I read a lot of books.  I've gone through phases in my life where I've read 3 or 4 books a week.  This book, Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs , is absolutely the best book on marriage that I have ever read.

I initially heard about it from my younger sister who was reading it with her fiance in preparation for her marriage.  They loved it so much, that my parents decided to read it together.  Finally, my husband and I, both on a second marriage, took the plunge and read it too.  I don't think that I've ever said this before, but this marriage book changed our relationship. 

It is a Christian-based book, but I don't think that you necessarily need to be religious in order to read and learn something from it.  The author of the book believes that the basis of any marriage is founded on the fact that women need love, and men need respect.  If partners feel that they are getting those things from one another, a marriage will thrive.  

It's a great book for any stage in marriage - whether you're just getting married or you've been married for 40 years, this book has something for you. It's applicable for people who feel basically happy in their marriage and for those that are experiencing significant challenges.  

I don't often recommend any book this strongly, especially not a marriage book, or a self-help item, but this one really blew me away.  Consider checking it out at your local library or picking up your own copy!