Customer Reviews

For Better Forever: A Catholic Guide to Lifelong Marriage

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My wife and I have read many practical marriage books in the past few years, and we agree this is hands-down the best. Popcak presents a solidly Catholic foundation for marriage, and fills it out with down-to-earth and thoughtful practical advice.

While many marriage books today tend to concentrate in one particular area, a strength of this book is that it draws from other books with narrower scope (Gottman's "Seven Principles...", Chapman's "Love Languages", etc.) and works them into a more synthesized whole. The best I can say about Popcak's book in comparison is that while I thought those other books were perfectly fine, this one tends to make them look superficial by comparison.

Popcak has a slightly quirky style of occasional wise cracks, but the underlying message is presented with enough care and thoughtfulness that this doesn't detract.

His chapter on vulnerability is really, really, good, and his chapter on the beauty, and wonder of sex should be required reading for people who mistakenly think that Catholics think sex is sinful or bad. Also, his classification of stages of marriage was something we found very insightful and helpful, if painful to consider at times when seeing how we measured up! But even so, it was tremendously helpful in pointing out areas to work hard on.

His exercises at the ends of chapters are generally good, but couples with trouble communicating might want to defer sharing some of them until things improve (such as the one early on about sharing what is annoying about your spouse -- ouch!).

As a bonus, he also provides practical details for how to get help from good, supportive counselors for couples who need that (including himself, via phone!).

I was extremely pleased with this book. This book is great for any marriage, including good marriages. My husband and I have a solid, stable marriage, but it can always be better and more faith-filled. This book provides a great foundation for creating a great marriage. It discusses bringing Jesus into your marriage and how to be Christ to your partner; how to be a loving mate even when you don't feel like it; what the different "love-languages" are, and more.

This book does mention Catholicism is a few sections, but overall, it is more geared toward any practicing Christian. I highly recommend it to any newly or long-married couple.

Thanks to to Mr. Popcak for the best book I ever had in my hands to help a troubled marriage. This book has many words of wisdom and practical advice for all marriages. Using the applications he gives you, My husband and I are on our way to an even higher level of intimacy than ever before and we have just started to work at it. This book is funny and serious. I enjoyed every word. Many thanks to Mr. Popcak

I read this book in the year that my fiancee and I were engaged and preparing for marriage. He is Catholic and I am not, but this book was very useful to the both of us. We both read it and thought it offered a lot of insight and advice to a lasting marriage and ways to better understand your spouse (with a little humor mixed in). I would recommend this book to anyone preparing for marriage or anyone who seeks to understand their spouse better! A very good read!

If you're looking for a very practical, solidly Catholic , down-to-earth guide to marriage and/or raising children (i.e. Parenting with Grace...), Gregory Popcak's books are for you. He has a solid foundation in Catholic theology and a real talent for writing. His books are easy to understand, highly useful and a delight to read. I especially recommend giving For Better...Forever and Parenting with Grace as a wedding gift to young couples. Such a gift is not only unique, but highly useful and practical. It's a gift that you know will keep on giving in the most important way...bringing Catholic couples and families closer to God's glory.

Loved this book! Highly recommended for any Catholic couple, whether or not you are having perceived marital tensions. Even for happy couples, this book can help you find even greater meaning and intimacy in your marriage.

Other than receiving the book in a bad shape, the content is fantastic. The author combines true Catholicism (not your "cafeteria" one) teachings, with counseling techniques, offering a more than helpful understanding as to the purpose of marriage. I know this book will help me become a better wife and improve my knowledge of my faith at the same time.

This book will give you the love you know to be the truth of what marriage is and how we must live it......Kudo's

This book is a great tool for any married couple. If you think you have a good marriage ... this book can help you make it better. If your marriage isn't so good ... you can improve your marriage if you are willing to be extrememly honest with yourself and you are willing to work to improve your marriage.

Can't say it enough...I love this book!

Very informational and helpful, for all stages. Whether just getting married, or married for years.