Customer Reviews

Life After 'I Do!': Awakening from My Dreams... Learning to Love the Reality of Marriage and Family

5 star:		(8)
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This book was very enlightening. Not only did it shed light on the realities of marriage and family, it gave insight into a very special famiy, the Egan family. Rachel Egan's stories amused me, especially the one where she forgot to include 'the quiet one,' Emily, in her poem. So honest and truthful of Egan to admit. Her children have turned out beautifully, even that so-called 'quiet one.' This book was an easy read and amusing. I look forward to more from her!

EDITED Dec 9, 2006:

I have already written a review, but I must say, a section in Egan's book really helped me though a recent struggle with a good friend. Per Egan's advice, I decided to wave the white flag, so to speak, and be a "gracious loser."

It worked, and I learned a lot about myself, my friend, and my other relationships. My friend and I had a deep conversation, and I found that other individuals were there to listen when I needed to vent. I feel like a clean slate now.

See...Egan's advice really helped me, and I'm not even married. From the bottom of my friend's heart and my own, I thank you.

I gave copies of this book to my three married children and their spouses. They, like I, found it to be full of wit and wisdom, and most especially,insightfull love. This is a book that will not just be read and put away. First, you will have a strong compulsion to give it to someone else so you can share the experience. Then, you will re-read it many times. It is a short book that is very long on the reality of marriage, and humor is beautifully employed to provide gentle guidance.

Like any of us who have been married for any length of time, marriage can be a roller coaster. The most we can do, at times, is hang on and try to enjoy the ride. This book will provide you with the insight needed to actually enjoy hanging on (white knuckles and all!) and maybe even getting a laugh or two along the way.

It's a quick read (terrific for any of us juggling more than just a few things in our life) but packs an amazing amount of tips, advice, insight, common sense and humor in its pages.

LOVED her Dad's quotes/jokes as well as her honest, open writing style. By the end of the first chapter it felt like I was sitting down chatting with a trusted friend.

It's a book I'll definitely refer to over and over again...and am also buying copies for both of my sons as well as my nieces/nephew.

I am Rachel's sister (and editor of the book) so admit a certain bias! But following are just 2 of several great comments I've received since sending the book to friends:

"I love this book! Practical and funny, it already is answering many questions that I have, but feel inappropriate to ask. I will buy it for engaged friends going forward and maybe a few married ones. ;) Thanks sooo much!"
L. Brown, San Francisco (newlywed)

"What a wonderful little book! I think it should be sent with every newborn baby wrapped up in the receiving blanket so all mothers will know what they're feeling and thinking is perfectly normal and natural and that they're not nuts! I wish I had had it when my kids were born."
J. Roer, Palm Desert (grandmother)

Life After 'I do' is full of wonderful strategies that make everyday life work. I am a mother with four young children and the day after reading this book I incorporated Rachel's "mini-maid" system and our household runs 10X's smoother. Reading this book is like having a trusted friend who has walked in shoes similar to your own, share her experience with humour and candor.
Reading this book will leave you feeling as if Rachel had sat at your kitchen table, her words reassuring because they are so REAL - she's been there! This book is a must for those newly married and anyone who has a spouse, child, extended family - a GREAT GIFT IDEA!

In the first chapter, the author states that one of her gifts is common sense. I would definitely agree but this book is MORE than common sense. It is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day--it takes some intensity out of the heat of family life and lets you enjoy the warmth of it.

Rachel Egan's book is a such a joy to read and such a help! I've gotten to see Rachel in action and she has an amazing gift of telling the truth about marriage and family that inspires you to make your life better. She helps you organize your life so that you can have time and energy for the full, passionate, purposeful life you yearn for. This book will make you feel less alone and fill you with great ideas to organize your family and revitalize your marriage. And you'll laugh out loud, always the best medicine!

As a mother of three, this book completely resonates with me! It's a quick read (thank you!) and has so many 'take away tid-bits' - it's like Rachel Egan has come into my world, listened to my gripes and come up with some answers that will help make a difference. And because she openly shares all the experiences and emotions she (and any other mother) has gone through, it makes the book so credible. 'Life After I Do!" is a perfect Mothers Day gift for anyone out there!