I'm a little torn on this subject, all but avoiding the ridiculous amount of relationship self-help books that practically take up their own section in the bookstore. One reason is because, frankly, I think guys/husbands probably could benefit more from this kind of thing, yet it's the ladies/wives who keep the genre going.

Also, I think it's hard to generalize relationships and marriages. It's not looking at (necessarily) cold, hard facts. Perceived problems in a relationship are a lot about, well, perception. And what is reasonable to expect from one another.

But, despite all this, I couldn't help but pick up The Art of Marriage: The Guide to Living Life as Two by Catherine Blythe.

I'm not too far into it, but so far it hasn't really said much that I don't know or couldn't figure out. But I like the way it's written, interweaving historical information with contemporary studies and insight.

I think the best thing about books like these is that they don't necessarily teach us anything, but remind us of things that we already know, but don't always practice. Sort of connecting, or re-connecting, the dots of information we've already attained. I also think it works a lot better if a couple reads this kind of information together ... it doesn't do a whole lot of good to read it on your own and then try to relay what you've read to your partner, then try to have a discussion about it.

Also, this book isn't about fixing a broken marriage or repairing problems (though those ends may be achieved, if that's what you're looking for). Bottom line: You don't have to have a troubled marriage to read this, or many other, marriage advice books.

Heck, my marriage just began. I'm reading it out of curiosity more than anything.

What's your take on reading books about marriage?