Toward Commitment: A Dialogue About Marriage

Rating:
Summary: Fun and Helpful
Review: As a young woman (23) trying to find resources to understand what it takes to develop, keep and maintain a committed relationship the Rehm's anecdotal book was enlightening in an easy to read format. I am a believer in the idea that each relationship is a country unto itself but there are certain themes, struggles, etc., that tend to be common among all relationships which comes through clearly in the dialogue throughout this book. Regardless of any degree of fame Diane has gained over the years through her radio career and publication of her book "Finding My Voice", the Rehms are real people, with a real relationship that has weathered MANY ups and downs. (The fact that their relationship has endured to see 42 years seems like a miracle after reading this book!)
If you are interested in reading lay people's account of enduring and maintaining a committed relationship please give this book a try. The set up of the book (each chapter focuses on a different theme) allows the reader to pick and choose the concepts of interest to them. Both writing styles are clear and fluid making this book one that can be picked up and put down as time allows.
PLEASE ignore the reviews from disgruntled individuals who gave this book a low rating based on their opinions of Diane Rehm the radio personality and NPR. Those views in no way relate to the insight that can be gained from this book.

Rating:
Summary: Illuminating and thought provoking
Review: My husband and I view this very honest book as a generous tool for individuals and couples to digest, consider and learn. We would read a chapter or two at a time and share comments or enlightenments on the various topics which would lead us to more deeply discuss our own views on solitude, profession, criticism, retirement, money, sleep, etc. Not only was it thought provoking but it brought us to better appreciate how everything we do in our relationships sends some sort of message, and that if your relationship is a priority in your life you had better be both present and paying attention. Through the Rehms' enormous capacity for articulation, honesty and candidness we feel they have offered a "mining" tool to couples inclined (read; willing and able) to learn, evaluate and, perhaps, adjust (improve) where/who they are. Thank you Diane and John.

Rating:
Summary: Wise advice
Review: This is a very candid book detailing the ups and downs of a marriage spanning over 40 years. Between work, health, children, in-laws and financial challenges, it's sometimes hard to work things all out; and it's nice to know that someone has finally demystified the myth of "happily ever after." It takes work, communication, and trust; a solid marriage is something two people create together through their commitment to each other, and not something that just happens automatically.

Rating:
Summary: Boring and self-absorbed
Review: This review refers to the unbridged audio CD version of this book. I listened to the first two discs but couldn't continue further. Diane's voice makes me very uncomfortable. This book is about THEIR marriage. It is not for everybody else. All the time they are talking about their life together, which is just a small portion of the typical lives of marriage. And they talked sooooo many details, which bored me. It's like you lived their frustrating life again. Unless you and your partner are exactly like them - highly uncompatible at the beginning, this book cannot provide much useful advice. Actually, I was wondering what motivates them to write such a book and if anybody else except them will ever enjoy reading it.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and Helpful
Review: You don't often find a relationship-building book that makes you laugh out loud and this one did. I loved the format of "his thoughts", "her thoughts", then their dialogue on the topic. It proves that even if couples are miles apart in how they think about something like money or religion, there is a positive way to talk about it and reach agreement on a path forward. The totally honest, but always respectful way they talk to each other is a good lesson in effective communication. I feel this book is one of the few "relationship" books that has really helped me grow.