You Don't Need to Slay My Dragons, Just Take Out the Trash

by Beverly Campbell

Science has long recognized that men and women think differently. So why are we surprised when experiences, language, or reactions are perceived in different ways? There are important variations in how men and women process such things as emotions, voice tones, and body language. Beverly Campbell, author of Eve and the Choice Made in Eden, with more than 40 years of marital and professional experience, offers a clear picture of who we were created to be and why our differences should be recognized and embraced.

Genres: Lds

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Beverly Campbell served for twelve years as a Director of International Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As director of community relations for Special Olympics, Inc., she played a major role in the creation and developement of the Special Olympics programs. She has served on numerous civic and government boards and has been a spokesperson for the LDS Church on the Equal Rights Amendment and other women’s issues.

She and her husband, A. Pierce Campbell, are the parents of three children and grandparents of six. After living thirty- plus years in the Washington, D.C., area, they now reside in Arizona.

- from Deseret Book

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Thought it had some interesting things about how men and women are different but how we can understand each other.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome title, great beginning discussing different but equal roles/styles of men and women (although a bit over-stereotyped) from a very LDS perspective. For that, I allowed it 3 stars. From the middle on, it lost my attention. The little assignments of making lists of 3's and labeling stones may work for some, but don't appeal to me. Maybe the author had a challenging relationship and had to try all these tricks to get her spouse to communicate. I'll say it did make me think I must have a really great relationship, because a lot of the problems she mentioned are not issues for us. Also, the term "manly" is a bit dated, sounds straight out of the 1950s.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

More like 1.5 stars. I was very disappointed with this book. The subtitle implied that this was a book that explored the characteristics of men and women to help spouses understand one another better. Instead, only one chapter of the entire book was devoted to this. The remainder of the book was the author's weak attempt at marriage counseling, offering assignments for couples to do together. This was very different than the subtitle suggested. The author is not actually a marriage counselor and does not have any formal counseling education, so this is not something she is qualified to offer. Save yourself a waste of time, don't read!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely written for LDS readers, she often refers to the eternal perspective of why we are here and why we need each other as husband and wife to reach our Celestial goals. I liked what she had to say and highlighted several points I'd like to remember. There are a few writing exercises to help you determine your needs and goals in a relationship. I found writing my goals or "vision" to be very helpful. Doug actually read this book before I did and we've enjoyed discussing some of the points and writing exercises. He and I both felt this gave us a better understanding of each others personality, experiences, and gender differences.

[Becca Secor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than the title makes you think.
This book actually gives you ideas of things to try.
I have applied many many things in my marriage from this book.
They were simple, natural, and brought profound results.
It has helped me to change my thinking about things too -
there were areas that I knew I needed to change my thinking but
I wasn't sure what to change to. This is very specific and very helpful.
This is one that I read and re-read - bits at a time - and apply as I go.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure if I had known this was a self-help, read and discuss with your spouse book I would have enjoyed it more. I was expecting more of an entertaining fun book for women. There are a lot of great thoughts and suggestions throughout, but I didn't appreciate them as much as I could have in a better mental state. :) Someday I'll hopefully get around to reading it again with the purpose to really apply read and apply it's ideas.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book early last year from the library and began reading it, it has some great information, bu I had to take it back before I was through. I just got it again from the Library and thumbed through it and remembered that it was a good book but it addresses different issues than the ones I am looking for answers for.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked out this book because I thought it was written in response to Dr. Laura's "The Proper Care and Feeding of Men/Marriage". It's not. It's not very interesting and has a lot of assignments. I just scanned through it because there are other books that will make better use of my time. For realistic and thorough marriage advice, read anything from Gottman.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on communication in marriage as well as dealing with male/female differences in marriage. I loved the three stone principle. I also especially liked how the author enumerated the specific gifts of women.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. I didn't think it was well-written. And, although there some good nuggets of information and ideas, overall I felt she missed the mark. Maybe I'm just not the reader she was writing to...

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.. It gave me alot to think about.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. A lot of things I've heard before, but some new things that will help not only my relationship with my husband, but others as well.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the beginning the best - very much in the same style as the Eve books, but somewhat of a repeat as this book is intended for a larger audience.

[Jolie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't really like this author but she has some good things to say. I am not at all interested in her style of writing, and all her mere opinions.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. I thought by the title that it would be funny but it wasn't really. It has some good relationship advice though.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

She had some interesting points and other points that I didn't agree with. And then she quoted Dr. Phil and she lost a lot of credibility and I didn't have a lot of desire to finish it after that.

[Annell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Opt for the great good regardless of who gets the credit."

[Jen Bury · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent book if this is the first marriage/relationship book you have read... but there are so many others that have done a better job. I would not recommend this book to anyone personally.

[Aaron Ashton]

Overall, a really wonderful book. It was great to see perspectives from both women and men. A really great read for any that want to understand how some people think.

[Jennybug · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title was the best thing about the book. I just couldn't get into it???

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful ideas encouraged in this book!