3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Most women dream of their wedding day from the time that they are little girls. Men, most often, do not give very much thought to the details of their wedding day. Either way, the really important work begins after the ceremony. Author Peter Davidson shares advice for a happy marriage in Marital Advice to My Grandson, Joel.
When his grandson, Joel, got engaged, Peter Davidson felt compelled to share the wisdom that he had gained from years of married life. First, Peter wants men to understand that women see their husbands as a work-in-progress. She will spend her life training him. Later, Peter gives advice on what to say, and what not to say when a wife asks how she looks in a new outfit.
Aside from advice, the author tells stories that range from humorous to heart-warming. When he and his wife were in the early years of their marriage, money was tight. The owner of a jewelry store allowed Peter to place a ring that his wife adored on a layaway plan. This piece of jewelry became his wife’s favorite ring and she wore it often.
The idea that men are barbarians, and women are self-righteous princesses is outdated and tired. Most of the advice in this book relies on these ideas. If modern, married couples are interested in beating the forty to fifty percent divorce rate, they are going to have to approach marriage with a new mindset. Many women are now the bread-winners of the family, so the marriage dynamic is vastly different. The reasons modern women have to get married are different from the reasons women had forty years ago. I have been with my husband for eighteen years, and I can assure you that I have no interest in training him. That was his mother’s job. Furthermore, women are not great mysteries to decode. I’m quite certain that clear communication will work every time. If you want to know where your wife needs help around the house, simply ask her.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. There were a few misspelled words and other grammar errors in the book. Also, most of the marital advice is outdated. I worry that following this advice will lead to resentment in a modern marriage. However, this is a well-organized and well-written book. I really appreciated the author’s financial advice, and I enjoyed the stories of past experiences in the book. This is a book that older men might enjoy, and the author’s family can cherish for generations.
******
Marital Advice to my Grandson, Joel
View: on Bookshelves
Like JessNWheeler's review? Post a comment saying so!
Just saying.
