4 of the Best Marriage Books

By Courtney Stivers

Here is a list of books that I would recommend to all married or engaged couples (it is very difficult to narrow it down to just a few).

1. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

by John M. Gottman & Nan Silver

I read this in graduate school, and one aspect I enjoyed was that it is written in a way that is useful both for couples and for counseling professionals.  I am skeptical in general about research, but the conclusions and suggestions from this book are practical and pragmatic.  Though not a substitute for martial counseling, I feel this book will benefit the reader especially in the area of conflict resolution.

2. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that 

Lasts

The basic principle of this book is to learn how you and your spouse express love and how to show love to your spouse.  If you speak your spouse’s love language (words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch), you can reach deeper levels of intimacy and connection.  This is a bit overly simplistic, as people’s needs are often more complex and not everyone fits neatly into one of these boxes.  Still, this is a quality read and worthwhile to happy and struggling couples.

by Gary Chapman

3. Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed 

Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us 

Happy

by Gary L. Thomas

This might not be a fit for everyone’s world view, but I wanted to include it for those who are of the Christian faith.  It is a very interesting premise, even if one is not a Christian.  The crux of the book is that the true purpose of marriage is self growth and a greater connection with God.  I think all too often we pursue constant happiness and pleasure. Then, when our spouse does not meet our expectations, we jump to the erroneous conclusion that we married the wrong person.

4. His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof 

Marriage

by Willard F. Harley

This book reviews the top five needs of both men and women, and then it suggests the way to keep a relationship strong is by meeting the needs of your partner.  Again, it might be oversimplified, but I do think it is very important to have an awareness of your spouse’s needs and attempt to meet them.  I agree that people whose needs are being met are less likely to have an affair, though they are responsible for their own behavior either way.  I also wanted to mention that your spouse’s needs might not match the five listed in this book, so study your spouse.  Learn about his or her world.  Ask what makes them feel loved or affirmed.

To all you married folks out there, what marriage books do you recommend to others?  I always love finding a new book to read.  My nightstand is empty right now.

*Courtney Stivers, PhD, earned her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and she is licensed as Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselor in Arkansas.  Additionally, she is an adjunct professor for Liberty University and has a passion for teaching family systems theory and professional issues.

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