The New I Do

October 15, 2014

Coauthors licensed therapist Gadoua (Stronger Day by Day; Contemplating Divorce) and journalist Larson present a refreshing analysis of the institution of marriage and explain various creative alternatives to the traditional approach to it. The age-old concept of marriage that is being turned upside down involves a male and a female legally married for life, who are faithful to each other, have at least two kids, and hold down income-generating jobs that enable the family to stay in one place at least until the couple reaches retirement. Unfortunately, with a divorce rate in America of 50 percent and rising, clearly the time calls for new definitions. In addition to questioning the need for marriage, the authors thoroughly describe various alternatives, such as marriages of companionship, parenting, safety, distance, and so on. Also discussed are diverse approaches to prenuptial agreements. Instead of a reinvigorated system of marital therapy, the authors present a reasoned, objective discussion of modern models of marriage that are rapidly becoming real across the country. Each idea is impressively analyzed and explained, with a succinct summary list of related pros and cons. The solid, erudite style pleasantly eschews the usual hype found in other works on the subject. VERDICT Highly recommended for libraries supporting the helping professions and essential for all marriage therapists.--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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