Bookshelves are glutted with relationship books, each one promising relationship help. With so many out there, how can you know which one to look at let alone buy?
First, so that we’re totally transparent, Judith and I have written five relationship books. Our relationship help has been recognized as world-class. But you must approach our relationship books like you would anyone else’s.
When in the relationship section, don’t depend on the book cover or the endorsements on the back no matter who they’re written by. And mostly, ignore the marketing pitch on the cover that says — New York Times Best Seller. That may mean nothing to you and your need.
When a title catches your attention, it’s speaking to the relationship help you’re looking for . . .
Stop for a moment and ask yourself, “Why did this title stand out among all the relationship books around it?” Because you’ve made a connection.
Then, to figure out if the relationship help this book offers is right for you, open the book to any page at random. Read a page or two. How do you feel? What relationship can you create with the author(s)? What point of view do they take that makes them different from other relationship books? What specific relationship help do you want? And can you get it from the author(s)?
Because when you decide to read any one of the many relationship books, you’ve decided to create a relationship with the author(s), and your relationship will develop and grow as you read. That’s why we say you should read a few pages to see if you’re going to get the best relationship help and advice you can. If you don’t feel a connection, keep looking.
Relationship books are like any other commodity. Some are good. Some are not. And no one size fits all.
Remember, relationship help is very specific; as specific as you are unique. Take your time. If you have to go through a few, perhaps many relationship books, to find the right feel — do it. It’s worth your investment, because it’s all about building and maintaining a successful and lasting relationship. relationship books can help you do that.
Judith & Jim