My husband laughed when I told him I'd read this book (several years ago). He pointed out to me that the author isn't really qualified to give marital advice. All I knew about Dr. Laura was that I used to listen to her talk-radio show in the car occasionally. Most of the time her input struck me as sound, from the limited one-sided story you got from a caller. But reading the book, I got a different impression. It felt way over-simplified, and seemed to blame everything on women. That women need to treat their men better: quit nagging and complaining, and put their husbands up on a pedestal. That men want their wives to just give them good food and constant s-x and they'll be happy. While I appreciate the reminder to look at ourselves first to make positive changes, I don't think problem marriages are all the woman's fault, or solved in such simple fashions. And though some of the ideas here were useful, they were also obvious (respect each other, express your love, give each other some space). I think all the good material in this book could have easily been printed on one page. Unless you do want to read all the examples of people's problems and solutions which can be amusing- I could not believe how manipulative and insensitive some of them were- or insulting depending on your viewpoint.Rating: 2/5 180 pages, 2004
I keep seeing this at the thrift store for a dollar and keep wondering if it's worth the read. Now I feel better that I never buy it. I'll think I'll pass after your review.
ReplyDeleteI have no respect for Dr. Laura. She is at best inconsistent in her views, and makes bold statements that have no basis in science, nor does she have ANY evidence to back up her claims. I can forgive her moral high ground contradicting her past, as we all should be allowed to repent and change. Her statements about the nature of the homosexual population as being "biological errors" goes against the research done by the American Psychological Association, and stating that pedophilia is more prevalent in the gay community is flat out un-true. She is full of herself and caught up in her own fame.
ReplyDeleteMy ex-husband was a big fan of Dr. Laura's. Maybe that is where he got his crazy ideas about how subservient I should be, and that I was there to please his every whim. His final words to me still ring in my ears "I don't love the woman that you are, I love the woman I thought you would become" Maybe I can blame Dr. Laura for ruining my marriage.
I agree that women don't need to be scolded and nagged.
ReplyDeleteShout-out to Terra: Wow, you're well shed of that husband!
I've heard people talking about Dr. Laura but don't know very much about what she preaches. I think I'll pass!
ReplyDeleteWow, Terra, I had no idea he was like that. How could anyone say something so mean? I had no idea Dr. Laura said that about homosexuality and pedophiles; I've only read this one book and heard a smattering of things on the radio, and I don't want to hear/read any more from her!
ReplyDeleteI have read Dr. Laura's books as well as listened to her talk show on XM. I have given her a fair chance as I do everyone. My husband worships her like a God and expects me to do the same. It is tearing my marriage apart to say the least! He used to be perfectly fine with who I am. Every since he started listening to this "i am so high and mighty" woman, he has lost all respect for me. She has hammered it into his head that I am his slave at home as well as in the bedroom. If he wants sex, I should give it to him wether I want to or not. If I don't I am a bad wife and I don't get ANYTHING I want OR NEED from him! Sex to him is more like a bribery tool than a passionate thing between husband and wife every since he started listening to this witch!!! I truely hate her! What a self righteous woman hating witch!!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous- I am very sorry to hear that this woman has had such a negative effect upon your marriage.
ReplyDelete