"300 Questions LDS Couples Should Ask for a More Vibrant Marriage," by Shannon Alder, Horizon Publishers, 133 pages, $13.99
This book is likely not what you expect.
Shannon Alder's second book is not an instructional guide for improving marriage. However, it does provide a channel to opening a dynamic conversation between couples.
In the wake of her bestselling book “300 Questions LDS Couples Should Ask Before Marriage,” Alder presents her sequel, “300 Questions LDS Couples Should Ask for a More Vibrant Marriage.”
“300 questions LDS Couples Should Ask” is more of a relationship workbook than a how-to manual. After a brief introduction, Alder shares the 300 questions she believes will help couples explore and improve their relationships. After each question, she leaves space for readers to write their answers.
“Whether you have known each other for years, or are newlyweds,” Adler wrote, “use these questions as a road map to reconnect with your spouse.”
Alder’s book is broken into six different areas: rekindling the romance and intimacy, reexamining your views and beliefs, strengthening your spiritual path, reacquainting with your spouse, reconnecting during tough times, and planning your goals and future. Each section has detailed questions to lead couples into an open discussion about that topic.
The questions are very candid and are designed to delve into each partner’s true feelings. From questions about sexual intimacy and finances to questions about church attendance and parenting, this book touches on many of the struggles and trials that every marriage faces.
Adler writes, “A great way to stay on track is to have simple conversations … that will bring back the sparks you both felt during the dating stage.”
This book is designed to open a dialogue between couples, not to bestow answers to marital questions. Adler leaves the real work of improving the relationship right where it belongs — in the hands of the couple.
“Marriage is a process, not a destination,” she wrote. “Through faith, honesty, communication and love you can solve most any problem.”
Melissa DeMoux is a stay-at-home mother of six young children who lives in West Valley City, Utah. You can e-mail her at mddemoux@gmail.com or follow her adventures in motherhood at demouxfamily.blogspot.com.
