Teaching Choral Concepts

Review

What do taco salad, monkeys, mountain climbing, elk hunting, Shamu, and shrink-wrap have to do with marriage? Everything, according to author Brett C. McInelly. Whether taking his cue from fine Mexican cuisine, the great outdoors, or the majesty of the animal kingdom, the author interweaves humor with thought-provoking commentary as he explores the mysteries and wonders of married life from a decidedly male viewpoint. Hardly a model of husbandly perfection, he recounts his efforts to become that illusive creature known as "the good husband."

Most married men share this same desire. What many lack, however, is know-how. Men and the Art of Marriage Maintenance provides dozens of practical and creative tips, from the simple to the elaborate, that men can use on a day-to-day basis to make thier marraige healthier and happier. Each tip is prefaced with a humorous anecdote and insightful commentary.

While witty and light in its approach, Men and the Art of Marriage Maintenance speaks to deep issues regarding attitudes and behaviors that lead to a successful marriage. Readers, both men and women, will identify with the author's experiences as they come away with increased desires to work harder for that elusive goal of "happily ever after."

Table of Contents

Introduction, xi

1. How Taco Salad Wrecked an Otherwise Perfect Marriage: Cook a meal together, 1

2. What Monkeys and Newly Married Men Have in Common: Subtle Displays of Love, 5

3. A Climber's Guide to Mount Love-a-Lot: A Chick-Flick Extravaganza, 9

4. The Myth of the Big Spender: A Homegrown Bouquet of Flowers, 13

5. The "Truth" in Advertising: Dinner and a Movie with a Twist, 17

6. "There's No 'I' in 'Us,' . . . or Is There?: Draw Her a Bath, 21

7. For Love of the Game: Throw Her a Party, 25

8. Living in Eden: The Marriage Contract, 29

9. "I Have Nothing to Wear": Surprise Her with a New Outfit, 33

10. Self-Discipline: The No-Strings-Attached Full-Body Massage, 37

11. If It Doesn't Kill Ya: Do Something You Don't Like, 41

12. Feather Dusters and Fishnet Stockings: Play Maid for a Day, 45

13. Suicide by Sentiment: Make Her a Greeting Card, 49

14. Girls and Their Dads: Read Her a Bedtime Story, 53

15. The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of Defeat: Skip the Big Game for a Night Out with Your Wife, 57

16. In Good Company: Star Gazing, 61

17. The Choices We Make: Ladies' Night Out, 65

18. How to Tame a Hurricane on the Home Front: The Gift Bag, 69

19. If It's Broke, Fix It: A Carpet Picnic, 75

20. Shopping as Therapy: The Surprise Shopping Day, 79

21. "How Do I love Thee?": A Passionate Love Letter, 83

22. Friends and Marriage: A Weekend Getaway with a Friend, 87

23. Getting and Spending: A Cash Prize, 91

24. Men's Work and Women's Work: A Scavenger Hunt, 95

25. Talk Is Cheap: Real Love and a Profound Sacrifice, 99

26. Mamma's Boys: Find a Fault and Fix It, 103

27. There's No Fairness in Marriage: Accept Responsibility, Even When It's Not Your Fault, 107

28. The Secret of Life of the Bull Elk: Plan a Family Vacation, 111

29. Growing Up and Growing Down: Rediscover Childhood Together, 115

30. The Shamu Principle: Throw Her a Fish, 119

Conclusion, 125
Index, 129
About the Author, 133

Order Information

Title:

Men and the Art of Marriage Maintenance

Author:

Brett C. McInelly

Retail Price:

$ 10.99

Available:

Now

ISBN:

0-88290-807-3

Order Number (SKU):

8073

Pages:

134

Size:

6" x 9"

Binding:

Paperback