FOR BETTER The Science of a Good Marriage

An investigative journalist presents fascinating research on factors that appear more often in successful marriages than in unsuccessful ones. The age of marital partners, sexual arousal patterns, socioeconomic and educational status, conflict-management styles, and division of household chores all predict marriage viability. Health issues and compatibility of personal rhythms also make a difference, along with behavior patterns people can change, such as communication style. Cassandra Campbell’s matter-of-fact but friendly reading strikes the right chord for this analytic guide. Her understated warmth and commitment to the material carry listeners through data and lists that would otherwise sound tedious. These strengths and the author’s humanitarian tone should help listeners get a better perspective on the mysteries of love and feel more optimistic about its challenges. T.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]