cover image Dude's Guide to Marriage: Ten Skills Every Husband Must Develop to Love His Wife Well

Dude's Guide to Marriage: Ten Skills Every Husband Must Develop to Love His Wife Well

Darrin and Amie Patrick. Thomas Nelson, $15.99 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-4002-0547-9

Darrin Patrick (Dude's Guide to Manhood), founding pastor of the Journey church in St. Louis, Mo., and vice president of the Acts 29 Network, and Amie, his wife, carry on a dialogue in this light and breezy book about having an open, giving marriage. "Whether you married yourself or your opposite," they write, "there are opportunities and challenges to fight for a good marriage in the realm of disagreement and conflict." The book addresses dealing with marital turmoil, but it's more about getting along than about fighting. With four children and a busy lifestyle, there are many times when these two do not see eye-to-eye; for example, when Darrin arranges for free orthodontic work for one of the kids and Amie won't drive 45 minutes to get the treatment, they pay a $5000 bill instead. Families have conflicts, and there is a lot of dirty laundry in here, but seeing the inner workings of normal family strife is a needed reminder of the universality of our everyday hang-ups. Despite Darrin's work as a minister, his inspirational personality often fails to translate to the written word. This book will appeal to young evangelical couples who want a little lift in their marriage and a few laughs along the way. (Nov.)