Marriageology: The Art and Science of Staying Together

Time magazine editor-at-large Luscombe debuts with a vibrant and engrossing look at marriage that combines her own experiences with current research and commentary by experts. Luscombe explores six main subjects “coincidentally” all starting with the letter F: familiarity, fighting, finances, family, fooling around, and finding help. Those who can effectively deal with these topics, she asserts, have a greater chance of marital longevity. In the chapter on fighting, for example, Luscombe notes that all married couples argue: she provides practical tips on how to fight fair, including advice on when to fight (not when hungry, over the phone, or while driving—eye contact is helpful). Luscombe delivers a satisfying mix of humorous anecdotes (she and her husband frequently battle over the use of butter), sage advice (learn to forgive and say thank you), and research (stats reveal that married couples are healthier and wealthier than their unmarried counterparts). Her comparisons are clever and spot on: divorcing, she writes, may look simple, in the way buying new headphones seems easier than untangling the old. Luscombe’s colorful and well-researched text paints a positive picture for the future of a “fusty old institution.” Agent: Betsy Lerner, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner. (May)