THE SECRETS OF HAPPY FAMILIES Surprising New Ideas to Bring More Togetherness, Less Chaos, and Greater Joy

With engaging writing and a friendly speaking voice, Bruce Feiler, NEW YORK TIMES columnist and author, offers the results of his research on what helps families become happy with their togetherness. Some of these ideas aren't really new--family meetings, honest sex talk, proactive conflict management, clear definition of responsibilities--but many are quite creative and inviting. Feiler surveyed diverse groups--from a Green Beret unit and the cast of "Modern Family" to academics and a Christian marriage counselor. In addition to the many practical suggestions he's assembled, what makes this guide so exceptional is the humble authority in the author's voice. He's a careful thinker, and you can hear the diligence behind his suggestions, but it's the laid-back sincerity of his performance, as well as his exceptional storytelling, that makes them so inviting. T.W. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]