Review: Have a New Husband by Friday

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Well, it's Friday morning, and I don't have a new husband. In fact, my existing husband's first words to me this morning were: "You're a real piece of work, you know that?"

Granted, I'm stressing to finish three book reviews before we take off for the weekend camping trip, and I really should be packing so we can get out of here as soon as possible. So maybe he's justified. And I'd better get moving!

But the point is, Have a New Husband by Friday isn't a miracle-working book. You can't place your order and get the exact husband you want in five days. Not without doing some significant work and changing of yourself, first...

The Author

Dr. Kevin Leman is a psychologist, humorist, and New York Times bestselling author. He is internationally known for his wit and commonsense psychology, and previous books include Have a New Kid by Friday, Turn Up the Heat, and Sheet Music. He is also the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization committed to helping couples remain happily married. You can find out more about Dr. Leman at his website.

An Overview

This book promises to show you as a wife how to change your husband's attitude, behavior, and communication in five days.

Let me let you in on a little secret - the change starts with you. If you change you, your husband will change as a side effect.

There are five different areas the book focuses on; one for each day between Monday and Friday. First, understand your husband's needs. Then, get to know him; what his background was like; what makes him tick. Show him some respect. Learn how to effectively communicate with him. Learn what rewards or motivates him. And finally, learn how to put him first.

Pretty simple and straightforward, huh? The book is chock-full of examples to illustrate the principles. And while the author is very much a proponent of working on even the most hopeless of marriages, there is also a section for those who may be suffering abuse in their marriage and how to deal with or get out of it.

As Dr. Leman says, "making changes in your marriage isn't easy, but it's simple. It all starts with you, and your motivation and desire to make things work in your marriage."

My Review

Every husband (and wife) is unique, so not every strategy in this book will work with every husband. I think Dr. Leman recognizes that. However, while I may not have a new husband yet, I certainly have a lot to think about and things to work on... Give me a year or two and I'll give you a better review of how the strategies in this book work!

I actually appreciate the five day approach; it seems much more doable from the get-go than a 40-day challenge. I intend to read this book again and do a better job of applying the principles in it this time around... In fact, this is a book I need to keep on my bedside table and read again and again until it becomes a part of me.

Dr. Leman's style of writing is very easy to read, injected with humor, and with examples to keep you engaged. He also leaves you with action items, so you're motivated to apply what you've read. And the male perspective is perfect for this book!

I'd say this is a must-read if you would like to get more out of your marriage but are not sure where or how to start.
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Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Thanks to Revell for the review copy of this book!