Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Amazon Prime includes:
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Buy new:
-19% $13.00$13.00
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
Save with Used - Good
$10.98$10.98
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: ZBK Books
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough Paperback – February 1, 2011
Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.
View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.
Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.
Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Purchase options and add-ons
An eye-opening, funny, painful, and always truthful in-depth examination of modern relationships and a wake-up call for single women about getting real about Mr. Right.
You have a fulfilling job, great friends, and the perfect apartment. So what if you haven’t found “The One” just yet. He’ll come along someday, right?
But what if he doesn’t? Or what if Mr. Right had been, well, Mr. Right in Front of You—but you passed him by? Nearing forty and still single, journalist Lori Gottlieb started to wonder: What makes for lasting romantic fulfillment, and are we looking for those qualities when we’re dating? Are we too picky about trivial things that don’t matter, and not picky enough about the often overlooked things that do?
In Marry Him, Gottlieb explores an all-too-common dilemma—how to reconcile the desire for a happy marriage with a list of must-haves and deal-breakers so long and complicated that many great guys get misguidedly eliminated. On a quest to find the answer, Gottlieb sets out on her own journey in search of love, discovering wisdom and surprising insights from sociologists and neurobiologists, marital researchers and behavioral economists—as well as single and married men and women of all generations.
- Print length336 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBerkley
- Publication dateFebruary 1, 2011
- Dimensions5.49 x 0.72 x 8.26 inches
- ISBN-109780451232168
- ISBN-13978-0451232168
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed
The longer you wait, the less likely you are to find someone better than you’ve already met.Highlighted by 1,414 Kindle readers
What was important over time, he found, was the ability to resolve conflict in an amicable way, general compatibility, and basic agreement on values and goals, like religion and children and how to raise children.Highlighted by 1,163 Kindle readers
What matters is finding the perfect partner—not the perfect person. It’s not about lowering your standards—it’s about maturing and having reasonable expectations. There’s a difference between what makes for a good boyfriend and what makes for a good husband. Over the years, stability and dependability outrank fireworks and witty banter.Highlighted by 1,153 Kindle readers
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An unexpected delight. Lori Gottlieb offers herself up as Exhibit A—that’s A for ‘Alone’—in this unsparing exploration of the contemporary mating scene. Part cautionary memoir, part field study, her account of her own stalled search for a husband is honest and darkly comic...The truth isn’t pretty, but it can be liberating.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Marry Him shows women how to find true happiness when seeking love—by giving them a new way to look at the world. Gottlieb manages to be hilarious yet thought-provoking, light-hearted yet profound on the questions of: Why do we fall in love? What qualities really matter in a marriage? For what reasons do we make the decisions that affect our whole lives? Marry Him will set people talking for years.”—Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project
“Funny and relatable...anything but antiromance.”—People Magazine
“A provocative pop culture treatise...Gottlieb encourages us to think through our own beliefs and unexamined assumptions.”—The Chicago Tribune
“Part The Rules, part Malcolm Gladwellian sociopop, Marry Him...is surprisingly, unnervingly convincing.”—O, The Oprah Magazine
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : 045123216X
- Publisher : Berkley; Reprint edition (February 1, 2011)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780451232168
- ISBN-13 : 978-0451232168
- Item Weight : 8.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.49 x 0.72 x 8.26 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #65,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #460 in Marriage
- #462 in Love & Romance (Books)
- #1,014 in Happiness Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, which is being adapted as a television series. She also writes The Atlantic’s weekly “Dear Therapist” advice column and is the co-host of the popular "Dear Therapists" podcast, produced by Katie Couric. Her 2019 TED Talk was one of the Top 10 Most Watched of the Year. She is a sought-after expert in media such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, CNN, and NPR’s “Fresh Air.” Learn more at LoriGottlieb.com or by following her @lorigottlieb_author on Instagram and @LoriGottlieb1 on Twitter.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book enlightening, thought-provoking, and full of wisdom. They describe it as a pleasant, engaging read with fun questions. Readers say the advice is helpful and important for single ladies. They also describe the characters as adorable, sweet, and loving. However, some find the content depressing, degrading, and hopeless. Opinions are mixed on the story quality, with some finding it relatable and realistic.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book very enlightening and useful for their lives. They say it's thought-provoking, full of wisdom, and an enjoyable fact-filled self-help book. Readers also mention the overarching themes are insightful and relevant.
"...He's 4 years older, handsome, fit, loving, kind, protective, a provider, HIGHLY successful and from a good family. He wants marriage and children...." Read more
"...So it was a perfect blend of dry research + personalize stories.5) The research on arranged marriages was very fascinating...." Read more
"...to read what I thought would be another rather fun, enjoyable fact-filled self-help book...." Read more
"...As far as the #’s go though. This book is extremely relevant & I dare say it will continue to be for a long time to come...." Read more
Customers find the book pleasant, engaging, and worthwhile. They also say it's well-written and witty.
"...Her journey with us through her dating landscape is engaging, funny, UNBELIEVABLE, and also - brutally honest...." Read more
"...The book is very engaging. I love every part of it...." Read more
"...All in all, I truly enjoyed this eye-opening book which can help people kick themselves out of their own self-defeating habits and open up their..." Read more
"...I could give it three and a half because I actually found it very entertaining--I read it in two days--but, at the same time, I spent the majority..." Read more
Customers find the advice in the book helpful, insightful, and important for single ladies. They say it offers an alternative outlook on modern romance and is perfect for women of any age.
"...The research on arranged marriages was very fascinating. I've always been very doubtful of arranged marriage. It sounds so unromantic...." Read more
"...Super needed for young women today, if they want to get married. If Sex & the City is your cup of tea for the rest of your life, don't read this book." Read more
"...you deserve for writing such a witty, warm, heartfelt and truly remarkable dating guide that I will cherish forever...." Read more
"I enjoyed this book. I think alot of what she has to say is helpfull advice for women...." Read more
Customers find the man attractive. They mention he's adorable, sweet, and has a beautiful smile.
"...He's 4 years older, handsome, fit, loving, kind, protective, a provider, HIGHLY successful and from a good family. He wants marriage and children...." Read more
"...arrogance, for context here, I'm a smart, successful, wealthy, attractive woman...." Read more
"...Now, I don't notice the hips or weight anymore. I just see his beautiful smile and skin, and the amazing way he loves me...." Read more
"...I now know how lucky I am to be with someone as smart, funny, and adorable as he is...." Read more
Customers find the story relatable, interesting, and realistic. They also say the author is a great storyteller and there is never a dull moment in the book. However, some readers feel the book is repetitive.
"...Her journey with us through her dating landscape is engaging, funny, UNBELIEVABLE, and also - brutally honest...." Read more
"...The book is very engaging. I love every part of it. Lori is a great storyteller and there was never a dull moment in this book for me...." Read more
"...I agree with other reviewers that the book feels a bit repetitive, but in a way, that does help her message sink in...." Read more
"...I did give the book three stars, however, because the journey was interesting and think this would be a good smack in the behind for women who are..." Read more
Customers find the content depressing, negative, and full of bitterness. They say it's hopeless, disappointing, and senseless. Readers also mention the book is a waste of time.
"...blanket statements that can be very discouraging to hear and damaging to believe. Personally, I am still solicited by men my age and even younger...." Read more
"...This book is a waste of time...." Read more
"Note to the author: the subtitle SUCKS! It totally misrepresents a great book...." Read more
"This book is negative, depressing, and if you’re reading it over 30, basically tells you it’s too late for you when it comes to dating, and it’s..." Read more
Customers find the title provocative and misleading. They also say the subtitling is poor.
"...Does he have integrity?The title is poorly chosen...." Read more
"...It is about how to find the love of your life. The title is unfortunate...." Read more
"...And trust me, I totally understand the title is off putting ... The words "settling" and "Good enough" come across as condescending but it did get..." Read more
"Note to the author: the subtitle SUCKS! It totally misrepresents a great book...." Read more
Customers find the book too long.
"...I read it in two days. But I cannot help noticing that the book is too long and full of fluff (I liked this fluff but others might not)...." Read more
"...The article was excellent but the book is 250 pages too long...." Read more
"Valid Points but too long!..." Read more
"Unnecessarily Long, but Insightful..." Read more
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I read this book at the very beginning of a brand new, if I can now admit it... Courtship.
Yes ladies, not just DATING, but a true old fashioned courtship with an amazing man who is PLANNING A LIFE FOR US, and making me his wife next year. And of course, I am so excited to one day have him as my husband.
But, the old me would never have given him a chance. He was shorter than what I've dated, he was too nice and normal, he called when he said he would, he showed me he was genuinely interested. He sent me texts messages that annoyed the crap out of me. He called. He showed up.
All the qualities I was DYING for the flashy idiot charismatic yet not-looking-for-marriage to have. If he were doing all of those things, I'd be SMITTEN.
It was then that I realized all of my years (at 41), that I WAS the problem in my singleness. It wasn't that there were no single men wanting to settle down.
It was that I WAS choosing the wrong men, and letting the amazing ones go because I was fixed on a fantasy man that nobody could live up to.
This book slammed that RIGHT into my face, and... Saved my budding relationship with my guy.
Gottlieb's cautionary tale unfolds in waters we all know. Out in the dating jungle, dating the same type of guys over and over with a different name and face.
Finding yourself heartbroken, wanting to quit, yet getting back out there each time.
Her journey with us through her dating landscape is engaging, funny, UNBELIEVABLE, and also - brutally honest.
And that's going to be the hardest part for many of you. Look at the ratings here...
MOST WOMEN CANNOT TAKE THE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK!
They walk away upset and angry because they are either so duped by the lies told by our feminist culture about dating and marriage that they refuse to see the truth. Or they realize, it's too late. Their sexual market value is low, they need to compete with younger women now, men their age see them as second or third choice, and the idea of "settling" is a hard pill to swallow.
But this ISN'T a book about settling. It's a book about being REALISTIC.
It's a book about how not to make stupid choice about men! About how to choose better based on your NEEDS vs your superficial list (that nobody can actually FULLY fulfill).
Look, I'm lucky. At 41, I'm a former model, a fitness professional (so my body is TIGHT as a 20 year old), and I have no kids. So my dating pool still has/had some great options and choice of men. But even still, I was finding fault with EVERYONE. When I opened my eyes and heart, I found my guy.
He's 4 years older, handsome, fit, loving, kind, protective, a provider, HIGHLY successful and from a good family. He wants marriage and children. He could have chosen A YOUNGER WOMAN, but it's me he wants. And not only that, he sees ME as his forever - as I do him. I almost walked away from that had it not been for this book (and my therapist 🙃 😅).
There is something in YOU that has to change. There is something that YOU need to shift in your path to finding the right man for you. This book will help you to uncover it.
I almost gave it 4 stars because this book, written 12 years ago as of today, was the author's tale and I noticed as I was reading it that she still wasn't married. And so I feared, she still hasn't learned the lesson.
However the last chapter wrapped ALL of that up, and I just stood with a STANDING OVATION for how she tied it all together. And it made sense.
Ladies...
Do yourself a favor.
SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE - AND READ THIS BOOK.
Wake up out of The Matrix, and fix your approach to dating.
Take the blue pill if you want and go back to sleep, wondering why you're still single, can't find a good man, and wondering if you'll just die alone.
The chances are far less if you actually read and apply the principles Gottlieb lays out bare before you!
Good luck!
But out of curiosity, I ended up buying it.
Fast forward a week later and I had written notes on just about every single page in this book, not to mention 20 extra pages of notes in Word Document. Boy was I wrong.
NOW FOR THE GOOD PARTS!!!
1) She did us all a HUGE service by going out and interviewing all the relationship experts. These people have spent their entire career studying this topic! This is HUGE. It's too easy for anyone to just write a book on relationship without any background or even work. We're talking about an entire person's life's happiness here. You want the best answer.
2) The book is very engaging. I love every part of it. Lori is a great storyteller and there was never a dull moment in this book for me. Every page is a lesson, whether it's a new one or she's adding stories to support it. Some people may think it's repetitive. Sure. You're about to learn the greatest lesson in your life. It's worth drilling it into your head =)
3) She's very transparent. I was surprised at how she revealed so much of the personal conversations with these experts (especially with Evan). I thought - "Why judge a man for his flaws? That's not fair to him." It made her look shallow. Over time, I came to respect her honesty. At the end, I realized why she included those parts. She wanted to show everyone how far she had gone, from the critical journalist to a woman who can appreciate the better side of men. I was so happy for her (I didn't really spoil it for you if you haven't read the book...it's not what you think...)
4) Her case studies of friends and family added a layer of truth and life to the book as well. So it was a perfect blend of dry research + personalize stories.
5) The research on arranged marriages was very fascinating. I've always been very doubtful of arranged marriage. It sounds so unromantic. Plus, how could you spend the rest of your life with someone you don't even love? I was wrong again. On average, arranged couples are actually happier than those who are not. We've got some work to do.
6) The part of divorced couples was one of my favorite sections. Can't tell you this part too...go buy the book and read it. It's worth it ;)
7) And finally, gotta love the online dating section with Evan Katz. It's almost like a practical guide. I've never used online dating before but this really lets me understand what the woman on the other side of the screen is thinking about (live or online for that matter).
In summary, who is this book for? Men and women of all ages. Really. It doesn't matter if you're 20, 40 or 65. This book can change your life if you just look past the title. That's not what it's about at all.
If you're going to date, let this book your go-to book. So that you don't ever make the mistake of missing out on a great guy...again...
Take action now and buy the book. It's like 6 bucks!
Remember...
Every time you tell yourself, "There's just no more good guys" or "I'm not sure if he's The One" or "I rather be alone than to settle!" you're throwing away your life's happiness. This review isn't about me, Lori, or even the book.
It's about what you can do to be happy, fulfilled and find the guy you've been looking for.
Get this book!
Top reviews from other countries
However, it paints singlehood in an incredibly negative light. As if it's inherently just the worst thing you could possibly be. She even compares it to being terminally ill at one point. As if the amount of shame women, let alone single women, face in daily life isn't bad enough. While she keeps *saying* she's not asking you to settle, she really is: she keeps talking about women who said yes to men they weren't even attracted to, or weren't sure about, just because marriage is the only thing in life you should ever want. Not happiness - marriage. Her idea of marriage seems closer to friends with benefits. To that I ask: what's the difference between a friend with benefits and a life partner? Just the commitment? Not your actual feelings?
There's also absolutely no caution about red flags, or acknowledgement that, yes, in many cases, you *should* run for the hills.
While I appreciated the primary point (don't be "too" picky) and the examples given, I think overall this book doesn't help anyone except a minority of people who would actually break up with someone they love because they're blond or don't wear stylish shoes.
I just love this book ! In so many ways, it makes single girls in their 30's and higher, looking to marry, face up to a few ground realities. This book is nothing if not direct !! And its not easy reading/facing up to it. I ended up reading it piecemeal to absorb/think more. The breath of advice and reasoning seems too logically right to refuse. And though I'm facing the same issues as the author in my dating life (knowing but not being able to overlook stuff that can be labeled "picky"), I am mulling things over!!. I definitely appreciate the message the book carries. It jolted me out of my reverie of "How did/do my girlfriends find guys to say "yes" to so quickly". I now know that I'm a maximizer - wanting nothing less than the best-when the best is not really a reality (for me). Anyhow, if the first step to setting something on course is awareness, there is no better book than this for single women. I would recommend it with all my heart ! The rest, as they say, is up to us and destiny !!








