Wonderful Marriage: A Guide to Building a Great Relationship That Will Last a Lifetime [Hardcover]

Lilo Leeds (Author), Gerard Leeds (Author), Terrence Real (Author), Susan Seliger (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 2008

Written to share the wisdom gleaned from 56 years of married life, this book is a levelheaded marriage manual with supporting commentary from a nationally-known family therapist. Providing a portrait of a remarkable and productive egalitarian marriage, as well as thoughtful speculation about the high rate of divorce in America today, the discussion holds that, no matter how dull it sounds, a rational approach works best in relationships. Advising young people to value character over charm and generosity over selfishness when choosing a mate, the book also discusses the big topics of money, religion, sex, gender roles, child-rearing, and dreams for the future with useful and touching insights about honest and loving communication. Taking a broad and basic view of marriage and avoiding gimmicks and trendy theories, this guide offers solid advice as well as a big pep talk on the happiness—not the hassle—of a committed relationship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Familiarity can breed contempt or contentment. Heed the principles in Wonderful Marriage to make sure your relationship stays fresh, sexy and strong."  —Ian Kerner, sex therapist and New York Times bestselling author, She Comes First

"Wonderful Marriage isn't just another relationship advice book. It is an honest and authentic approach to making a relationship work. It offers useful guidance and insight into what actually makes a partnership go the distance. Identifying the most vital issues in a relationship—money, sex, and children—is crucial. In addition, the authors don't neglect to address what causes most relationships to fail."  —Chérie Carter-Scott, PhD, author, If Love Is a Game, These Are the Rules

"This book is about setting—and getting—high standards in marriage. . . . A powerful, practical book written by people who have walked the walk!"  —Pat Love, EdD, coauthor, How To Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It

"The specific ingredients to connect in all the ways that will create a happy, healthy and vibrant marriage for life."  —Dr. Jane Greer, marriage and family therapist and author, How Could You Do This To Me? Learning To Trust After Betrayal

"Acknowledges the practical ways to achieve a happy relationship—without compromise or conflict."  —John Gray, PhD, author, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

"Keeping this book by your bedside can help guide you from dating through sharing a whole wonderful life together."  —Lisa Ronis, matchmaker and dating coach

About the Author

Gerard Leeds and Lilo Leeds are the founders of CMP Media, Inc., a leading publisher of business newspapers and magazines and provider of internet services for high-tech industries. They also founded the Institute for Student Achievement in New York City, and Gerard Leeds cofounded the National Academy for Excellent Teaching at the Teachers College, Columbia University. They live in Great Neck, New York. Terrence Real is a teacher, a family therapist, and the bestselling author of I Don't Want to Talk about It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression, How Can I Get Through to You? Closing the Intimacy Gap Between Men and Women, and The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work. He lives in Newton, Massachusetts. Susan Seliger is an award-winning writer, magazine editor, and editorial consultant. She is the author of Stop Killing Yourself: Make Stress Work for You.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 194 pages
• Publisher: BenBella Books (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933771399
• ISBN-13: 978-1933771397
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #466,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic relationship book, May 15, 2008

By 

Jennifer N. Canzoneri (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wonderful Marriage: A Guide to Building a Great Relationship That Will Last a Lifetime (Hardcover)

This is an easy-to-read, important guide to finding and maintaining happiness with your spouse or partner. It's not too preachy or traditional, and it covers all areas of life--from sex to raising children to juggling the stresses of daily life. It's a complete and honest guide to working hard to achieve a happy relationship.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Consider the Source, December 8, 2008

By 

T. Cook (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wonderful Marriage: A Guide to Building a Great Relationship That Will Last a Lifetime (Hardcover)

Having read my fair share of books that offer perspectives and ideas on relationships, I read with interest this book by the Leed's. They are a wealth of heartfelt, tried and true experiences lovingly and thoughtfully scribed in offering to all of us. I've been a fan of Dr. Terry Real's work for some years now and have shared several of his books with my women and men friends alike. When I saw that that Terry Real had written the forward to the Leed's book and some of the "backstory" behind his coming to support this book, it piqued my interest even further. The outline for this book is simple, easily presented with no "sweeping" generalizations of either gender and just plain "good" stuff and an excellent resource for those in relationship and those looking to be in relationship. Respect and love is at the core of what the Leed's speak to and from. I highly recommend this book!

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Experts Rave About This Book, May 7, 2008

By 

Glenn Yeffeth (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wonderful Marriage: A Guide to Building a Great Relationship That Will Last a Lifetime (Hardcover)

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Wonderful Marriage acknowledges the practical ways to achieve a happy relationship without compromise or conflict.
¨John Gray Ph.D., Author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

Familiarity can breed contempt or contentment. Heed the principles in Wonderful Marriage to make sure your relationship stays fresh, sexy and strong.
¨Ian Kerner, sex therapist and NY Times bestselling author

Wonderful Marriage isn't just another relationship advice book. It is an honest and authentic approach to making a relationship work. It offers useful guidance and insight into what actually makes a partnership go the distance. Identifying the most vital issues in a relationship- money, sex, and children is crucial. In addition, the authors don't neglect to address what causes most relationships to fail.
¨Cherie Carter-Scott, Ph.D., author of, If Love is a Game, These are the Rules and Negaholics: How to Overcome Negativity and Turn Your Life Around

You can tell from the first page the Leeds know what they are talking about. This book is about setting and getting high standards in marriage. How refreshing! A powerful, practical book written by people who have walked the walk! The Leeds set a high standard for marriage and do convince the reader we all can achieve this. Inspiring; hopeful; touching; informing. I really liked the book and was touched by its authenticity and especially liked the 'don't settle' message as well as agreeing on the Big Six! All very doable and durable!
¨Pat Love, Ed.D. co-author How to Improve Your Marriage without Talking about It

Now you can take out a marriage life insurance plan by simply reading Wonderful Marriage: A Guide To Building a Relationship That Will Last A Lifetime by Lilo and Gerard Leeds! In it they offer the specific ingredients to connect in all the ways that will create a happy, healthy and vibrant marriage for life. It's a must read for all married couples!
¨Dr. Jane Greer, Marriage & Family Therapist, author of How Could You Do This To Me? Learning To Trust After Betrayal, [...].

Wonderful Marriage is a wonderful guide to help find true love and enter a relationship that can lead to a great marriage! The chapter about "Dating with Purpose" is advice I give my clients. Be prepared to devote time and positive energy to finding your partner. Smart dating takes commitment and focus and the results will pay off. Keeping this book by your bedside can help guide you from dating through sharing a whole wonderful life together.
¨Lisa Ronis, NYC Matchmaker and Dating Coach