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Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family
David and Tamela Mann have been married for 30 years, but the singers, actors, and entrepreneurs are just as, if not more than, happily in love as they were in the early days of their relationship. In their new book, the couple will relate the story of their first encounters as teenagers, the importance of communication, and how they've been able to keep that spark burning through all these years.
The Mann's have delighted and inspired audiences through music, a string of plays and movies, as well as several television series--Meet the Browns, The Mann's, and Mann & Wife. They'll share about their often hilarious and sometimes controversial interactions with each other, their blended family of five grown children and eight grandchildren, and how these relationships enrich their lives. Given their recording careers, touring, filming, and managing an outrageous family, The Mann's will share with readers the day-to-day challenges, successes, and joys that happen behind the scenes.
The Mann's have delighted and inspired audiences through music, a string of plays and movies, as well as several television series--Meet the Browns, The Mann's, and Mann & Wife. They'll share about their often hilarious and sometimes controversial interactions with each other, their blended family of five grown children and eight grandchildren, and how these relationships enrich their lives. Given their recording careers, touring, filming, and managing an outrageous family, The Mann's will share with readers the day-to-day challenges, successes, and joys that happen behind the scenes.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
140 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 27, 2021
As someone who already love this couple & thought I knew them.. this book shared so much. I’m talking about the personal details/struggles of their life and marriage. My mouth was on the floor because I would have never imagined. I read this book during a hospital stay (with my husband by my side) and it keep me uplifted and smiling. My husband and I talked about things in the book and also added their prayers (the ones in the book) to our nightly prayer routine.
They were transparent and reading it made me feel like I was listening to them talk which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend!!
They were transparent and reading it made me feel like I was listening to them talk which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend!!
September 1, 2020
I totally love this book. Talk about real life and real truth about marriage. This book gives you the ups and downs about their relationship. This book makes me want to work on my marriage more. This book is great for all married couples. This is not just another relationship book. This book is hilarious and filled with so much joy and love.
June 24, 2019
When I first checked this book out I didn't know what to expect. I just wanted to read it because I like David and Tamela Mann. This is an excellent book for married or engaged couples. Even though I'm single, I still got a lot out of this book for my future marriage and life in general.
July 27, 2019
I just really like the Mann family’s story and I’ve always loved their blended family dynamic in general.
December 10, 2022
A very good book. I enjoyed their story tremendously.
December 24, 2018
I loved how open and honest this couple was. Not only was it completely open, but it's not like a lot of church teachings where the woman is the only one that seems to be at fault, they both talk about how they each messed up and how with God they were able to learn about each other. This is marriage teaching I would be willing to follow and learn from.
June 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
David and Tamela Mann are gospel musician(s) and actors who have been married for 30 years. This book is part of a double roll out, in that it is accompanied by a music album of the same name (which is a really good project).
The theme of both works is celebrating marriage and offering advice and insights into "sustainable love". I listened to the audio book, which I found really fun: the two have infectious, genuine and heartwarming chemistry. They speak about their love story; how they met, getting married, being broke, family life, health scares, fighting, communication and dealing with "baby mama drama".
That said, the content of the book is nothing anyone who's done premarital counselling, or even been married for any period of time, would be unfamiliar with.
Key Takeaways
Marriage is hard work and communication is essential.
Outdo each other in doing for each other.
Vows remind you of what matters and what you committed to. Revisit them as part of your marriage maintenance.
Commitments are made when times are good, but they are proved when times are bad.
The art of arguing:
1. Stick to the issue
2. Listen to understand not to respond
3.Take a time out when the emotions get heated
4. Don’t make the issue bigger than your marriage
5. Never retire for the night angry at each other
6. Ask for help
7. Let it go
Ask yourself if what you’re upset about is REALLY that serious?
Don’t compete with each other; celebrate each other.
Ways to celebrate your spouse:
- Prepare their favourite meal
- Be their assistant for a day
- Compliment them
- Write them a letter
- Make special days a big deal
- Acts of affection
- Appreciate them in public
- Cherish them in private
- Send flowers
- Honour them in front of other people.
You don’t need to be doing the same things, but support and collaborate with each other in the pursuit of your individual goals.
Cooperation can’t happen without submission - to each other.
Concentrate on and study your spouse.
How to handle finances:
1. Be completely transparent re spending and debts
2. Identify the money manager
3. Create a budget. Have a yearly, weekly and monthly budget. Short term and long term goals.
4. Invest as a team
5. Keep it consistent
Have a mission for your marriage. Write it down and remind yourselves of it.
Forgiveness is not about being right, but giving up your right to be right.
Faith in God makes a great marriage. Jesus must be the centre of the marriage to have the fullness of it.
Conclusion
A fun read/listen but this is by no means a deep dive into the theology or even necessarily, practicalities of making a marriage work. It reads more like their story - which is engaging enough, but also…sort of goes against how this book is marketed. There are no real "secrets" here.
It is also a bit repetitive.
Nonetheless, I'd encourage listening to the audiobook. The Manns are truly #CoupleGoals and listening to them is refreshing, encouraging and often hilarious.
David and Tamela Mann are gospel musician(s) and actors who have been married for 30 years. This book is part of a double roll out, in that it is accompanied by a music album of the same name (which is a really good project).
The theme of both works is celebrating marriage and offering advice and insights into "sustainable love". I listened to the audio book, which I found really fun: the two have infectious, genuine and heartwarming chemistry. They speak about their love story; how they met, getting married, being broke, family life, health scares, fighting, communication and dealing with "baby mama drama".
That said, the content of the book is nothing anyone who's done premarital counselling, or even been married for any period of time, would be unfamiliar with.
Key Takeaways
Marriage is hard work and communication is essential.
Outdo each other in doing for each other.
Vows remind you of what matters and what you committed to. Revisit them as part of your marriage maintenance.
Commitments are made when times are good, but they are proved when times are bad.
The art of arguing:
1. Stick to the issue
2. Listen to understand not to respond
3.Take a time out when the emotions get heated
4. Don’t make the issue bigger than your marriage
5. Never retire for the night angry at each other
6. Ask for help
7. Let it go
Ask yourself if what you’re upset about is REALLY that serious?
Don’t compete with each other; celebrate each other.
Ways to celebrate your spouse:
- Prepare their favourite meal
- Be their assistant for a day
- Compliment them
- Write them a letter
- Make special days a big deal
- Acts of affection
- Appreciate them in public
- Cherish them in private
- Send flowers
- Honour them in front of other people.
You don’t need to be doing the same things, but support and collaborate with each other in the pursuit of your individual goals.
Cooperation can’t happen without submission - to each other.
Concentrate on and study your spouse.
How to handle finances:
1. Be completely transparent re spending and debts
2. Identify the money manager
3. Create a budget. Have a yearly, weekly and monthly budget. Short term and long term goals.
4. Invest as a team
5. Keep it consistent
Have a mission for your marriage. Write it down and remind yourselves of it.
Forgiveness is not about being right, but giving up your right to be right.
Faith in God makes a great marriage. Jesus must be the centre of the marriage to have the fullness of it.
Conclusion
A fun read/listen but this is by no means a deep dive into the theology or even necessarily, practicalities of making a marriage work. It reads more like their story - which is engaging enough, but also…sort of goes against how this book is marketed. There are no real "secrets" here.
It is also a bit repetitive.
Nonetheless, I'd encourage listening to the audiobook. The Manns are truly #CoupleGoals and listening to them is refreshing, encouraging and often hilarious.
December 16, 2018
Us Against The World by David and Tamela Mann is a great book for any couple. In their inspiring memoir The Mann’s offer some very good advice for keeping your relationship healthy and happy. I love how they take turns telling their truths. They are witty and entertaining yet the importance of their message is never lost in their humor.
Written in two parts, part one is titled, “How We Got Here”. This part contains eight chapters where in which David and Tamela share their story. This is the personal part of the book that allows the reader to get to know the Manns a little better. They share how they met, and how they have managed to stay together for thirty years.
The second part of the book is titled, “What We’ve Learned Along The Way”. These ten chapters are filled with page upon page of relationship advice.
The book contains activities for couples to complete. It also provides prayers and discussion questions for couples to answer.
Although I have not answered the questions yet. I do plan to do so. I think this book contains some valuable hidden gems that can only be discovered if the reader digs deep, answer the questions and do the work.
Written in two parts, part one is titled, “How We Got Here”. This part contains eight chapters where in which David and Tamela share their story. This is the personal part of the book that allows the reader to get to know the Manns a little better. They share how they met, and how they have managed to stay together for thirty years.
The second part of the book is titled, “What We’ve Learned Along The Way”. These ten chapters are filled with page upon page of relationship advice.
The book contains activities for couples to complete. It also provides prayers and discussion questions for couples to answer.
Although I have not answered the questions yet. I do plan to do so. I think this book contains some valuable hidden gems that can only be discovered if the reader digs deep, answer the questions and do the work.
March 5, 2019
I am a HUGE fan of David and Tamela Mann. I actually received this book as a gift from them. I won a radio contest to attend a meet and greet with them. At the time I did not know that it also included tickets to their concert, a free Tshirt, CD and this book. So I went into this feeling grateful and loving The Manns. I enjoyed hearing their personal stories, and how they cope with having a blended family. I loved how David spoke of wanting to be a better man than the few men he knew growing up. I also appreciated Tamela's point of view as the friend, turned girlfriend, turned wife.
My only criticism of this book is that, although they speak of going through things in their life and marriage as we all do, their story seems a tad on the "perfect" side. As young as they were when they got married the maturity level that they had for making it work seemed almost unbelievable. I've met them, as I said, so I know that it's truth, but it's also very very rare.
My only criticism of this book is that, although they speak of going through things in their life and marriage as we all do, their story seems a tad on the "perfect" side. As young as they were when they got married the maturity level that they had for making it work seemed almost unbelievable. I've met them, as I said, so I know that it's truth, but it's also very very rare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
I greatly enjoyed the audiobook version. eBook to re-read what I might've missed👌, skimmed through it.
I did like the chapter with the breakdown with marriage, vows, and honoring them. I have heard these things before but good reminder:
*plan wedding vs prepare for marriage
*marriage beautiful gift, also a commitment
*falling in love but marriage takes work (I hope not with the one I love)
hold=cling to
cherish=esteem above all others (who does this!)
love=honor, adore, commit to, trust, respect
*perfect union under YHWH God.
Chapter that speaks on some arguments aren't worth it. I agree.
Listen instead of worrying about being heard (added my phrase from the reading).
Stick with the issue, not make them the problem. (paraphrased)
not to be emotionally driven, heated argument, take a breather or break.
not to stay angry, joy in the morning I hope!
Let it go!
Celebrate each other--yes!
35 years, 😲.
3.75 stars 🤩
I did like the chapter with the breakdown with marriage, vows, and honoring them. I have heard these things before but good reminder:
*plan wedding vs prepare for marriage
*marriage beautiful gift, also a commitment
*falling in love but marriage takes work (I hope not with the one I love)
hold=cling to
cherish=esteem above all others (who does this!)
love=honor, adore, commit to, trust, respect
*perfect union under YHWH God.
Chapter that speaks on some arguments aren't worth it. I agree.
Listen instead of worrying about being heard (added my phrase from the reading).
Stick with the issue, not make them the problem. (paraphrased)
not to be emotionally driven, heated argument, take a breather or break.
not to stay angry, joy in the morning I hope!
Let it go!
Celebrate each other--yes!
35 years, 😲.
3.75 stars 🤩
December 26, 2018
David and Tamela Mann give readers a view of who they are as individuals, everlasting friends, and who they are as marital partners. "Us Against the World" is a realistic expression of how being grounded in faith and friendship can help keep a marriage strong. Their advice is drawn from their own experiences in which most couples can relate. The book is arranged in a fun conversational manner, where David and Tamela speak from their own point of view on each topic. At the end of each chapter there are prayers and exercises for couples to help them grow in their own marriage.
I enjoyed reading "Us Against the World" and will certainly apply some of the principles to my own relationship.
I enjoyed reading "Us Against the World" and will certainly apply some of the principles to my own relationship.
April 10, 2020
Talk about a power couple. This book was amazing. Couple David and Tamela Mann really give their honest perspectives on marriage. Let me tell you, it’s pretty clear that it is set up like an interview but as you read, you feel that they are actually speaking to you. They give the good, the bad, and the ugly. They acknowledge that they didn’t start out with money. They give details about their struggle. They give the raw truth. I’ve read many relationship books and, quite frankly, this one has been the best. There are even exercises for couples to do after each chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
Grounded in Christ
Such an honest, open, and faithful display of what it means to love your spouse. Admittedly, I'm not much of a fan of the movies this couple are actors in, but I've enjoyed their work. Picking up this book was a chance I'm grateful I took. Although a fairly simple read, it is full of advice and engagement. Whether you've been married for years, months, or still engaged - this book had something for everyone one. I highly encourage taking to the opportunity to allow this couple to minister to you through this book. Definitely worth the investment of time.
Such an honest, open, and faithful display of what it means to love your spouse. Admittedly, I'm not much of a fan of the movies this couple are actors in, but I've enjoyed their work. Picking up this book was a chance I'm grateful I took. Although a fairly simple read, it is full of advice and engagement. Whether you've been married for years, months, or still engaged - this book had something for everyone one. I highly encourage taking to the opportunity to allow this couple to minister to you through this book. Definitely worth the investment of time.
October 10, 2022
I have been a fan of the Manns since their early days of singing with Kirk Franklin and The Family. In this book, the couple shares their insight on marriage, love and family. They give practical advice and share their experiences. Many of the chapters end with prayer, discussion questions and activities for married couples. This book is ideal for married and engaged couples as well as marriage ministries.
Even though I am not married, I still gleaned valuable insight regarding relationships and the power of forgiveness.
Even though I am not married, I still gleaned valuable insight regarding relationships and the power of forgiveness.
December 31, 2020
I loved listening to this book. This book made me love and respect David and Tamela Mann even more. They are truly an inspiration to what I want in a marriage and relationship. I enjoyed listening to every part of this book. The scriptures are very helpful and inspirational. I would definitely recommend this book to young couples starting out as well as married couples who want to give up on their marriage without trying to work on it. This book is a true example of how friendship, God, scripture and real love is what truly makes a strong lasting relationship and marriage.
April 18, 2023
This audiobook was enlightening about marriage, parenting, blended families and how to support and serve your spouse the correct way. Following their suggestions may help seeming they've been married over 30 years.
I enjoyed them narrating the book and their back and forth. David had me cracking up in some areas of the book. Overall the advice they provided is more than just having experience, it's them sharing to help others.
I enjoyed them narrating the book and their back and forth. David had me cracking up in some areas of the book. Overall the advice they provided is more than just having experience, it's them sharing to help others.
July 5, 2023
Tamela & David Mann pulled the curtains allll the way back on their marriage & I am so grateful for them sharing and being vulnerable on their marital union. This book was unlike many others because it provided laughter and they unlike many others talked about sex and intimacy. Their book offered so many valuable tools and takeaways for couples and has even opened up some very good conversations within my marriage. I absolutely loved it!
August 11, 2019
It was okay. I love the Mann’s so it really wanted to love this book. This book feels like a casual chat on the couch with David and Tamela Mann. While this take is really sweet and refreshing, it also felt a bit belaboring at points. While I did enjoy their book, I feel like it was unnecessarily drawn out.
May 20, 2022
I truly enjoyed reading this book and listening to the audio version. Reading their anecdotes was enjoyable but I definitely recommend listening to this book as well. Hearing their story in their voice took the listening experience to the next level. The audiobook also includes a free PDF guide with questions and activities.
@taneishareads on IG
@taneishareads on IG
December 3, 2018
I really liked parts of this book and you can definitely tell these two love each other deeply. And I like their story. However, I couldn't tell what they wanted to do with the book in the style in which it is written. READ FULL REVIEW HERE-- http://bit.ly/2Q6O1DI
January 28, 2019
This was a gift. Never heard of these people but I figured out they have a following. The book is their look at their 30+ year marriage and at times is funny. They offer advice on how to improve your own if you’re not happy. Family is most important as is staying the course. Easy read
January 29, 2019
Every couple who is considering marrying should read this book
This book was awesome and very informative. It had truth, laughter, tears, fears and compromise plus understanding. It teaches both parties how to love each other as Christ love the church. I enjoyed it.
This book was awesome and very informative. It had truth, laughter, tears, fears and compromise plus understanding. It teaches both parties how to love each other as Christ love the church. I enjoyed it.
October 20, 2019
Heartfelt and Honest! ☆☆☆☆☆
Excellent! Intriguing! Entertaining! Recommended for husbands and wives, as well as singles. Carefully written with lots of humour. They take you on a journey and you are caught up in their atmosphere of love and living life to its fullest!
Excellent! Intriguing! Entertaining! Recommended for husbands and wives, as well as singles. Carefully written with lots of humour. They take you on a journey and you are caught up in their atmosphere of love and living life to its fullest!
November 3, 2019
God inspiring
This book opened my eyes to something that I knew exhausted but clarified how the fit in your marriage. Also, it uplifted the spirit of those who may have challenges in their marriage or the spiritual aspect of the said marriage.
This book opened my eyes to something that I knew exhausted but clarified how the fit in your marriage. Also, it uplifted the spirit of those who may have challenges in their marriage or the spiritual aspect of the said marriage.
November 1, 2020
So Encouraging
Loved reading about their story. Encouraging for the married or planning to marry. Doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married, you still have to focus on growing. That’s their story.
Loved reading about their story. Encouraging for the married or planning to marry. Doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married, you still have to focus on growing. That’s their story.
January 22, 2021
Great for those who have marriage as a goal
Lots of great memorable quotes. Im so happy to read about how their relationship has grown and how I can apply this information into my marriage❤ thank you
Lots of great memorable quotes. Im so happy to read about how their relationship has grown and how I can apply this information into my marriage❤ thank you
April 3, 2021
Absolutely love love love this book
A real eye opener to marriage, parenting, love and real life - the fact that I listened to the Us against the world album while I read this book - I love them both equally album, Book & the Manns.
A real eye opener to marriage, parenting, love and real life - the fact that I listened to the Us against the world album while I read this book - I love them both equally album, Book & the Manns.
November 14, 2022
This was such an amazing read! I will definitely be using some of the tips and tricks in my personal relationship with my husband! It was also thrilling to hear the background of their lives that is not portrayed on screen!
September 10, 2025
I recommend that all married couples read this book. David and Tam put it all out there on how they have stayed married all these years. I love when Christian couples are real about the mistakes they made along the way. I appreciate this book and the difference it is going to make in my marriage.
December 5, 2018
Every married couple can benefit from reading this book. These two are open, honest and hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews