The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert (1999) by John Gottman

Recommended as an “important” read as part of a “relaxed” marriage preparation course, the findings of this book are supposedly based on factual, scientific evidence. Admitting to “reading” this in the audiobook format (the only book I remember reading in this fashion) there was lots of check-lists, and work sheets that did not translate in the audio format. Like most self-help, or marriage prep books, it can be challenging to follow the rules or suggestions without having the book in front of you. As with any good book on relationships, the central themes of mutual respect, and good communication were present.