want a copy next time I’m at the bookstore.” You’ve accomplished your goal without nagging. (See the chapter on Teamwork for a list of “The Top Ten Reasons Wives Nag.”)

I think this book is a must for every engaged couple, struggling couple, happily married couple, those who counsel married couples, and anyone who hopes to get married one day. The authors summarize their purpose in writing the book like this: “One way to slow down the rising rate of divorce is for each of us to take an honest inventory of our own imperfections, and then thank the good Lord in heaven every day that our spouse puts up with us.”

There are many marriages that could be saved if a couple would sit down and read a book that helped them understand they aren’t the only people enduring these struggles. Rick and Bubba have written such a book. They’re humble, real, funny, yet shockingly helpful. I’m glad someone has finally written a real-life book to help us laugh at our own relationships as we travel the road toward deeper love for one another.

If you’ve not convinced to buy this book, click this video link to see what the authors themselves have to say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk5lX9ffE1g

See the previous post on nagging wives for more from this book.

Click here to order the book from CBD.

Posted: August 4, 2009 
Filed under: Book Reviews, Uncategorized
Tagged: Book Review, Marriage
Comments: Leave a Comment