This is more of a formal study rather than a practical "how-to" book. It basically has two people go through the study together and compare answers allowing the couple to see where they might thinking differently on topics that might not be covered before marriage. A very through overview of many of the issues facing a couple pursuing marriage as well as keeping it focused on God's perspective biblically.

This book is an excellent resource for several reasons. I'll list just a few that were helpful for us: 1) It discusses numerous common areas of unmet expectations. 2) It helps you compare your interests on a wide variety of things that you wouldn't normally think about. 3) It helps you compare your priorities and commitment level on things like work, hobbies, family life, raising children, how you spend your time, spiritual beliefs and convictions, etc. 4) It has advice on how to handle practical things like in-laws, sexual differences, finances, etc.

The book is from a Christian perspective, and as such there are TONS of Bible verses listed on each subject. You could look them all up or just a few to answer the questions. Even though my wife and I were pretty ready for marriage, this book asked some tough questions that helped us realize there was lots more to learn.

Practically speaking, you will need a few things for this book: a good chunk of time - like 2-3 hours per chapter, but it will be well worth it, and you and your potential spouse will both need a copy of the book to write in. This book will perhaps save you years of pain by going through it and discussing it together. It may even reveal that you really shouldn't get married. That's hard but it will save you from a lifetime of painful memories.

I also recommend the book to married couples. It's a good way to start fresh from a biblical foundation.

This book gives you the tools to a succesful marriage. As a soon to be bride the book has given me the tools to be a blessing to my future husband and to stand beside him no matter what comes our way.

An excellent marriage text for the committed evangelical Christian couple. It has extensive lists of scripture and will take motivation and committment to finish. Its perspective is apparent from the connection with Dr. John MacArthur's church and is solid Biblical information.

This book is awful. It portrays women as people who can't make their own decisions, can't work outside of the home, can't handle finances, etc. This attitude toward women is so ignorant, and often results in psychological (if not physical) abuse. For example, one suggestion to a husband is to discuss plans with your wife before you make them, and to give her the reasons for making the decisions you made. What, a woman can't make decisions, too? Thanking her for her attempts to please you. As if all we can do is attempt, but never succeed. My personal favorite, the book suggests that the wife watch football with her husband, and try to really manifest an interest. Hey, where does it tell the husband to go to the wife's quilting club, and to really try to like it? Ladies, if you have any self respect (and men, if you have any respect for women) STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!