Marriage Book Review
The Second Time Around
by Susan Kelley and Dale Burg
Hardcover, 264pp. ISBN: 0688166512
William Morrow, September 2000
Review by Sheri Stritof
If you answered, yes, then this book is one you should read. The authors answer those questions and more:
- Why People Remarry
- Putting the Past Behind You
- Love Is Where You Find It
- Having Second Thoughts
- It's a Package Deal
- Love and Money
- The Hex of the Ex
- Remarried...with Children
- Why Remarriages Succeed
- The Pleasures of Remarriage
If the issues from a previous marriage are not completely resolved, it will be difficult to solve current conflicts. Practical everyday issues are addressed. Where will you live? What will the kids call you? What if there are adult children? How will you handle money? What about a prenuptial agreement? What are your expectations and your fears about marrying again?
The authors wondered why some remarriages work and others don't. They surveyed hundreds of currently remarried men and women that they chose at random from all over the United States. Ages ranged from 24 to nearly 80.
They discovered that it is critical to put closure on a first marriage, to rebuild self-esteem, and to learn from the past so that the same mistakes aren't made again in selecting a new mate. The the three biggest issues for couples in second marriages appear to be former spouses, children and money.
Utilizing statements and real-life stories from the folks they interviewed, Susan Kelley and Dave Burg provide both insight and solutions through examples and factual information. The Epilogue lists qualities that people find to be important in a marriage. Don't skip that section! There is also a very useful index.
Although second marriages, like first marriages, have a high divorce rate, they can and do succeed. This book is for those looking for a road map for happiness in their marriage.
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