Search This Blog








2022 Literary Escapes Challenge
- Alabama (1)
- Alaska (1)
- Arizona (1)
- Arkansas
- California (5)
- Colorado (2)
- Connecticut (1)
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Iowa (1)
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine (1)
- Maryland (2)
- Massachusetts (5)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Mississippi (1)
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska (1)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York (9)
- North Carolina (4)
- North Dakota
- Ohio (1)
- Oklahoma
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- Rhode Island (1)
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (2)
- Utah (2)
- Vermont (2)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (4)
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin (1)
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.* (1)
International:
Antarctica (1)
Australia (2)
Egypt (2)
England (14)
France (1)
Greece (1)
Italy (1)
Nepal (1)
Romania (1)
Scotland (3)
Sweden (1)
Wales (1)








The 52 Book Club's Reading Challenge 2022

2022 Build Your Library Reading Challenge

Wednesday, September 05, 2012
The One Where I Talk About ... That
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Like I mentioned, Real Intimacy was written by three family therapists (Kristin B. Hodson, Alisha B. Worthington and Thomas G. Harrison), all of whom are LDS and practice in Utah. Their aim? To speak to married couples (the advice they give is directed toward Mormon couples, but is applicable to couples of any religion) candidly about sexuality. This isn't something that happens a lot in most LDS households, which pretty much ensures that young brides and grooms are completely clueless about sex until their wedding nights (and, often, for a long time afterward). Thus, the authors seek to not just explain the basics, but also to help couples achieve the kind of healthy, nurturing intimacy that makes marriages strong.
What I like most about the book is the authors' definition of intimacy. They believe that true intimacy isn't just about sex, but about closeness in four areas—physical, sexual, emotional and spiritual. Only when all of these are in balance, they say, can we create true oneness. The authors spend most of the book talking about how couples can find this balance. They discuss issues that are unique to LDS couples (and others raised in strict religious settings), as well as those that can be found in marriages of all type (pornography, infidelity, sexual abuse, etc.). Using case studies, they talk about how real couples have confronted and dealt with such issues. In dealing with your own issues, the authors recommend being frank and honest with your spouse, trusting them with your innermost fears, doubts and insecurities. While the book does bring up specific sexual issues, it's mostly about communication with and consideration for the most important person in your life.
Real Intimacy is a quick read (less than 200 pages, not including appendices). Each chapter also includes a "Nuts and Bolts" section which summarizes in about a page what has been talked about in the preceding section. This makes the book an especially fast and easy read. Or, if you want the most valuable information (in my opinion, anyway) just read the "His Approach, Her Approach" chapter. It provides an excellent chart showing how men and women look at things (including sex) in completely different ways.
All in all, I think Real Intimacy provides some excellent information for married couples. It's nothing revolutionary, to be sure, and the writing could definitely use some improvement. I also would have liked more discussion of issues unique to LDS marriages. Still, it's a valuable book that would be useful for any couple, whether they've been married for 5 months or 50 years.
Visit the authors' very informative website by clicking here.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of And They Were Not Ashamed by Laura M. Brotherson)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R, only because it talks about sex in a very frank and straightforward way. The book is geared toward married adults, which is the audience for whom it is most suited.
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Real Intimacy from the generous folks at Cedar Fort via the lovely ladies over at SparkPoint Studio, LLC. Thank you!
6 comments:
Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.
P.S.: Don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away. I have to approve each one before it posts to prevent spam. It's annoying, but it works!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(Atom)




Reading
Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower

Listening
The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs



Followin' with Bloglovin'



-
Books Read in July 20223 hours ago
-
-
-
-
In a Nutshell Reviews13 hours ago
-
-
Shoal Waters Blog Blitz + Giveaway14 hours ago
-
-
Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen20 hours ago
-
The Forgotten Cottage [Book Review]22 hours ago
-
-
-
-
Travelers 01x041 day ago
-
Stay Awake by Megan Goldin2 days ago
-
-
-
Three crime titles2 days ago
-
Top Ten Tuesday #302 days ago
-
-
Hilarious Book Titles2 days ago
-
-
96. The Lindbergh Nanny2 days ago
-
-
-
-
Review: Rattled by Ellis Gunn4 days ago
-
-
-
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking1 week ago
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher3 months ago
-
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova4 months ago
-
Back to the Classics 20226 months ago
-
-
-

Grab my Button!



Blog Archive
- ► 2021 (159)
- ► 2020 (205)
- ► 2019 (197)
- ► 2018 (223)
- ► 2017 (157)
- ► 2016 (157)
- ► 2015 (188)
- ► 2014 (133)
I'm not a prude but I'm not married...I wonder if this one would do me any good. ;)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't recommend it to anyone who's not married. I mean, yeah, you'd learn stuff, but it wouldn't be very applicable at the moment, you know?
DeleteI totally laughed reading this. You're so cute and funny ~ I'm glad I found you! Loved your honest review. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! Now I'm blushing even more ...
DeleteI don't think being a prude is a bad thing. I also think that its great to have books that handle this topic respectfully and provide sound information, especially to combat all the non-prudish TMI & rather perverse culture. Thanks for the review. Can put a link to it on my blog?
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I think private subjects should remain private -- which doesn't happen much these days.
DeleteYou absolutely CAN share the link to my review. Thanks, Tamara!