"The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love & Laughter"

I volunteered to review The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love & Laughter" by Kathi Lipp and thus I received it free (disclaimer over). Why did I volunteer? Because I read an excerpt, found it funny and liked the writer's voice. This is a Christian marriage self-help type book and whether you have similar beliefs or not - I think it has a lot of value.

I am one who does not share the writer's religious beliefs, but I read it cover to cover and liked it. I chose to overlook the parts that were Christian and focus on the parts that are about relationships. I am not currently in a relationship and have no plans to get into one, but I have friends and family who are and I will be sharing it with them.

This is a specific month long project for a couple to do together (or alone if the significant is reluctant) that can improve your relationship as you're doing it and for the future. Her premise is loving with 'intention' and I really like that concept. She frequently brings up the differences between when we were dating and after we are married. The difference? Dating = fun, excitement, looking forward to seeing each other, doing special things for each other (Intention). Marriage = can become old hat, the usual, boring, the last thing we worry about on a long list of things we juggle daily.

Kathi Lipp asks you to commit to doing the 21 days worth of projects together. Some are really easy and inexpensive or free and some ask for a little more, some are focused on partner A and some on partner B, but they are all worthwhile. She asks you to plan them out on a calendar and stick to it. She gives you specific examples not just ideas, she shares an anecdote about the idea behind the daily project, and she gives you feedback from others who have done the project.

It's a quick and easy read. She writes very conversationally and has a good sense of humor about herself and the challenges of relationships. I plan on giving this to a couple close to me whose marriage could use some extra love & laughter. If you're looking for something to boost your relationship that is practical and specific, not just theoretical and vague - this is the book!
You can check out Kathi Lipp and her book at http://kathilipp.com.