What do you think?
Rate this book
Keeping Score: A Guide to Love and Relationships
It's a relationship book even a man will read.
Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair.
If you're single- read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up. If you're married- read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness.
Take control and shape your union into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.
Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair.
If you're single- read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up. If you're married- read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness.
Take control and shape your union into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
101 people are currently reading
1517 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 4, 2013
The author writes, "There's no fairy tale about the princess who settles for the inn keeper's drunken son, or at least there's no happily ever after ending to such a story."
Indeed. This is not a book to be read in hindsight after all the damage is done and your relationship has fallen apart. Ideally, this book should be read before getting married. Oftentimes, people are blinded by love, but the reality of marriage is so much more practical. The questions listed here are questions one should consider (and often doesn't) before taking the plunge.
I appreciated the author's blunt, straight-forward approach to issues, and I liked his use of well-known quotes. For me personally, I would have liked to see more story examples of real-life couples, either positive or negative, but that's just a personal preference.
All in all, this guide offers practical questions everyone should ask themselves either before getting involved, during, and/or after a relationship breaks up (so that you don't repeat the same mistakes again).
Indeed. This is not a book to be read in hindsight after all the damage is done and your relationship has fallen apart. Ideally, this book should be read before getting married. Oftentimes, people are blinded by love, but the reality of marriage is so much more practical. The questions listed here are questions one should consider (and often doesn't) before taking the plunge.
I appreciated the author's blunt, straight-forward approach to issues, and I liked his use of well-known quotes. For me personally, I would have liked to see more story examples of real-life couples, either positive or negative, but that's just a personal preference.
All in all, this guide offers practical questions everyone should ask themselves either before getting involved, during, and/or after a relationship breaks up (so that you don't repeat the same mistakes again).
December 9, 2012
Originally posted on my blog Guiltless Reading
Relationships are complicated. We get engrossed in the fine details of our relationships, and its various aspects -- in all its glory and gore. We know it. We live it.
So-called commonsense can keep relationships going, but apparently this is in shortage (especially when emotions are involved) that this book was born. This is "a relationship book even a man can understand" and it's written by a male author, so if you're female this is what you say to your man if you want him to take the quiz. And if you're male, well, you're supposed to understand this.
Yes, this is a fun read! But let me qualify that -- it's not a straightforward read so "reading" it is a little different. This slim book is divided into three parts:
Part I is titled "Adam and Eve" and it branches out into two sets of quizzes, one if you're male and the other if you're female. You go through four sections for each gender, three of which are unique and the last section common for both partners.
Section 1: For Eve, this looks into a woman's thoughts on the ability of her partner to provide financially. For Adam, it looks into a man's thoughts on the physical attributes of his partner.
Section 2: For Eve, this looks into the factors of how a woman feels loved by her partner. For Adam, it looks into areas of potential conflict with his partner, including financial, nurturing, and loyalty.
Section 3 is a bonus question. For the women, it is about her partner's sense of humour; for the men, it is about (oh no!) feeling (in)adequate!
Section 4 is about common interests and how other influences impact your relationship. Some touchy areas it looks into are family (including the in-laws, children and other family member through other marriages), religion, and shared activities.
Part II is titled "Knowledge is Power" and provides insights on the quiz items. This is the meat of the book.
Part III is titled "A Score to Win" and guides you into looking at your relationship score, analyzing it, and deciding how you can get the relationship you really want.
A big part and a very substantial resource is the website - www.keepingscorebook.com - that you should look at in conjunction with this book. The book is merely a jumping board; the website the ocean.
***
What I liked: The format - it's small and you can pop this into your bag and do the quiz on the bus or during a break at work.
It is also extremely easy to read and understand. There are tons of analogies so that various points get across crystal clear. For example (Though I must express some resentment at woman being compared to a car! This isn't exactly a politically-correct book!):
A woman can have all the goods you like, but if the soul is a poor match you'll find the goods a whole lot less enjoyable. Think of it like a car. You can admire a Lamborghini, but would you like paying the insurance, worrying about scratching it [...] - p. 61
The humour. Generally, I found the quizzes funny and I found myself snickering throughout the book. (Though sometimes I found some of the humour a bit tongue-in-cheek). For example:
What is the condition of your partner's tail end? How do your partner's "assets" compare with your preference in this area. Some like a tight end, others like some junk in the trunk. To each his own. How's the scenery from your viewpoint? - p. 56
Overall I think this book is an excellent tool for taking stock of yourself as relationship material, figuring out what your own stand is on various aspects of a relationship, and just generally opening up an avenue for communication with your partner. The caveat is that you need to be honest in your answers. And if you intend on bringing in your significant other, s/he has to be equally open to the process of taking the quizzes.
***
Uh-ohs: I know I said I liked the format, but I have secondhand thoughts about the format of the quiz sheets. I was having some issues with the scoring and the flipping back and forth and I resisted the urge to just tear out the score sheet. Then I got the next part where there is getting the difference from the maximum score and I went uh-oh, why is this so complicated? Also, I kept thinking that the scoring and the explanations should be nearer the actual quiz.
(Note: I also entered my score on the website and it was an answer to some of my gripes above. But this is a review of the book after all. While the quiz part of this translates better in an online format, what's the fun of reading online? I recommend you read through the whole thing, then verify your scores by entering online where you also get the added benefit of comparing to average scores.)
I worry that this book caters to a only heterosexual relationships. If I were gay, which quiz should I take? What is you're in a same sex relationship - so both of you take the Eve quiz or the Adam quiz? Maybe I am overanalyzing this, but the question begs to be asked.
What I found a little worriesome is that there are several assumptions for each gender that didn't quite sit too well with me. The first part of the gender-based quizzes are based on very obvious gender stereotypes: that women are interested in a mate who can provide for her (hence a stress on the financial side of the relationship) and that men place a high value on the physical attributes of their partner. Hmmm ... do we risk perpetuating stereotypes in a relationship by presenting these generalizations as fact?
The cultural lens through which this book came about is based in the dominant culture of North America. While the latter parts of the quizzes are quite open, I found myself wondering how different cultures, which place value different things, would read this and score. For example, Asian cultures value family way beyond what is mentioned here, extending to the value of a person with a community but this isn't reflected in the book and would probably be subsumed under another topic (common interest?).
Overall, I maybe overanalyzing. I think the best way to reap some good from this book is to take it at face value, have fun with it, and open up communication channels with your significant other. Yes, that's commonsense!
Verdict: A fun way of assessing your relationship! A great tool for opening up conversations about the mundane and the things that matter in your relationship ... just be sure to be honest about it!
I was provided a review copy by the author in exchange for an honest opinion. I have also hosted a guest post "Taking the Long View" and held a giveaway on this blog.
Relationships are complicated. We get engrossed in the fine details of our relationships, and its various aspects -- in all its glory and gore. We know it. We live it.
So-called commonsense can keep relationships going, but apparently this is in shortage (especially when emotions are involved) that this book was born. This is "a relationship book even a man can understand" and it's written by a male author, so if you're female this is what you say to your man if you want him to take the quiz. And if you're male, well, you're supposed to understand this.
Yes, this is a fun read! But let me qualify that -- it's not a straightforward read so "reading" it is a little different. This slim book is divided into three parts:
Part I is titled "Adam and Eve" and it branches out into two sets of quizzes, one if you're male and the other if you're female. You go through four sections for each gender, three of which are unique and the last section common for both partners.
Section 1: For Eve, this looks into a woman's thoughts on the ability of her partner to provide financially. For Adam, it looks into a man's thoughts on the physical attributes of his partner.
Section 2: For Eve, this looks into the factors of how a woman feels loved by her partner. For Adam, it looks into areas of potential conflict with his partner, including financial, nurturing, and loyalty.
Section 3 is a bonus question. For the women, it is about her partner's sense of humour; for the men, it is about (oh no!) feeling (in)adequate!
Section 4 is about common interests and how other influences impact your relationship. Some touchy areas it looks into are family (including the in-laws, children and other family member through other marriages), religion, and shared activities.
Part II is titled "Knowledge is Power" and provides insights on the quiz items. This is the meat of the book.
Part III is titled "A Score to Win" and guides you into looking at your relationship score, analyzing it, and deciding how you can get the relationship you really want.
A big part and a very substantial resource is the website - www.keepingscorebook.com - that you should look at in conjunction with this book. The book is merely a jumping board; the website the ocean.
***
What I liked: The format - it's small and you can pop this into your bag and do the quiz on the bus or during a break at work.
It is also extremely easy to read and understand. There are tons of analogies so that various points get across crystal clear. For example (Though I must express some resentment at woman being compared to a car! This isn't exactly a politically-correct book!):
A woman can have all the goods you like, but if the soul is a poor match you'll find the goods a whole lot less enjoyable. Think of it like a car. You can admire a Lamborghini, but would you like paying the insurance, worrying about scratching it [...] - p. 61
The humour. Generally, I found the quizzes funny and I found myself snickering throughout the book. (Though sometimes I found some of the humour a bit tongue-in-cheek). For example:
What is the condition of your partner's tail end? How do your partner's "assets" compare with your preference in this area. Some like a tight end, others like some junk in the trunk. To each his own. How's the scenery from your viewpoint? - p. 56
Overall I think this book is an excellent tool for taking stock of yourself as relationship material, figuring out what your own stand is on various aspects of a relationship, and just generally opening up an avenue for communication with your partner. The caveat is that you need to be honest in your answers. And if you intend on bringing in your significant other, s/he has to be equally open to the process of taking the quizzes.
***
Uh-ohs: I know I said I liked the format, but I have secondhand thoughts about the format of the quiz sheets. I was having some issues with the scoring and the flipping back and forth and I resisted the urge to just tear out the score sheet. Then I got the next part where there is getting the difference from the maximum score and I went uh-oh, why is this so complicated? Also, I kept thinking that the scoring and the explanations should be nearer the actual quiz.
(Note: I also entered my score on the website and it was an answer to some of my gripes above. But this is a review of the book after all. While the quiz part of this translates better in an online format, what's the fun of reading online? I recommend you read through the whole thing, then verify your scores by entering online where you also get the added benefit of comparing to average scores.)
I worry that this book caters to a only heterosexual relationships. If I were gay, which quiz should I take? What is you're in a same sex relationship - so both of you take the Eve quiz or the Adam quiz? Maybe I am overanalyzing this, but the question begs to be asked.
What I found a little worriesome is that there are several assumptions for each gender that didn't quite sit too well with me. The first part of the gender-based quizzes are based on very obvious gender stereotypes: that women are interested in a mate who can provide for her (hence a stress on the financial side of the relationship) and that men place a high value on the physical attributes of their partner. Hmmm ... do we risk perpetuating stereotypes in a relationship by presenting these generalizations as fact?
The cultural lens through which this book came about is based in the dominant culture of North America. While the latter parts of the quizzes are quite open, I found myself wondering how different cultures, which place value different things, would read this and score. For example, Asian cultures value family way beyond what is mentioned here, extending to the value of a person with a community but this isn't reflected in the book and would probably be subsumed under another topic (common interest?).
Overall, I maybe overanalyzing. I think the best way to reap some good from this book is to take it at face value, have fun with it, and open up communication channels with your significant other. Yes, that's commonsense!
Verdict: A fun way of assessing your relationship! A great tool for opening up conversations about the mundane and the things that matter in your relationship ... just be sure to be honest about it!
I was provided a review copy by the author in exchange for an honest opinion. I have also hosted a guest post "Taking the Long View" and held a giveaway on this blog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
The idea of this book isn’t good one but without the website that is supposed to support it - it was a big disappointment. I could never access the web page so I just stopped reading it. It was just too frustrating.
December 18, 2012
As the author points out in one of his blog posts, Over the past few decades, the common sense knowledge that men and women communicate differently has been proven time and again through numerous studies. Regrettably though, this knowledge hasn't improved our ability to communicate with one another- well, not enough anyway. So if we are aware that men and women communicate differently, then why can’t we learn to communicate better?
Perhaps a serious reader of this book, needs to also visit the author's website and the frequent blog posts.
The four components of Keeping Score are:
1. Adam and Eve: This section comprises of relationship evaluation tests designed specifically for each gender. The reader has to answer the questions and fill in the score sheets provided at the end of the book. One of the sections dealing with 'Common interests' is the same for both genders. Else the questions are gender specific. For instance, the woman, even if financially secure would take into consideration the income of her potential partner/partner, whereas the man would probably take into consideration not just how she looked when they first met, but also her looks down the years. (It seemed a bit stereotyped to me, but my friend claims it is true - women are held to a higher standard when it comes to their physical appearance).
2.Knowledge is Power: This section is a review of the factors creating the relationship score. Each factor is explained in great detail with suggestions to improve your score and ultimately your relationship.
3.A Score to Win: This is a guide on improving relationships by examining the strengths and weakness and analysing where there is scope for improvement. (I liked this section and my initial apprehension what the book is stereotyped began to fade away)
4. Keepingscorebook.com: Lastly one can hop across to the website, to share scores online and compare it with others (I am doubtful on whether everyone would want to share their scores).
I agree that men and women communicate differently. That said, maximum points have been prescribed for your answers for parameters across various sections. You have to deduct the points applicable to your answer from the maximum points to arrive at the difference. The difference is graded and helps you ascertain the severity of your problem.
In the Indian context, since the family still does play a crucial part - you marry not another person, but you marry into a family - a higher weightage (maximum points) to questions in this realm would have suited the Indian reader.
The book does not wrap you in a feel good cocoon, it brings forth some hard facts, on issues that are best dealt with upfront and honestly.
The questions are well set and deal with a variety of parameters against which the partner/proposed partner is scored starting from the basics of education and money; habits; behaviour; attentiveness; religion (a touchy subject in India); relationship with the other family members; to name a few.
The book can act as a guide and the author is wise enough to say - the score is just a starting point. Focus first on modifying your own behaviour. Before your receive you must first give.
If you have questions buzzing around in your head about your relationship, this book could help you get a clearer picture.
You can find a more detailed review on my blog:
www.booksonmyshelves.blogspot.com
Perhaps a serious reader of this book, needs to also visit the author's website and the frequent blog posts.
The four components of Keeping Score are:
1. Adam and Eve: This section comprises of relationship evaluation tests designed specifically for each gender. The reader has to answer the questions and fill in the score sheets provided at the end of the book. One of the sections dealing with 'Common interests' is the same for both genders. Else the questions are gender specific. For instance, the woman, even if financially secure would take into consideration the income of her potential partner/partner, whereas the man would probably take into consideration not just how she looked when they first met, but also her looks down the years. (It seemed a bit stereotyped to me, but my friend claims it is true - women are held to a higher standard when it comes to their physical appearance).
2.Knowledge is Power: This section is a review of the factors creating the relationship score. Each factor is explained in great detail with suggestions to improve your score and ultimately your relationship.
3.A Score to Win: This is a guide on improving relationships by examining the strengths and weakness and analysing where there is scope for improvement. (I liked this section and my initial apprehension what the book is stereotyped began to fade away)
4. Keepingscorebook.com: Lastly one can hop across to the website, to share scores online and compare it with others (I am doubtful on whether everyone would want to share their scores).
I agree that men and women communicate differently. That said, maximum points have been prescribed for your answers for parameters across various sections. You have to deduct the points applicable to your answer from the maximum points to arrive at the difference. The difference is graded and helps you ascertain the severity of your problem.
In the Indian context, since the family still does play a crucial part - you marry not another person, but you marry into a family - a higher weightage (maximum points) to questions in this realm would have suited the Indian reader.
The book does not wrap you in a feel good cocoon, it brings forth some hard facts, on issues that are best dealt with upfront and honestly.
The questions are well set and deal with a variety of parameters against which the partner/proposed partner is scored starting from the basics of education and money; habits; behaviour; attentiveness; religion (a touchy subject in India); relationship with the other family members; to name a few.
The book can act as a guide and the author is wise enough to say - the score is just a starting point. Focus first on modifying your own behaviour. Before your receive you must first give.
If you have questions buzzing around in your head about your relationship, this book could help you get a clearer picture.
You can find a more detailed review on my blog:
www.booksonmyshelves.blogspot.com
August 2, 2013
At a point in life we all feel life would have been much easier if we could get the luxury, a guide to move forward in life specially when dealing with relationships. Whoever we may be, we all fall into the cavity of echelons and fight it out to keep hold of our relations and not be considered a failure. ‘Keeping Score’ is an impelling tool to bifurcate failing relations as it focuses on strengthening one’s weaknesses by an evaluation method.
‘Keeping Score’ is broadly categorized into two categories viz. the Eve and The Adam. It’s a deliberate demarcation to focus specially on the point of view of a specific gender to its counterpart. Yes Love is necessary for any relation to grow and prosper it’s the heart and soul of any relation but then there are diverse factors which play an important role especially when you are thinking of life ahead. Starting From Education, Career, Financial stability, Destructive Habits, Work Ethics, Behavior, and Equality both financially and individually everything comes into account when you plan your future. Relations with your in laws/future family members, Common interests, Shared Activities to religious inclination everything has a role to play. Marc Brackett has carefully twined all the basic necessities and has drawn an evaluation guide through a scoring chart where you can analyze your compatibility with your spouse’s score and work towards improving your score to achieve a successful relation.
Second half of the Book is devoted to all the action points and why Marc chose them to be a part of analyzing any relation, giving each and every point a reason for their presence in a relationship. Just like an exam the higher you score the better you would be in your career, similarly this is a scoring chart for the success of your relation which can be evaluated time and again to know one’s progress in a relation. A book for married couples to stand up against all the up’s and downs of life and make efforts to last the distance. Not only for the married couples ‘Keeping score’ is a scout for all the singles to seek out for quantifiers to determine the qualities that would lead you to successful married life.
As far as the weak links are concerned I would say quantifying human factors to numbers is innovative but exact representation of a particular aspect to its numeric coefficient is controversial and may change from person to person as well as cultures across the world.
Overall ‘Keeping Score’ is a book to enhance your compatibility with your (to be) spouse. It’s a prospective attempt to seek for an ideal relationship. The practicality of the theories to real life can only be gauzed when people across the world implement methodologies to their life. As far as the attempt to quantify human aspect to measure potential improvement in relationship is concerned full marks should be given to Marc for his effort. It’s an evaluation test to keep couples inching towards cent percent successful relationship.
Rating: I would rate ‘Keeping Score’ 4 out of 5
For more Insights click of this book visit
http://anjan5.blogspot.in/2013/07/boo...
January 21, 2013
Based on the somewhat confrontational title, this probably isn’t a book I’d have just picked up. What drew me in was one of the best notes I’ve ever received from an author. He mentioned that the book contained quizzes which I’ve loved ever since I discovered Cosmo in middle school. He also mentioned that the website contained extra scientific backing for the theories presented in the book, which he’d decided to keep non-technical. After reading it, I’d like to add that the book is also much more sensitive and less confrontational than it sounds.
The author’s up-beat tone sets the stage for using this book productively, including a reminder that it’s often possible for change to start with you. That may sounds trite, but I think it’s important for using this book in a way that is considerate of your partner’s feelings. The complete tallying of scores does seem to me like something that could be a little hurtful, since you’re either going to feel like you’re less appreciated or like you’re significant other isn’t as good at your relationship as you are. However, while I would recommend not sharing total score, I would definitely suggest using it yourself to see what areas you and your significant other might want to work on.
The issues the book raises seem like they could be useful conversation starters, although the advice and description of the way different factors affect relationships is very common sense. In the book, the author acknowledges that, but based on the e-mail I got I was hoping for a tiny bit of surprising research results. I was even more disappointed with the website, which gives more information but is no more technical than the book – about as Cosmo style as the quiz, with more personal advice than scientific research.
At the end of the day, this wasn’t quite the book I was looking for. The boy and I have pretty good communication, so just having issues brought to our attention wasn’t especially helpful. We also weren’t in love with the way different attributes were weighted. And I didn’t get the scientific backing for claims I was hoping to get, even from the website. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend the book. It was easy to read and the quizzes were explained clearly which made them fun to take. Because of the usability factor and the significant issues raised, I think this would make a great starting point for a couple who wanted to make things work but were struggling to identify what needed to change.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
The author’s up-beat tone sets the stage for using this book productively, including a reminder that it’s often possible for change to start with you. That may sounds trite, but I think it’s important for using this book in a way that is considerate of your partner’s feelings. The complete tallying of scores does seem to me like something that could be a little hurtful, since you’re either going to feel like you’re less appreciated or like you’re significant other isn’t as good at your relationship as you are. However, while I would recommend not sharing total score, I would definitely suggest using it yourself to see what areas you and your significant other might want to work on.
The issues the book raises seem like they could be useful conversation starters, although the advice and description of the way different factors affect relationships is very common sense. In the book, the author acknowledges that, but based on the e-mail I got I was hoping for a tiny bit of surprising research results. I was even more disappointed with the website, which gives more information but is no more technical than the book – about as Cosmo style as the quiz, with more personal advice than scientific research.
At the end of the day, this wasn’t quite the book I was looking for. The boy and I have pretty good communication, so just having issues brought to our attention wasn’t especially helpful. We also weren’t in love with the way different attributes were weighted. And I didn’t get the scientific backing for claims I was hoping to get, even from the website. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend the book. It was easy to read and the quizzes were explained clearly which made them fun to take. Because of the usability factor and the significant issues raised, I think this would make a great starting point for a couple who wanted to make things work but were struggling to identify what needed to change.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
December 12, 2012
About This Book
It's a relationship book even a man will read.
Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair.
If you're single- read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up.
If you're married- read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness.
Take control and shape your union into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.
My Take On This Book
Marc Brackett has written a wonderful book for singles, and married couples. This book is set up in sections. First, you have Adam & Eve, which is, broke up into four sections, and then comes Knowledge Is Power, then you have A Score To Win and the last part is found on his website at www.keepingscorebook.com. At Brackett’s website, you can see how your score adds up to other couples and worksheets to print out as well.
This tiny book blew me away. It opened up a completely new way of looking at my marriage as well as how I look at my husband. I am going to be honest it was not all good but it was not all bad either. I think this is a book for everyone, single and married to keep around and read frequently. I know I will.
I want to thank Marc Brackett for giving me the opportunity to read and review his book. It was an eye-opening journey through this little book, thank you Mark.
About The Author
Marc Brackett is a beautiful soul. Not only is he strikingly handsome and rugged, but he is also suave. His numerous skills and talents are legendary, with capabilities beyond description. When not busy restoring the ecological balance to his private tropical island paradise, Marc can be found teaching orphaned baby dolphins how to trust and swim again.
Alright, alright, the truth is Marc Brackett is just an average guy (says his wife) who loves his wife and children more than anything else. Seventeen years ago Marc Brackett made the most important decision of his life: he got married. Ever since, he has been working really hard to stay married and, with five daughters, he now worries about their relationships as well. This book was written to improve his own marriage and to guide his daughters to a successful marriage.
The book and blog are for anyone (young, old, single, or married) who wants to improve their relationship and increase the odds of its success.
It's a relationship book even a man will read.
Keeping Score provides a relationship evaluation quiz followed by a common sense guide for relationship improvement, all with a humorous twist. You can determine if your relationship has the qualities it takes for a successful marriage and lasting love affair.
If you're single- read this book to see how well your potential life partner measures up.
If you're married- read this book to reduce conflict and increase your happiness.
Take control and shape your union into a relationship that will stand the trials of life and go the distance.
My Take On This Book
Marc Brackett has written a wonderful book for singles, and married couples. This book is set up in sections. First, you have Adam & Eve, which is, broke up into four sections, and then comes Knowledge Is Power, then you have A Score To Win and the last part is found on his website at www.keepingscorebook.com. At Brackett’s website, you can see how your score adds up to other couples and worksheets to print out as well.
This tiny book blew me away. It opened up a completely new way of looking at my marriage as well as how I look at my husband. I am going to be honest it was not all good but it was not all bad either. I think this is a book for everyone, single and married to keep around and read frequently. I know I will.
I want to thank Marc Brackett for giving me the opportunity to read and review his book. It was an eye-opening journey through this little book, thank you Mark.
About The Author
Marc Brackett is a beautiful soul. Not only is he strikingly handsome and rugged, but he is also suave. His numerous skills and talents are legendary, with capabilities beyond description. When not busy restoring the ecological balance to his private tropical island paradise, Marc can be found teaching orphaned baby dolphins how to trust and swim again.
Alright, alright, the truth is Marc Brackett is just an average guy (says his wife) who loves his wife and children more than anything else. Seventeen years ago Marc Brackett made the most important decision of his life: he got married. Ever since, he has been working really hard to stay married and, with five daughters, he now worries about their relationships as well. This book was written to improve his own marriage and to guide his daughters to a successful marriage.
The book and blog are for anyone (young, old, single, or married) who wants to improve their relationship and increase the odds of its success.
June 27, 2013
The author of book had sent me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased opinion.
The author claims Keeping Score is a relationship book even a man will read. I wouldn't doubt that. This book is a very straight forward book regarding relationships. This wonderful pocket sized book can be targeted not only for married/committed couples but also for singles. The book is in the format of a questionnaire, which peaked my interest. Set up in sections, it has questions for both men and women. First comes the questions for Adam and Eve. The questions differ according to the gender. Going forward, the questions were divided into different subcategories which includes questions regarding career, money, faith, in laws, children etc. The book works side by side with the author's website, www.keepingscorebook.com. This is for an insight to the score you get after taking questionnaire in the book.
The book basically revolves around the questionnaire. Keeping Score: to say the least, is based on practicality instead of harping on unrealistic goals. One of the important factor discussed was money and rightly so. We are all aware that working on relationships cannot be done in a day. It takes time and patience from both parties involved in a relationship. The author goes on to give realistic tips on working on the relationships in our lives.
The advice or tips provided are not out of the world or something which we are not already aware of. However, it sure does make one pause and analyse their relationship on a much deeper level. All in all an enjoyable read!
The author claims Keeping Score is a relationship book even a man will read. I wouldn't doubt that. This book is a very straight forward book regarding relationships. This wonderful pocket sized book can be targeted not only for married/committed couples but also for singles. The book is in the format of a questionnaire, which peaked my interest. Set up in sections, it has questions for both men and women. First comes the questions for Adam and Eve. The questions differ according to the gender. Going forward, the questions were divided into different subcategories which includes questions regarding career, money, faith, in laws, children etc. The book works side by side with the author's website, www.keepingscorebook.com. This is for an insight to the score you get after taking questionnaire in the book.
The book basically revolves around the questionnaire. Keeping Score: to say the least, is based on practicality instead of harping on unrealistic goals. One of the important factor discussed was money and rightly so. We are all aware that working on relationships cannot be done in a day. It takes time and patience from both parties involved in a relationship. The author goes on to give realistic tips on working on the relationships in our lives.
The advice or tips provided are not out of the world or something which we are not already aware of. However, it sure does make one pause and analyse their relationship on a much deeper level. All in all an enjoyable read!
September 4, 2014
I received this book from a First-Reads giveaway and immediately my husband and I sat down with it once it arrived.
With the exception of one other book - this is the first time we have both read a self-help relationship book of this nature.
We found the dialogue fun and light as we answered through the questions and when we finished - we compared our scores.
I felt a little deflated at the end mainly because we both realized that we did not learn anything new about each other. It felt as if we were trying to gain meaning with 2 dimensional questions with minimal options to answer honestly or specifically.
Maybe that was all that the point of this book was about, but I would have liked a little bit more depth and dimension to the questions and answers.
Just as the book states, all of this is just common sense, and I would say that this book is just that: the basics to relationships and not something that really prompts you and your significant other to discuss about afterwards.
This book does not drive you to pursue further meaning and understanding of relationship complexities, however, it is light, fun, and quick guide that you and your partner can share together.
Disclaimer
*I received a copy of this book in a First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content disclosed in my review. *
With the exception of one other book - this is the first time we have both read a self-help relationship book of this nature.
We found the dialogue fun and light as we answered through the questions and when we finished - we compared our scores.
I felt a little deflated at the end mainly because we both realized that we did not learn anything new about each other. It felt as if we were trying to gain meaning with 2 dimensional questions with minimal options to answer honestly or specifically.
Maybe that was all that the point of this book was about, but I would have liked a little bit more depth and dimension to the questions and answers.
Just as the book states, all of this is just common sense, and I would say that this book is just that: the basics to relationships and not something that really prompts you and your significant other to discuss about afterwards.
This book does not drive you to pursue further meaning and understanding of relationship complexities, however, it is light, fun, and quick guide that you and your partner can share together.
Disclaimer
*I received a copy of this book in a First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content disclosed in my review. *
September 18, 2012
Keeping Score is a self help book about relationships, how to deal with them and what to expect from both sides of the relationships. Whether you're in a relationship or not, this book will help you prepare for what will come in the future of your relationship or your future relationships.
This is my second Self-help relationship book I've read, and there wasn't much difference between the two. Keeping Score is interesting because it give you insight in what a relationship will probably be like in 4 years or 10 years.
I personally took the quiz that was in the beginning of the book, even though I'm not in a relationship. I took it and answered it in a way that shows how and what I want my ideal partner to be like and how we are with each other. The results came out with a score of 89. Which is great. I know that this quiz is only for those who are in relationships because of the questions given, but I can say that if I were in a relationship, the results would be accurate, because it all makes sense to me.
This book appeals to both women and men. It doesn't matter if they're single or in a relationship. Even though Keeping Score revolves around a short quiz at the beginning of the book to evaluate ones relationship, it still gives advice to single ladies and gents about what to expect and what to do in a relationship, how to think, and how to deal with things.
This is my second Self-help relationship book I've read, and there wasn't much difference between the two. Keeping Score is interesting because it give you insight in what a relationship will probably be like in 4 years or 10 years.
I personally took the quiz that was in the beginning of the book, even though I'm not in a relationship. I took it and answered it in a way that shows how and what I want my ideal partner to be like and how we are with each other. The results came out with a score of 89. Which is great. I know that this quiz is only for those who are in relationships because of the questions given, but I can say that if I were in a relationship, the results would be accurate, because it all makes sense to me.
This book appeals to both women and men. It doesn't matter if they're single or in a relationship. Even though Keeping Score revolves around a short quiz at the beginning of the book to evaluate ones relationship, it still gives advice to single ladies and gents about what to expect and what to do in a relationship, how to think, and how to deal with things.
July 20, 2013
KEEPING SCORE is an okay read. This is a guide, a scorecard, for your relationships. Women will read the “EVE” and men, “ADAM”. You complete the quiz, find out the differences and see where improvements can be made, or if you should rethink your relationships. You can use this guide if you are single, married or dating. The information is interesting but it is all based on one’s perception. Depending on you and your partner’s relationship, or your perception of the relationship you could have problems. One might think it is great relationship at 90% and the other average at 70%. Once you have this information, it goes into the factors and how to change or improve those scores. I have a problem with the change aspect in that people may change for the wrong reasons. Not for themselves but for their partner and it would only mask the problem. For example, if your partner wanted you to wear more makeup, or do your hair differently (short hair versus long), or dress differently. I don’t believe that is right. Overall, I think this book would appeal to readers who like this type of self-help and who are a little more open to the concepts it has.
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: KellyR
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: KellyR
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 2, 2013
At first I wanted to give this book 2.5 stars, but since that's not possible on Goodreads I doubted wether I would give it a 2 or a 3. A 2 was not enough and a 3 was a little too much. Than I thought: well, maybe I didn't like this book so much because I couldn't really "use" it at this point in my life. That's why I gave 3 stars to "Keeping Score - A guide to love and relationships".
Although I didn't like the book so much, I have to admit there were some parts I found interesting. Other parts didn't give much new information and just recapitulated things I already knew. Sometimes it seemed like the author wanted to share a totally new insight with his readers and I had the "ooow, exciting!"-feeling. After reading those parts in the book I always had the "ooow, is that it?"-feeling and I felt a little disappointed.
Writing this review was so difficult and it's still a lot shorter than I wanted it to be! Reviewing a guide is totally different from reviewing a book with characters, a plot,... It took me a while to think about the book but here is my opinion: "Keeping Score" is a good read but I really don't know wether it would help a relationship or not. I don't think it would really help me...
Although I didn't like the book so much, I have to admit there were some parts I found interesting. Other parts didn't give much new information and just recapitulated things I already knew. Sometimes it seemed like the author wanted to share a totally new insight with his readers and I had the "ooow, exciting!"-feeling. After reading those parts in the book I always had the "ooow, is that it?"-feeling and I felt a little disappointed.
Writing this review was so difficult and it's still a lot shorter than I wanted it to be! Reviewing a guide is totally different from reviewing a book with characters, a plot,... It took me a while to think about the book but here is my opinion: "Keeping Score" is a good read but I really don't know wether it would help a relationship or not. I don't think it would really help me...
January 5, 2013
This is a great book for people looking to improve their relationships. I think the scoring things will add a bit of competition to the process which may be great for certain individuals. Some men may enjoy getting competitive and some women. I’m not competitive, but it is easy to read a score and then find out what that means. With so many ‘Self-Help’ books out there it is difficult to wade though and find the best ones for you to read and follow.
Men and women communicate differently and they see situations differently. That is the cause of most problems in a relationship. Women may read something into the relationship that isn’t there, or a man may ignore the things that the others finds important. Either partner may be unaware of the others unhappiness. Communication is important and yet how often do we sit and really talk to our partner?
If you are willing to look for ways to improve your relationship…such as picking up this book then you are doing something positive for your partnership. Any positive step is a step in the right direction. Keep it up and things, if you are both willing to work on it, will get better.
Men and women communicate differently and they see situations differently. That is the cause of most problems in a relationship. Women may read something into the relationship that isn’t there, or a man may ignore the things that the others finds important. Either partner may be unaware of the others unhappiness. Communication is important and yet how often do we sit and really talk to our partner?
If you are willing to look for ways to improve your relationship…such as picking up this book then you are doing something positive for your partnership. Any positive step is a step in the right direction. Keep it up and things, if you are both willing to work on it, will get better.
January 4, 2013
This is not the usual kind of book for me. I tend to stay away from these relationship-improvement books, but this one caught my attention and I had to give it a try.
There were many good things about it. I enjoyed the author’s honesty in dealing with both sexes, from the personal test to the scores and their meanings. I also really liked the idea of being able to interact with other readers across the web with keepingscorebook.com. It makes the book interactive, which, when dealing with this subject matter, is the ideal to be able to really comprehend it. But there was one thing that did bother me. Well, “bother” is probably too strong a word. One of these is the really black and white choices the reader is given for the tests questions. There’s no room whatsoever for gray areas. I know that there’s no way to accommodate every answer, but I would have liked to see a bit more options.
All in all, if you enjoy these kinds of personality/relationship books, I would recommend this one. There are many interesting ideas spread throughout its pages that will make you really think about your and your partner’s actions.
There were many good things about it. I enjoyed the author’s honesty in dealing with both sexes, from the personal test to the scores and their meanings. I also really liked the idea of being able to interact with other readers across the web with keepingscorebook.com. It makes the book interactive, which, when dealing with this subject matter, is the ideal to be able to really comprehend it. But there was one thing that did bother me. Well, “bother” is probably too strong a word. One of these is the really black and white choices the reader is given for the tests questions. There’s no room whatsoever for gray areas. I know that there’s no way to accommodate every answer, but I would have liked to see a bit more options.
All in all, if you enjoy these kinds of personality/relationship books, I would recommend this one. There are many interesting ideas spread throughout its pages that will make you really think about your and your partner’s actions.
October 11, 2012
Relationships. We start them as soon as we are born, beginning with our parents, siblings, etc. Then comes that special someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with. But is love enough to get you through the ups and downs of commitment? Take a deeper look into your own relationship and find out how you rate. KEEPING SCORE is a fun and yet serious look into the many woes both men and women face in their relationship and the way we look at ourselves. Take the quiz and see how you score. Is there room for improvement? How does your significant other stack up? Do you think your relationship will survive?
KEEPING SCORE by Marc Brackett is a guide to love and relationships. Marc takes and in depth look into what makes marriage or long time commitments work and why others fail. This interesting guide is great for anyone in a committed relationship. Perhaps you’ll find out your better off alone. In any case, KEEPING SCORE will help you take an in depth look at yourself and bring about changes for the better.
KEEPING SCORE by Marc Brackett is a guide to love and relationships. Marc takes and in depth look into what makes marriage or long time commitments work and why others fail. This interesting guide is great for anyone in a committed relationship. Perhaps you’ll find out your better off alone. In any case, KEEPING SCORE will help you take an in depth look at yourself and bring about changes for the better.
March 11, 2013
Keeping Score describes a point system that makes it easier to evaluate your love life. Whether you’re dating or married, this book provides the guidance to improve your relationship.
Since I was asked to review this book I had some fun with it. The book provides the reader with a set of questions based on whether you’re male or female. I’m not interested in anyone at the moment so I tried my best to inhabit the female mind and see what kind of score the real me would get. I would be considered a “below average” partner, mostly due to my lack of money. If I worked more I would jump up to being considered “above average”. That’s a significant emphasis on money but that is how most people operate.
I’d recommend Keeping Score for couples who are thinking of getting married as well as married individuals who haven’t done maintenance in a while. It’s a book I’ll return to as I get older.
Since I was asked to review this book I had some fun with it. The book provides the reader with a set of questions based on whether you’re male or female. I’m not interested in anyone at the moment so I tried my best to inhabit the female mind and see what kind of score the real me would get. I would be considered a “below average” partner, mostly due to my lack of money. If I worked more I would jump up to being considered “above average”. That’s a significant emphasis on money but that is how most people operate.
I’d recommend Keeping Score for couples who are thinking of getting married as well as married individuals who haven’t done maintenance in a while. It’s a book I’ll return to as I get older.
April 21, 2014
I grew up watching westerns on television. I can honestly say that this is the first western novel I’d ever read. It took me back many years. The main character, Morgan Kane is a Teas ranger. He finds himself seeking revenge. While trying to bring a man in, he is forced to kill him. The man’s brother and friends set out to “make things right”. They know his weaknesses for women, alcohol and gambling, and they use these to lure him in. After losing a very large sum of money in a poker game he’s lured onto a train platform by a beautiful woman. Once there he is shot. He falls from the train but doesn’t die. After he heals, his mission is to go after the four people who tried to end his life. This is fast and steady in pace and adventure. The characters are very believable. When I learned that this was translated from Norwegian I was shocked that the author definitely knew what the old west was like here. This is definitely a series to look out for.
January 8, 2013
I wasn't sure how I would feel about reading this one. Of course I want to know how my relationship stands but at the same time I really didn't want to know. This book was quick and painless. Marc Brackett has separate sections for the Ladies and the Men. I love the easy to read, straight to the point format and how the evaluation is broken up within each chapter. This is a practical tool for everyone in or thinking about being in a relationship. Keeping Score has allowed me to look at my relationship from a new perspective and identify changes that should be made. Keeping Score will be a great tool to use annually as a relationship checkup.
February 26, 2013
Reviewer: Bex
Rating: 3.5 stars of 5
Keeping Score provided an insightful outlook into how individuals and couples handle their relationships. It it written in an easy to comprehend, no-nonsense kind of way with interactive tasks that engaged me and made me curious for my feedback.
Whilst the information, support and advice offered wasn't brand new and original,it successfully made me pause and spend sometime considering how I approached and responded to my marriage. This is a good thing for sure. It is the a practical guide that certainly will help individuals and couples, and serve as a reminder of how to best handle, respond and behave in a relationship.
A worthwhile read!
Rating: 3.5 stars of 5
Keeping Score provided an insightful outlook into how individuals and couples handle their relationships. It it written in an easy to comprehend, no-nonsense kind of way with interactive tasks that engaged me and made me curious for my feedback.
Whilst the information, support and advice offered wasn't brand new and original,it successfully made me pause and spend sometime considering how I approached and responded to my marriage. This is a good thing for sure. It is the a practical guide that certainly will help individuals and couples, and serve as a reminder of how to best handle, respond and behave in a relationship.
A worthwhile read!
March 6, 2013
This book is a quick read with a test for him and her, for single or married couples, then goes over each section. I also like how you can go online and keep score and print off your answers (www.keepingscorebook.com). There is a his and hers test area to compare.
I am also very happy that my husband and I have scored above average. I had my doubts on some questions and this book actually helped me realize we are doing pretty awesome. :)
I am also very happy that my husband and I have scored above average. I had my doubts on some questions and this book actually helped me realize we are doing pretty awesome. :)
December 8, 2012
Keeping Score sounded like an interesting book so I decided to enter the first-reads giveaway and to my surprise I was a winner. It was an interesting read especially looking at the men's questions. Although I am currently not in a relationship I felt this book gives me an understanding of which areas need to be discussed.
January 17, 2014
I'm not much of a reader of guides in improving self-relationship, but this one caught my attention. This is a book to read by the couple, which set it apart from others. Its reading is light and funny and if you are really interested you can improve your relationship with your partner reading it together.
I liked it very much.
I liked it very much.
February 11, 2013
This light-hearted though serious book is full of humour and wisdom for those in or seeking relationships. On thewhole it seems very logical and intuitive, and I truly believe that it will be a source for good in the lives of all who uses it.
Read
September 4, 2012Interesting
December 8, 2012
This is a book that's full of good information and tools for evaluating your relationship. Full review to come. *I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2012
I enjoyed this book and it helped learn a lot and gave me great ideas to help in my marriage!!! I would recommend any couple married or not to read this book!
Want to read
December 30, 2012Looks good.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews