Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together

Authors: Mark and Grace Driscoll

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN#: 978-1404183520

List Price: $17.99

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Rating System)

Reviewed by Bonnie Way

Writing together from almost two decades of personal experience, plus the perspective of a pastor, Mark and Grace Driscoll tackle the topic of marriage in their newest book, Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together.  As a couple addressing other couples, they share a unique perspective on marriage and bring a wealth of in-depth research to their book.

The Driscoll’s begin by sharing their personal experience—how they grew up, became saved, met and started a church in Seattle, and how for years their marriage struggled.  They then talk about the importance of friendship in marriage—a topic rarely covered in other marriage books.  Nearly half of the book is devoted to questions about sex and what is acceptable within Christian marriages.

While Real Marriage has received rave reviews and I was excited to read it, I found it didn’t grab me. I thought the chapter about the Driscoll’s relationship was guilty of too much information, and found all the chapters long.

I have over a dozen marriage books on my bookshelf and I’d recommend several others before Real Marriage.  At the same time, we each come to marriage with our own personal experience and personalities. If you are looking for help in your marriage, I’d recommend trying several books—find one that speaks to you and your situation in a way that you can connect with.

For more information about the Driscoll’s, visit Mark’s website at http://pastormark.tv/

Bonnie Way is a stay-at-home mom who lives in B.C. with her husband and two daughters (ages 4 and 2). She enjoys reviewing historical fiction, fantasy, contemporary fiction, biography/autobiography, and books for moms and wives (relationship books or self-help books). Bonnie blogs at http://thekoalabearwriter.blogspot.ca