The best 72 Marriage books

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (1999) draws on data from relationship studies and interviews to do exactly what it promises in its title. These blinks take you through the key changes you can make to overcome the common problems that damage relationships and build a supportive, romantic marriage.

The Art of Loving (1956) argues that love, like any other creative art, is something humans must practice in order to master. German-born psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm describes various forms of love and highlights threats posed to them by capitalist society.

Daring to Trust (2010) offers a clear path to finding the confidence to trust yourself and the world around you. You’ll learn to overcome past trauma and accept life for what it has to offer, discovering how to live in the moment and work toward a better future.

Marriage, a History (2005) covers the history of the institution of marriage, from its genesis in the Stone Age to its recent crisis.

In The Three Marriages (2009), David Whyte combines his worldly experience and talent as a poet to explore the three great loves we cultivate throughout our lives: the love of a vocation, the love of our own deeper self and the love of a special person with whom we choose to share our lives.

Unfinished Business (2015) offers a frank analysis of a pressing question. Is it really possible for men and women to “have it all” in our modern society? Can we hope to have a great family life and great career? As these blinks reveal, striking a balance between the personal and the professional isn’t only possible; it’s easier than you might think.

The 5 Love Languages (2015) is a contemporary guide to developing a relationships of lifelong love that can easily overcome the hurdles that modern couples face. These blinks detail the five ways people give and feel love, and how any couple can use this knowledge to make their relationship more nurturing, affectionate and compassionate.

Kissing: it’s a normal part of life. But few people understand its true significance. The Science of Kissing (2011) explains why kissing is so rooted in both human and animal biology, what happens physiologically when we do it and why it’s a lot more important than you may realize.

Improving Your Relationship For Dummies (2010) provides simple techniques for couples hoping to boost their intimacy, sharpen their communication and overcome challenges in a productive, healthy way. It offers advice for both new couples that want to start off on the right foot and long-term couples that hope to get things back on track.

The Truth (2015) takes a close look at relationships, sex and trust, unpacking our assumptions about sex and arguing that monogamy may not be right for everyone.

Excellent Daughters (2016) is an inside look at the lives that young Arab women lead today, marked by restriction, segregation, violence and discrimination. These blinks also point out the signs of a slow but steady change in Arab countries, as young women fight for their rights to study, work and look toward a promising future.

Why Love Hurts (2012) is about the history of love, romance and relationships. These blinks detail the gender differences, cultural expectations and social structures that shape our conception of love and make it one of the more difficult emotions to experience.

Sacred Cows (2014) tackles the sacrosanct subject of marriage, an institution often considered to be above criticism. Rather than offering practical guidance on how to fix a marriage or how to recover after a marriage dissolves, these blinks consider how society is arranged to make us feel bad about divorce. The advocates of certain societal viewpoints are given a firm dressing down.

Labor of Love (2016) is your guide to the history of dating. These blinks walk you through the social, cultural and economic shifts that have shaped modern rituals of courtship and explain the curious fads and fashions of flirtation that have come and gone through the ages.

The All-or-Nothing Marriage (2017) shows us the many ways in which the institution of marriage has changed over the years. Supported by a wealth of data and sociological studies, these blinks explain what makes the best marriages work and what causes the vulnerable ones to fall apart.

Hold Me Tight (2008) focuses on one of life’s greatest challenges: building and sustaining an intimate relationship. Drawing on the author’s own highly successful couple therapy form EFT (Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy) – based on the idea that the quality of relationships are defined by key emotional moments, both positive and negative – these blinks show you how to form a deeper, and more enduring bond with your partner.

The State of Affairs (2017) tackles the tough subject of infidelity. Cheating is widely condemned as immoral, and yet, at some point or another, many people do it anyway. This book offers a fresh look at infidelity and asks a difficult question: Is it such a bad thing after all?

Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away (2008) is about difficult marriages and how to work things out when you’re most tempted to hit the eject button. Written by a marriage counselor with years of hands-on experience, this patient and thoughtful reflection on rocky marriages is ultimately filled with hope. With enough understanding, empathy and clear communication, Gary Chapman argues, there are few marriages that can’t be saved.

Eight Dates (2019) helps couples navigate the ups and downs of a relationship. Whether you’ve been married for years or have just met the love of your life, the bedrock of any relationship is quality conversation. Uncover your partner’s innermost needs and desires by going out on the eight themed dates set out by the authors in this book. But don’t stop there – the wisdom from these eight recommended dates can be applied to any date you and your partner go on.

Keep Showing Up (2019) examines the differences that can divide married couples and provides inspirational suggestions for overcoming these obstacles. These techniques bring spouses closer together as well as help reaffirm their faith in Christianity.

How to Be an Adult in Relationships (2002) is the definitive guide to effective relationships. It focuses on how we can all become more loving, and more open to love, both for our own benefit and that of the wider world. Drawing on the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, author David Richo explores five concepts of mindful loving, and how they can be applied to relationships throughout our lives.

Love Sense (2013) is an exploration of the science of love. These blinks suggest that humans instinctively desire to connect with each other, and that relationship problems arise when lovers no longer feel secure. They also offer practical strategies for how to develop your love sense – that is, your ability to create fulfilling and long-lasting bonds with your loved ones.

Why Does He Do That? (2003) reveals the psychology behind abusive men. Drawing on his experience as a counselor to male abusers, author Lundy Bancroft explains the nature of abusive thinking, the early warning signs of abuse, and the steps women can take to free themselves from an abusive relationship.

Relationship Goals (2020) offers a blueprint for developing long-lasting relationships with your friends, your spouse, and God. Narrating his own experiences of heartache and healing, author Michael Todd examines common obstacles in modern relationships and gives tips for overcoming them. He also demonstrates how to set precise goals to help you aim for the right relationships.

Untrue (2018) aims to challenge the long-held assumption that women are less interested in sex than men. Diving into history and the details of the human body, Untrue reveals that not only do women have strong sexual desires, they’re wired to seek satisfaction from a variety of partners.

Slow Sex (2011) makes a powerful case for a deceleration of our love lives in order to have more fulfilling sex and deeper, happier relationships. In our hectic and consumer-oriented society, sex is often used as a quick fix for physical satisfaction – but this can leave us feeling empty. Slow sex helps us unfold the potential of our sexuality by learning how to make love in a conscious, mindful way that is ultimately as healing as it is stimulating.

Intimacy & Desire: Awaken the Passion in Your Relationship (2009) explains why all people in committed, long-term relationships run into sexual problems. Driven by case studies of real couples in sex therapy, the book demonstrates how people in relationships can transform their perspective – and confront themselves and each other – to reawaken sexual passion.

The Relationship Cure (2002) prescribes a surprisingly simple solution to the problems that ail many of our relationships. Drawing on psychologist John M. Gottman’s extensive research, its insights and tips are equally applicable to relationships between romantic partners, friends, family members, and coworkers. 

Opening Up (2008) demystifies nonmonogamous relationships, and shows that there are many different ways of creating loving partnerships and building alternative families. By opening up their relationships, people can explore hidden desires, have lots of fun, and radically improve their self-awareness and communication skills.

Beyond Order (2021) is a prescription for how to navigate the complexities of modern life. While Peterson’s previous work warned of the danger of excessive chaos, this new guide to living details the perils of too much rigid order.

The Complete Kama Sutra (1994) is a translation of the classic Indian text, which was compiled in the fourth century. It’s an enduring guide to the pleasures of love and sex.

The Meaning of Marriage (2011) is a meditation on marriage in an age of skyrocketing divorce rates and growing skepticism that a life of monogamy can deliver true happiness. Pastor Timothy Keller and theologian Kathy Keller ask what’s gone wrong – why are so many couples hesitant to take their vows and so many others calling it quits on their marriages? The authors’ answer: we’re far too idealistic, set impossible standards, and have forgotten the true meaning of matrimony – learning to love anew each day, a lesson at the heart of the Bible’s teachings.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace (2021) lays out everything you need to know about boundaries: what they are, why you need them, and how to implement them in your life right now. By breaking down the ins and outs of setting healthy boundaries, these blinks will leave you feeling confident and empowered to finally tackle those thorny conversations that you’ve been avoiding for so long.

The High-Conflict Couple (2007) is a guide to overcoming the common relationship pitfalls that lead to conflict and animosity. Drawing upon years of psychology research and therapy experience, Alan E. Fruzzetti explains where conflict comes from and how it can be reduced.

Safe People (1995) examines the traits of safe and unsafe people and teaches readers how to seek out the former and avoid the latter in their search for meaningful relationships. From a biblical perspective, the book talks about the importance of true connection.

Spiritual Partnership (2009) is about the new relationships that can develop when we tap into a deep, invisible consciousness. Becoming “multisensory” and engaging in spiritual partnerships with others will lead you to a life of freedom, joy, and authentic power.

Loving Bravely (2017) is a primer on finding love through introspection and self-discovery. This guide to love teaches invaluable lessons about how to build relationships that actually last.

Love Worth Making (2018) is a guide to enhancing sex and intimacy within committed partnerships. Drawing from real-life examples of sex and couples therapy sessions, it shows how both daily life and trauma affect our sexual feelings. It takes an emotional approach to untangling sexual problems and offers ideas on maintaining an erotic climate in a relationship.

Wired for Love (2012) is a guide to maintaining closeness and emotional security within romantic partnerships. It uses research from neurobiology and psychology to show why long-term couples come into conflict, and it offers practical tips on how to use knowledge about brain functions to promote peace and mutual security in your relationship.

Us (2022) is for anyone whose once-loving relationship has devolved into point-scoring and power struggles. It offers a science-based skill set, illustrated with rich and detailed examples, to help you and your partner heal your toxic individualism and your relationship. 

Sacred Marriage (2000) is an exploration of how to bring God into your marriage. Probing the boundaries of love, it provides practical advice and spiritual wisdom to help you and your marriage transcend to a holier place.

Sheet Music (2002) helps Christian couples unlock the secrets to marital bliss. It will have you and your spouse dancing and laughing, as you master the art of harmonizing your sex life.

The Love Prescription (2022) is a practical guide to creating more intimacy and connection in romantic relationships. Based on 40 years of research, the authors offer simple actionable advice that will help couples in any phase of their relationship.

Marry Him (2011) is an honest, open and humorous quest for what it means to find the perfect man. It confronts common barriers to finding a partner, like chasing sparks over stability and the never-ending checklist of ideal qualities, and makes a case for rethinking what is important in a partner, drawing on scientific wisdom and often hilarious personal anecdotes along the way.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (2015) is a comprehensive survival guide for those in a relationship with a narcissist. Dr. Ramani breaks down what narcissism is, highlights the red flags to look out for, and offers two concrete roadmaps – one for deciding to stay, and one for deciding to go. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families (1997) was written by Stephen R. Covey with, as he says, “such a passion . . . because family is what I care about most.” It’s a very personal book that talks about how the author, his wife, and nine children apply each of the habits in their family life. It can also be your guide to solving the problems you face in your family as you strive, individually and together, to become more effective.

The Five Core Conversations for Couples (2020) examines the five important topics every couple should talk about. It offers expert guidance on the core facets of a relationship that can help you strengthen yours. 

The Overthinking In Relationships Fix (2020) is a guide to getting rid of toxic overthinking patterns that put your romantic relationships on the verge of a breakup. It offers advice and easy-to-do techniques to release your worrying thoughts and strengthen your bond with your partner.

Marriage Be Hard (2022) offers advice on how to effectively communicate important topics with your partner. Chronicling the ups and downs of the authors’ own marriage, it shows how to form loving, lasting relationships.

The WEIRDest People in the World (2020) describes why Westerners think and behave so differently from most other people. It also explains how the policies of the Western Church in the realms of marriage and kinship have helped cultivate these odd cultural attributes, transforming the world and helping the West flourish in the process. 

Talk To Me Like I’m Someone You Love (1993) is a relationship repair tool that coaches couples on how to speak to each other more genuinely.

The Argument Hangover (2021) is your guide to constructively fighting with a romantic partner so that you both learn from the conflict and emerge from it even stronger. Through clear communication, you’ll be surprised to find how disagreements can suddenly become opportunities for growth.

We Over Me (2023) is the story of the podcasting-and-influencing power couple Devale and Khadeen Ellis – in their own words. With trademark disarming honesty, the Ellises lay bare the struggles and successes that have shaped them as a couple, and share the strategies that allow them to thrive as a partnership. 

Love & Respect (2012) uses biblical scripture, the author’s experience as a marriage counselor, and insight from other relationship therapists to help couples connect. By following the principles it lays out, husbands and wives learn to show each other the kind of love and respect they both crave. In the process, conflicts get resolved and marriages become energized.

Love Unfu*ked (2022) is a no-nonsense, in-your-face guide to identifying and fixing the one thing that’s stopping you from having a meaningful and fulfilling relationship: you. By accepting hard facts about yourself and your habits, you can begin making the changes necessary to be the best version of yourself and stop being the problem that you don’t even know you are.

The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex (2012) is a playbook designed to unlock enduring passion in your marriage. It blends faith, self-love, and open communication for transformative sexual satisfaction.

Love More Fight Less provides straightforward directions on how to develop communication skills that will help you and your partner handle conflict. Various activities let you practice the skills, and this Blink details how to use these communication techniques in real-life situations.

The Man’s Guide to Women (2016) is a comprehensive and scientifically backed look into the mind, emotions, and habits of women. Drawing on decades of research, it examines the hidden and not so hidden factors that drive women’s behavior and leave many men perplexed. Whether you’re married, dating, or just looking to better understand the women in your life, there’s always room to learn and add a little more compassion into your relationships.

The Honeymoon Effect (2023) explores the possibility of maintaining the euphoric state typically experienced during the honeymoon phase of a relationship. By delving into diverse fields such as biology, quantum physics, and psychology, it sheds light on the nature of love, the role of hormones, and the power of the subconscious mind in shaping our relationships.

The ADHD Effect on Marriage (2010) sheds light on the way that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects individuals and impacts established relationships. By providing insight into typical behavioral tendencies, it offers couples a framework in which to move beyond unhelpful patterns and re-establish a loving relationship.  

The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD (2014) delves into the challenges many couples face when one or both partners have undiagnosed adult ADHD. An essential guide for couples seeking to strengthen their bond and navigate the complexities of ADHD in their relationships, it emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD symptoms and offers strategies to enhance communication, trust, and intimacy.

Plays Well with Others (2022) debunks relationship myths and offers advice on how to form and maintain strong bonds. Improve your friendships and romantic relationships, as well as your ability to resolve conflicts, forgive others, and deal with difficult people.

Communication Miracles for Couples (1997) offers practical strategies to help partners improve their communication and deepen their emotional connection. It focuses on simple yet powerful techniques for expressing feelings, listening effectively, and resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding. By fostering appreciation and clarity in conversations, it helps couples build stronger, more harmonious relationships.

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

The Portrait of a Lady (1881) represents a highpoint in the literary career of Henry James, one of the most accomplished novelists in the English language. It tells the story of Isabel Archer, a beautiful and spirited American brought to Europe by a wealthy aunt. Defying social expectations, she turns down two marriage proposals in order to pursue a journey of self-discovery. Her love of liberty, however, leads her into a trap of her own devising: a union with the outwardly charming yet manipulative Gilbert Osmond.

Securely Attached (2023) is an insightful exploration into the world of attachment theory and its practical implications in everyday life. It delves into how different attachment strategies, formed during early childhood, influence the way individuals interact and bond with others throughout their lives. Offering a multitude of reflection exercises, questions, and tips, its goal is to help people recognize the attachment strategies they’re currently using and help them transition to earned secure attachment over time.

13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don’t Do (2023) identifies thirteen common pitfalls that couples should avoid in order to nurture healthier and more resilient relationships. It provides concrete advice for improving communication, managing conflict, and ultimately fostering stronger mental fortitude – both individually and as a team.

Fight Right (2024) offers invaluable findings from extensive research on conflict resolution in relationships. Here, you’ll find practical strategies to avoid common mistakes during conflict, which will enable you to foster deeper connection and lasting love. Compelling case studies and international research demonstrate that even struggling couples can heal and strengthen their relationship dynamics with the right tools and guidance.

101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged (2004) aims to deepen the understanding between partners contemplating marriage through a series of insightful questions. It covers a wide range of topics, from personal values and life goals to opinions on finance, parenting, and handling conflicts, encouraging couples to explore their compatibility and future expectations together.

‘Til Stress Do Us Part (2024) explores how external stress, rather than relationship dynamics, is often the root cause of couples’ struggles. It offers practical tools, including journaling prompts, self-regulation exercises, and communication strategies, to help couples manage stress and strengthen their connection. 

It Begins with You (2025) outlines nine fundamental truths about building healthy relationships, centered on the core principle that meaningful connections start with self-work and personal responsibility. Providing essential insights about self-acceptance, honest communication, and authentic love, it outlines practical techniques for healing relationship patterns and creating the intimate connections we desire.

The Power of Discord (2020) offers a significant reframing of the role discord plays in developing functional relationships. It reveals how moments of mismatch – when followed by repair – actually build trust, resilience, and deeper connection. Through groundbreaking research including the famous "Still-Face Experiment," it offers a refreshing perspective that will transform how you view conflict, showing that working through discord is not just normal but essential for creating lasting, meaningful relationships.