Growing Together
A Guide for Couples Getting Married
by Andrew Body
Paperback
Price: £6.99
Publisher:Church House Publishing (CHP) part of Hymns Ancient & Modern
Published:February 2005
ISBN:0-715-14049-3
GoodBookStall Review:
Growing Together takes a no-nonsense look at some of the issues that confront couples thinking about marriage today. While the author is an Anglican vicar, and that clearly informs his writing, this is not so apparent as to deter secular readers. The book is divided into short, themed chapters that confront the reader with issues to contemplate. Confront, is the correct word here, as so often in our day to day lives we shy away from ‘big questions’ such as if you or your partner became pregnant unexpectedly what would you do: or if the child was severely disabled? By asking the reader to examine their feelings and enter into a dialogue with their partner on these issues it is hoped that any potential sources of conflict or disagreement are opened up before the marriage. The reader is asked not to read the book through in one sitting, but to take each chapter in turn (though not necessarily in order!) and contemplate on the questions with their partner. The book is particularly useful for those who are not having a religious ceremony and therefore do not have the opportunity to talk these issues through with their local Minister. I would highly recommend this book to any couple in a serious relationship, at whatever stage, to act as the catalyst for answering these questions at their leisure in a considered manner. Guest Reviewer, Jonathan Andrew
Reviewer: Guest reviewer (07/05/05)
Growing Together takes a no-nonsense look at some of the issues that confront couples thinking about marriage today. While the author is an Anglican vicar, and that clearly informs his writing, this is not so apparent as to deter secular readers. The book is divided into short, themed chapters that confront the reader with issues to contemplate. Confront, is the correct word here, as so often in our day to day lives we shy away from ‘big questions’ such as if you or your partner became pregnant unexpectedly what would you do: or if the child was severely disabled? By asking the reader to examine their feelings and enter into a dialogue with their partner on these issues it is hoped that any potential sources of conflict or disagreement are opened up before the marriage. The reader is asked not to read the book through in one sitting, but to take each chapter in turn (though not necessarily in order!) and contemplate on the questions with their partner. The book is particularly useful for those who are not having a religious ceremony and therefore do not have the opportunity to talk these issues through with their local Minister. I would highly recommend this book to any couple in a serious relationship, at whatever stage, to act as the catalyst for answering these questions at their leisure in a considered manner. Guest Reviewer, Jonathan Andrew
Reviewer: Guest reviewer (07/05/05)
