Secrets of Happy Families Review

It's not often that I read a book and then place it on my shelf and write my name in it. I have so many books in my house that a book has to be something pretty special and out of the ordinary for me to think I'm going to keep it for an extended amount of time. After reading "The Secrets of Happy Families" by Bruce Feiler, my name is going in the front cover and there is a place waiting on my bookshelf for it to arrive.

I think the title is a bit off-putting. It has to be some kind of gimmick, right? Or a book full of scripture, telling you how you're supposed to be doing the spouse thing, the parent thing, the family thing?

I am happy to report that this book is more like you and Feiler sitting down, laughing together, being honest together, and discussing this crazy thing called family life. Feiler will help you realize that you are not a failure, and there is hope for you - no matter what stage of family life you are at.

Topics that are covered include: creating a family motto, eating dinner together, how to settle arguments, talking about sex, and including more than immediate family in your relationships, just to name a few. Feiler has gone around finding experts in every area so that his suggestions are backed up, and not only that, he is completely open about the things he's had to change in his family after completing the research. He even includes a "toolkit" at the end of the book which is a summary of the book and is very helpful for going step-by-step in the areas you want to improve.

I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read because it will hold your interest. You may not need help in every area he covers, but it still needs to be read. I'd like to read more from this author if all the books are as well-written as this one.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Harper Collins for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.