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Now You're Speaking My Language: Honest Communication and Deeper Intimacy for a Stronger Marriage
A guide to developing a solid Christian marriage describes how to achieve the communication and intimacy necessary to such a relationship, discussing the five levels of communication, identifying and living with differences, and four kinds of intimacy.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
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1565 people want to read
About the author
Gary Chapman
582 books3,515 followersGary Demonte Chapman is an American author and radio talk show host. Chapman is most noted for his The Five Love Languages series regarding human relationships.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 6, 2013
Much helpful advice, but marred by a few significant and dangerous flaws.
In Now You're Speaking My Language, when Gary Chapman writes about ways couples can improve their communications skills, there is much helpful and useful advice. And this forms the bulk of the book. However, there is one significant issue (and a few smaller ones) that I came away with that I find troublesome and even dangerous.
Chapman's thesis revolves around the concept of covenant marriage. This is in contrast to a contract marriage. According to Chapman, a contract typically is of a limited period of time, often deals with specific actions, based on "if… then…" mentality, is motivated by desire to get something we want, and it is sometimes unspoken and implicit. On the other hand a covenant is initiated for the benefit of the other person, is unconditional in its promises, based on steadfast love, views commitments as permanent, and requires confrontation and forgiveness.
It is on this last point, "requires confrontation and forgiveness," that I have strong reservations. In my reading of Chapman's words in this book, he raises covenant marriage as an ideal to which every marriage can aspire and reach. He fails to address the realities of some marriages that involve spousal abuse (physical, emotional, spiritual) and domestic violence. Where he does touch on the possibility of abuse, he dismisses it lightly as mainly a communications issue; i.e., he writes that if the abused partner simply confronts her or his partner in an attitude of love and forgiveness, the abusive partner will recognize his or her sin, confess it, and come around to a healthy relationship. This is dangerous and harmful advice. It implicitly places the blame on the victim, making her or him share responsibility for the abuse. For this reason alone, I hesitate to recommend this book.
There are a few other quibbles I had with the book. Where Chapman employs examples of household tasks, nearly in every case the wives are given domestic duties such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare, and the husbands are given yard work and mechanical work. Can he at least mix it up a bit and break the stereotyping?
Chapman never comes around to address the case where one of the partners doesn't want to work with the idea of a covenant marriage. What then? He does not offer any advice.
This book is clearly intended for a certain segment of the Christian audience. Due to its strong basis in covenant theology derived from the Christian Bible, I suspect it will not find much appeal to the non-Christian audience. Because of certain interpretive biases, it will not appeal to many Christians, either.
There is a conspicuous lack of endnotes and references. From this I conclude that much of what Chapman writes is from his own experience. I am not dismissing the validity of his experience, but how applicable is it to the broader population that is not representative of his work? He bases this book on a statistic that 86% of all divorced couples report that "deficient communication" was the primary factor in the divorce. There is not attribution to this statistic. Is it from his practice, or does it come from somewhere else? Is it from a representative sample?
Each chapter ends with questions that the reader is encouraged to answer for himself or herself. This is followed by activities that Chapman encourages each couple to take part in together.
As I stated at the beginning, Chapman offers some very good advice when he is dealing strictly in the areas of communication. If he kept to those things, I could recommend this book. But as I have detailed, although the flaws are few, at least one is too dangerous for me to recommend this book. I don't say a person shouldn't read it, but to be fully aware of the problems and to go through it with a critical mind.
(This review is based on an advance review copy supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)
In Now You're Speaking My Language, when Gary Chapman writes about ways couples can improve their communications skills, there is much helpful and useful advice. And this forms the bulk of the book. However, there is one significant issue (and a few smaller ones) that I came away with that I find troublesome and even dangerous.
Chapman's thesis revolves around the concept of covenant marriage. This is in contrast to a contract marriage. According to Chapman, a contract typically is of a limited period of time, often deals with specific actions, based on "if… then…" mentality, is motivated by desire to get something we want, and it is sometimes unspoken and implicit. On the other hand a covenant is initiated for the benefit of the other person, is unconditional in its promises, based on steadfast love, views commitments as permanent, and requires confrontation and forgiveness.
It is on this last point, "requires confrontation and forgiveness," that I have strong reservations. In my reading of Chapman's words in this book, he raises covenant marriage as an ideal to which every marriage can aspire and reach. He fails to address the realities of some marriages that involve spousal abuse (physical, emotional, spiritual) and domestic violence. Where he does touch on the possibility of abuse, he dismisses it lightly as mainly a communications issue; i.e., he writes that if the abused partner simply confronts her or his partner in an attitude of love and forgiveness, the abusive partner will recognize his or her sin, confess it, and come around to a healthy relationship. This is dangerous and harmful advice. It implicitly places the blame on the victim, making her or him share responsibility for the abuse. For this reason alone, I hesitate to recommend this book.
There are a few other quibbles I had with the book. Where Chapman employs examples of household tasks, nearly in every case the wives are given domestic duties such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare, and the husbands are given yard work and mechanical work. Can he at least mix it up a bit and break the stereotyping?
Chapman never comes around to address the case where one of the partners doesn't want to work with the idea of a covenant marriage. What then? He does not offer any advice.
This book is clearly intended for a certain segment of the Christian audience. Due to its strong basis in covenant theology derived from the Christian Bible, I suspect it will not find much appeal to the non-Christian audience. Because of certain interpretive biases, it will not appeal to many Christians, either.
There is a conspicuous lack of endnotes and references. From this I conclude that much of what Chapman writes is from his own experience. I am not dismissing the validity of his experience, but how applicable is it to the broader population that is not representative of his work? He bases this book on a statistic that 86% of all divorced couples report that "deficient communication" was the primary factor in the divorce. There is not attribution to this statistic. Is it from his practice, or does it come from somewhere else? Is it from a representative sample?
Each chapter ends with questions that the reader is encouraged to answer for himself or herself. This is followed by activities that Chapman encourages each couple to take part in together.
As I stated at the beginning, Chapman offers some very good advice when he is dealing strictly in the areas of communication. If he kept to those things, I could recommend this book. But as I have detailed, although the flaws are few, at least one is too dangerous for me to recommend this book. I don't say a person shouldn't read it, but to be fully aware of the problems and to go through it with a critical mind.
(This review is based on an advance review copy supplied by the publisher through NetGalley.)
July 30, 2023
Having read the 5 Love Languages, I was curious what other material Gary Chapman had. I apparently listened to an old version (pre-cell phones), so some of the examples are probably better updated in the current book.
While this was good to read pre-marriage, I do think it will benefit most after marriage, as the entire book has to do with daily communication when you live together and start taking each other for granted. There are really good principles in this book that are biblically based. A few Scriptures may have been taken out of context to prove a point, but the principle are solid.
While this was good to read pre-marriage, I do think it will benefit most after marriage, as the entire book has to do with daily communication when you live together and start taking each other for granted. There are really good principles in this book that are biblically based. A few Scriptures may have been taken out of context to prove a point, but the principle are solid.
December 7, 2013
Now You're Speaking My Language: Honest Communication and Deeper Intimacy for a Stronger Marriage by Gary Chapman is an extraordinary book that offers valuable tips to husbands and wives on how to better communicate. Communication is the key to building better and healthier relationship.
The book is not meant for husbands and wives alone. It is a book that is meant to help everyone in any type of relationship. If you are longing for a deeper, more intimate and committed relationship at any level, then this book is for you. Age is no bar, you can be a teen, in your twenties or thirties or sixties and seventies – you’ll find this book of great help!
The book is not meant for husbands and wives alone. It is a book that is meant to help everyone in any type of relationship. If you are longing for a deeper, more intimate and committed relationship at any level, then this book is for you. Age is no bar, you can be a teen, in your twenties or thirties or sixties and seventies – you’ll find this book of great help!
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January 18, 2022TW: abuse
This book has some good advice on how to build better intimacy (spiritual, sexual, emotional, and intellectual) with your spouse. Chapman raised some great reminders and questions for me to think over and implement in my own marriage, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
However, I’ve found I cannot rate this book and thus can’t truly recommend it for a singular, important reason: in one of the chapters, Chapman insinuated that if people in abusive relationships just communicated better, confronted their abuser about their sinful behavior, and then forgave them, things would get better. This is an incredibly wrong rhetoric that no one should preach, least of all a Christian of great influence. I was deeply distressed by this, and as such, even though he provided great relationship/marriage tips throughout the rest of the book, I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to churches or fellow couples.
This book has some good advice on how to build better intimacy (spiritual, sexual, emotional, and intellectual) with your spouse. Chapman raised some great reminders and questions for me to think over and implement in my own marriage, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
However, I’ve found I cannot rate this book and thus can’t truly recommend it for a singular, important reason: in one of the chapters, Chapman insinuated that if people in abusive relationships just communicated better, confronted their abuser about their sinful behavior, and then forgave them, things would get better. This is an incredibly wrong rhetoric that no one should preach, least of all a Christian of great influence. I was deeply distressed by this, and as such, even though he provided great relationship/marriage tips throughout the rest of the book, I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to churches or fellow couples.
March 15, 2021
I thought this book was great on how to develop intimacy in many different aspects of marriage and to focus on communication and how that helps those different parts. I thought for a relatively healthy marriage that needs some tweaks in communication, this book was great. Sometimes my husband and I read marriage books and get the feeling of yikes some people really deal with those kinds of things so this book that focused more on healthier relationships not just totally destructive ones was a nice change 🙂
I understand he did have some poor wording in one paragraph which could seem insensitive or even dangerous if you are in a physical abuse situation but I don’t think his intention was to tell people being abused to just stand up and say something, though I could see how it may sound that way so I understand why this book gets lower star ratings just for that.
I understand he did have some poor wording in one paragraph which could seem insensitive or even dangerous if you are in a physical abuse situation but I don’t think his intention was to tell people being abused to just stand up and say something, though I could see how it may sound that way so I understand why this book gets lower star ratings just for that.
December 14, 2023
Honestly Speaking
This was an amazing book on marriage intimacy and love.
I absolutely loved how Chapman used countless examples from the Bible in this book. I loved how it was not just a secular marriage book but used examples from the Bible to illustrate and demonstrate key points.
I thought it was quite exceptionally written and had so many great insights into how to improve your marriage with communication, emotional intelligence, etc.
It was also very encouraging and open and welcoming and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
Would highly recommend
4.8/5
This was an amazing book on marriage intimacy and love.
I absolutely loved how Chapman used countless examples from the Bible in this book. I loved how it was not just a secular marriage book but used examples from the Bible to illustrate and demonstrate key points.
I thought it was quite exceptionally written and had so many great insights into how to improve your marriage with communication, emotional intelligence, etc.
It was also very encouraging and open and welcoming and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
Would highly recommend
4.8/5
March 1, 2019
Excellent book that encourages healthy communication in a marriage; the five levels of communication, how to deal with defensiveness and emotional hot-spots, and to use “I” and not “You” statements. Also how to make time together a priority and to set goals for the marriage for nurturing growth in all areas of intimacy: emotional, intellectual, sexual, and spiritual.
May 20, 2019
Overall I really found this book to be helpful. Mr Chapman brought up many ways of communication that I had not known to that depth, even though I have been married for over 18 years. I like that he talked about letting the spouse safely share all things even though you may disagree with your spouse's opinions. It was very well written and gives the couple some things to improve on. Even if their marriage is a good marriage, it can become even better! I did have a little issue with page 204 as I am a fulltime homemaker and I have homeschooled my children. The subject is intellectual intimacy. He related that the husband who works outside the home grows intellectually, perhaps unlike the wife being at home caring for children. I am thinking the author did not mean it the way it seems to be written, but the woman most definitely grows intellectually in rearing one's children. It is a physical and mentally challenging job if done correctly. To teach one's children involves stability on her part, as well of a wealth of knowledge, and in using a lot of psychology, as well as understanding each stage of growth. Now as a mother of teens, one of my biggest functions is to counsel my daughters into growing into well adapted young women. They both come to me constantly for direction and guidance. Both are in college at young ages and work difficult jobs. They are not children anymore, but not on their own yet. Driving well, learning to deal with people who do not have any values, paperwork, taxes, budgeting, etc, takes a lot of direction and help so they can eventually do all things on their own. It takes a lot of intelligence to be able to mold someone into going from a child into a functioning, decent, and responsible adult. I agreed with him in that the husband and wife can have very different roles which makes communication something to work towards. It does take effort, listening, and understanding. But BOTH jobs take immense intellect, challenges, and a lot of work, even if they differ in what is done each day. Again, I don't think the author meant to have that come across, but just one thing I noticed and wanted to clarify. Otherwise, the book was really helpful and I am so glad I read it. My husband is also reading it now and it is helping us know how to communicate even better in our day to day living! Thank you, Mr Chapman! He does have an understanding and wisdom on the subject that can really help couples to come together even more and I appreciate that!
November 17, 2019
This book is a Christian book. This is an essential disclaimer to address from the beginning. While other books by Gary Chapman may have a little “religion” within the works, such as “The Five Love Languages,” this book is explicitly Christian and is not for a non-Christian audience. Chapman’s work relies heavily on Christian theology, so even in areas that are not direct citations from the Christian Bible, there are overt connections to Christianity in mode and thought.
This book starts where Chapman’s “Love Languages” book leaves off, guiding the reader from discovering their own love languages to how to apply the concepts and focus on speaking their spouse’s love language(s). If left with this notion alone, the title would be widely popularity and open to a non-Christian audience as well.
The book is not intended to be theoretical but is actually designed to be non-academic and immediately applicable, getting into what Chapman refers to “the nitty-gritty of how to create a positive emotional climate.” This journey starts on the platform of communication. Again, the ideas are great with divorced from a Christian worldview. When enmeshed within Christianity, non-Christian readers will find themselves turned off and uninterested in what good can actually come from this work.
Chapman’s work follows his regular method of prose: simple to understand and easy to engage. Chapman spends the time needed to help the reader jump into immediate application - starting with communication and unpacking how communication leads to covenant and more. Communication is rooted in emotion, and as a result the book discusses knowing one’s own emotional and desires. After this, Chapman goes to the next level, which is really intended for married couples only...the quadrilateral pillars of intimacy: emotional, intellectual, sexual, and spiritual. Again, this book is a religious book written specifically fort Christian married couples.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This product is reviewed based on content and quality in consideration of the intended audience. Review or recommendation of this product does not solicit endorsement from Reviews by J or the reviewer.
This book starts where Chapman’s “Love Languages” book leaves off, guiding the reader from discovering their own love languages to how to apply the concepts and focus on speaking their spouse’s love language(s). If left with this notion alone, the title would be widely popularity and open to a non-Christian audience as well.
The book is not intended to be theoretical but is actually designed to be non-academic and immediately applicable, getting into what Chapman refers to “the nitty-gritty of how to create a positive emotional climate.” This journey starts on the platform of communication. Again, the ideas are great with divorced from a Christian worldview. When enmeshed within Christianity, non-Christian readers will find themselves turned off and uninterested in what good can actually come from this work.
Chapman’s work follows his regular method of prose: simple to understand and easy to engage. Chapman spends the time needed to help the reader jump into immediate application - starting with communication and unpacking how communication leads to covenant and more. Communication is rooted in emotion, and as a result the book discusses knowing one’s own emotional and desires. After this, Chapman goes to the next level, which is really intended for married couples only...the quadrilateral pillars of intimacy: emotional, intellectual, sexual, and spiritual. Again, this book is a religious book written specifically fort Christian married couples.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This product is reviewed based on content and quality in consideration of the intended audience. Review or recommendation of this product does not solicit endorsement from Reviews by J or the reviewer.
September 30, 2023
You've always wondered what it takes to understand the opposite gender. What on earth is that person you married thinking? What does a woman mean when she says one thing, while a man means something entirely different by saying the same thing?
And how can you learn the communication techniques necessary to hear your significant other and be heard by that person, too?
Renowned Christian author Gary Chapman (of The Five Love Languages) offers insightful, Biblically based answers in his nonfiction work Now You're Speaking My Language.
Chapman contends that success in marriage means communication combined with intimacy, and that four principles will provide that foundation so that neither spouse feels ignored, unappreciated, or overlooked. Those four principles are underscored by his belief that the Bible is the final word on marriage according to God's design and that a close, personal, and growing relationship with God is vital to the stability of a marriage.
This work is eminently readable, well-researched, and approachable, like all of Chapman's books that I've had the privilege of reading. Its explanation of the five levels of communication, from surface-level talk to the deepest and most intimate conversations possible, left me openly pondering my own current relationships, whether romantic or platonic, to learn whether I could find ways to improve my communication and listening skills with others.
Chapman speaks with authority, patience, and compassion, having "been there" himself with his wife in their marriage. His anecdotes and personal stories are heartening and refreshing reminders that we all have room to work on ourselves and our relationships with God and others, whether we've been married for one day, one year, fifty years, or are yet single.
Thought-provoking and closely written, Now You're Speaking My Language is a read I can highly recommend.
# # #
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
And how can you learn the communication techniques necessary to hear your significant other and be heard by that person, too?
Renowned Christian author Gary Chapman (of The Five Love Languages) offers insightful, Biblically based answers in his nonfiction work Now You're Speaking My Language.
Chapman contends that success in marriage means communication combined with intimacy, and that four principles will provide that foundation so that neither spouse feels ignored, unappreciated, or overlooked. Those four principles are underscored by his belief that the Bible is the final word on marriage according to God's design and that a close, personal, and growing relationship with God is vital to the stability of a marriage.
This work is eminently readable, well-researched, and approachable, like all of Chapman's books that I've had the privilege of reading. Its explanation of the five levels of communication, from surface-level talk to the deepest and most intimate conversations possible, left me openly pondering my own current relationships, whether romantic or platonic, to learn whether I could find ways to improve my communication and listening skills with others.
Chapman speaks with authority, patience, and compassion, having "been there" himself with his wife in their marriage. His anecdotes and personal stories are heartening and refreshing reminders that we all have room to work on ourselves and our relationships with God and others, whether we've been married for one day, one year, fifty years, or are yet single.
Thought-provoking and closely written, Now You're Speaking My Language is a read I can highly recommend.
# # #
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 25, 2019
I always find Mr Chapman being an author worth reading - and this book has not failed my expectations. It touches a certain amounts of issues that does not work (or could work better) within the Christian marriage, and how to help to solve these issues. The main area of focus within the book is communication as a road to better intimacy within marriage. His advice is very sound and quite wise and mature, even if some can find the examples used and the stereotypes described being quite - well, stereotypical, given how much has our society changed just within years. Yet however old-fashioned some (not key) situations/descriptions/examples might be, the sound wisdom is always modern. And he well recognizes the given individuality of every person and respects the God's always creative touch in any personality (which (paired with honesty) I find being the perfect base for a respecful, caring communication and authentic relationship).
Recommended book from seasoned author, that can offer many good pieces of advice even to young, modern couple.
Recommended book from seasoned author, that can offer many good pieces of advice even to young, modern couple.
March 14, 2023
A phenomenal marriage book! 86% of divorced couples say communication was part of what was at fault. If you want to improve your communication in marriage - I highly recommend this book!
Here are some highlights:
Suggested sentence starters for better communication:
I saw/heard ….
I interpreted that to mean…
Therefore I felt …
I wish …
I think I should …
When you disagree:
- I don’t agree with that, but I would be interested in understanding how you came to the conclusion.
- I don’t quite agree, but I respect your thoughts.
Marriage tips:
1. Pray daily that God will fill my heart with love for my spouse.
2. Express my fears to my spouse.
3. Don’t deny my failures, acknowledge them and ask for forgiveness.
- Intimacy requires confession and forgiveness
- Stop look and listen when communicating.
- To show respect is to look for the God-given potential and gifts and your spouse and call them out. “I would have never looked at it that way, it’s helpful to get your perspective.”
Here are some highlights:
Suggested sentence starters for better communication:
I saw/heard ….
I interpreted that to mean…
Therefore I felt …
I wish …
I think I should …
When you disagree:
- I don’t agree with that, but I would be interested in understanding how you came to the conclusion.
- I don’t quite agree, but I respect your thoughts.
Marriage tips:
1. Pray daily that God will fill my heart with love for my spouse.
2. Express my fears to my spouse.
3. Don’t deny my failures, acknowledge them and ask for forgiveness.
- Intimacy requires confession and forgiveness
- Stop look and listen when communicating.
- To show respect is to look for the God-given potential and gifts and your spouse and call them out. “I would have never looked at it that way, it’s helpful to get your perspective.”
February 15, 2017
Gary Chapman has written a self-help book for those who are married, be it newlyweds or long time married couples.
Now You’re Speaking My Language focuses primarily on communication and intimacy, with many practical applications and proactive steps for enhancing and/or improving your marriage. Each chapter includes a section of Questions to Ponder, and We Do – a section for couples to do together.
The book is written from a Christian viewpoint and has numerous applicable lessons and Biblical references. However, there are a few aspects, such as those alluding to spousal abuse, that seem a little simplistic.
Nevertheless, I feel this book could be a good tool for couples seeking to improve or enhance their marriage.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now You’re Speaking My Language focuses primarily on communication and intimacy, with many practical applications and proactive steps for enhancing and/or improving your marriage. Each chapter includes a section of Questions to Ponder, and We Do – a section for couples to do together.
The book is written from a Christian viewpoint and has numerous applicable lessons and Biblical references. However, there are a few aspects, such as those alluding to spousal abuse, that seem a little simplistic.
Nevertheless, I feel this book could be a good tool for couples seeking to improve or enhance their marriage.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2023
I've read a lot of Gary Chapman's material, and a lot of marriage books in general. The material can often be repetitive, but during this reading I realized that my unstated strategy has been similar to exercising. It isn't lifting weights once or twice that makes you strong, but repeating the same action over time. I may have read very similar material in a book a few years ago, but it is making me stronger to be exposed to the material again.
Like with so many other marriage books, this was full of highs and lows when it comes to quality and practical applications.
I was inspired by the last chapter, but I think I'll need to read that chapter again in the future to actually do the thing that is being encouraged.
Final rating = 3.5 stars
Like with so many other marriage books, this was full of highs and lows when it comes to quality and practical applications.
I was inspired by the last chapter, but I think I'll need to read that chapter again in the future to actually do the thing that is being encouraged.
Final rating = 3.5 stars
October 25, 2020
Buku ini banyak kasih masukan,tips, saran dan pengetahuan yang baru untuk mengubah cara berkomunikasi berkomunikasi dengan pasangan jadi lebih baik,efisien, logis dan benar. Hal yang mengubah paradigma saya adalah saya selalu memakai asumsi untuk tindakan yang dilakukan pasangan padahal asumsi saya belum tentu benar. Di buku ini menegur saya, supaya dalam berkomunikasi jangan memakai prasangka buruk dulu, supaya orang tidak merasa dihakimi. Tapi diajar bagaimana mengekspresikannya dengan wajar dan baik sehinggak komunikasi lancar.
Asumsi2 yang buruk dan penggunaan kata yang tidak tepat membuat orang malas berbicara dengan kita..
Asumsi2 yang buruk dan penggunaan kata yang tidak tepat membuat orang malas berbicara dengan kita..
May 31, 2018
This was an amazing follow-up book after reading The Five Love Languages! With the base of learning being the love languages, Chapman expounds on those principles to further increase a strong marriage together using gospel teachings. While some chapters were familiar knowledge for me, he still gave good, new insights. And other chapter concepts I had never thought of utilizing before, so it was a book that helped to broaden my creativity in my marriage. I love having this wonderful set of tools to create a stronger and deeper marriage for me and my spouse!
May 26, 2021
I try to put a lot of effort into my relationship with my wife because that is the one that matters. The premise of this book is one I completely agree with. Couples should try to stay close in all areas of the relationship, mentally, emotionally, sexually (physically), and spiritually. I get to talk with a lot of couples ranging from divorced to happily married and have found that just reading a marriage book can help. The ideas are great and goes well with other Chapman books.
September 28, 2023
Not sure when or why I put this on my holds list, but I couldn’t finish it. I would fall into the intended audience for this book, but this did not do it for me. Despite the many biblical references, this book felt too superficial and too one-size-fits-all. It felt antiquated and I realized I was forcing myself to listen to it so I just stopped. I have too many other books I want to read to take time with this one!
January 9, 2018
The book lives up to its promise to dig into communication and intimacy, two commonly tough areas for many couples. The stories brought the book to life... they were relatable. I’ve read a lot of marriage books, so parts of this felt like repeat, but I was surprised at how many “aha” moments I had regardless. Good read based on Biblical principles for those married or hoping to get married!
October 6, 2021
Another book by Chapman on relationships filled with practical, simple steps that can be taken today to improve (in this case) your marriage. I especially enjoyed the distinction he made between Bible study and spiritual intimacy. His closing thoughts about budgeting for a marriage growth ministry couple was intriguing.
July 26, 2017
A biblical treatise on the importance of honest communication and finding deeper intimacy in a marriage relationship. This book provides practical steps/activities at the end of each chapter to accomplish the goals of the chapter.
March 7, 2018
Wow! I think every Christian couple should read this book. It was truly enlightening to me in so many ways. It got a little dry in some places, and at times he got a little tangential, but the insights were well, well worth the extra words!
July 23, 2018
Best book on relationships to date.
Gary Chapman repeats his honest and Scriptural approach to guiding couples to having more fulfilling relationships. This is a must read whether your relationship is in prime condition or barely hanging on.
Gary Chapman repeats his honest and Scriptural approach to guiding couples to having more fulfilling relationships. This is a must read whether your relationship is in prime condition or barely hanging on.
August 3, 2018
I read and enjoyed Chapman's Five Love Languages. This book takes that information to the next level in your marriage. He covers several different areas of your relationship with your significant other to connect on a more intimate level. There are practical and simple steps to follow.
August 15, 2019
I've read a. lot. of marriage books at this point (partially because of my major, partially for fun) and this added nothing new. He mixed in bible verses every chance he got which was confusing and not too fun to read. I didn't think this added anything to the marriage book line up.
May 7, 2022
Excellent Book
This book did not disappoint. Just like the other books by Chapman, it is broken down into sections that make it easy to understand and give practical examples of how to put it into action.
This book did not disappoint. Just like the other books by Chapman, it is broken down into sections that make it easy to understand and give practical examples of how to put it into action.
June 5, 2022
This was a pretty good book. I definitely took away some positive points and things to do to improve myself. The book is deeply Christian, which I didn’t realized when I picked it out. That doesn’t bother me but it my put some people off from reading it, but I still think it’s worth it.
September 23, 2023
Another Great Book by Gary Chapman
Excellent read, discussing all the components of a healthy Christian marriage with reference to Biblical principles. Love Gary Chapman’s writing style, information, verses, and suggestions.
Excellent read, discussing all the components of a healthy Christian marriage with reference to Biblical principles. Love Gary Chapman’s writing style, information, verses, and suggestions.
June 23, 2017
This book is a good basic manual on how to communicate for married couples. It breaks down how to identify and trouble shoot communication issues as well.
July 4, 2017
Christian Marriage
This book had some great points/ideas to better communicate in marriage. Was very biblical which I didn't expect after reading Love Language books.
This book had some great points/ideas to better communicate in marriage. Was very biblical which I didn't expect after reading Love Language books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews