Gottman's seven principles are common sense; however, he shows why so many couples fail to implement these very basic principles. I found the many exercises to be helpful. The book doesn't give all the answers, but it can be a starting block to successful marriages for many couples who are worried about their relationship. But you have to do the exercises and you have to allow time to work with your relationship. The principles are not quick fixes. ( )

This is the perfect book for those who prefer that their relationship advice be science-based rather than anecdotal. If you hated Venus/Mars, you may find a lot to like here. ( )

This book is not very inspiring and does not give very practical marriage advice. ( )

Straight talk from the greatest American researcher on marriage. Dr. Gottman brings both experience and science to bear on what separates great relationships from poor ones. It also includes a number of great exercises for you and your partner. ( )

Although I am a divorce lawyer, I consider myself more successful if my client gets back together and fires me. For any client interested in giving it another try, I always recommend this book first. It’s simple, research based, and there are work books and videos to help.

If you are considering a marriage counselor, they better know Gottman’s extensive works well. ( )

There is so much in this book - it's a great workbook for improving marriage - lots of questions to ask, things to think about, exercises to do. This is a book you would have to own, not just check out of the library. For couples who want to be closer, or resolve conflicts, this is a great book to get you started on that path. ( )

Everyone who is married or even thinking about being married should have this book. ( )

Gottman debunks many myths about divorce (primary among them that affairs are at the root of most splits). He also reveals surprising facts about couples who stay together. They do engage in screaming matches. And they certainly don't resolve every problem. "Take Allan and Betty," he writes. "When Allan gets annoyed at Betty, he turns on ESPN. When Betty is upset with him, she heads for the mall. Then they regroup and go on as if nothing's happened. Never in forty-five years of marriage have they sat down to have a 'dialogue' about their relationship." While this may sound like a couple in trouble, Gottman found that they pass the love-lab tests and say honestly that "they are both very satisfied with their relationship and they love each other deeply."

Through a series of in-depth quizzes, checklists, and exercises, similar to the ones he uses in his workshops, Gottman provides the framework for coping with differences and strengthening your marriage. His profiles of troubled couples rescued from the brink of divorce (including that of Rory, the out-of-touch doctor) and those of still-happy couples who reinvigorate their relationships are equally enlightening. --Erica Jorgensen ( )

Hearing someone recommend this book to a friend, I was intrigued enough to get it myself although ordinarily I have no interest in "The Number of Nouns for Verbing Things". Unlike the usual run of relationship books (communicate! all better now?) this one is based on Research and has a sprinkling of percentages and sample conversations (and homework if you feel inclined). I found it entertaining to skim and the conclusions drawn sound pretty sensible. Everyone should at least flip through it in a bookstore and say "well, duh, anyone could have thought of that" (that being the drawback of being sensible.)