MARRIAGE RULES A Manual for the Married and Coupled Up

Harriet Lerner’s latest couples guide is loaded with practical suggestions—106 of them—for solving common problems in lifelong partnerships. Many are variations on the themes of minding one’s individual needs, being kind, and communicating constructively, especially when navigating the divide between close and distant emotional styles. You won’t solve every issue, she says, but you can make progress in key areas over time with steady effort. The advice, demonstrated with compact dialogues, is both practical and sophisticated. Natalie Ross’s performance deftly balances the nurturing aspect of the writing with the author’s obvious authority. With one of the most genuine and appealing voices in audio, she makes this exceptional book sound smooth and inviting. T.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2011]