As most people might already know, this book is based upon the Christian movie "Fireproof", which is about a man who saves his marriage by completing a character-testing, 40-day list of "dares" suggested to him by his father. Like the movie, the book of course is Christian based as well.

I loved the movie and the book is more of the same. However I looked at both of them from the perspective of a person happily married for over 15 years. I can tell you that while I don't practice all the dares in the book, my spouse and I are good about doing many of them- and of course there's always room for improvement. From my personal experience, I feel like concentrating on the kinds of ideas presented in the book have been absolutely key to making our marriage last.

Now the book itself also consists of a 40-day list of dares. For each day, there's about a page and a half or so of advice, followed by a specific dare and some space for you to write down your personal reflections. Dares range from things such as practicing patience to writing out a renewal of your vows. The guys will probably particularly like Day 32!

As you can tell, I highly recommend going to see the movie and reading the book. In a society that places a high value on looks and money, while sporting a 50% divorce rate, its nice to see more movies and books coming out that get people more focused on the right values in life. Even if you don't do anything more than just glance through the book, you're going to be given something to think about. Other self-help books I enjoyed include "Finding Happiness in a Frustrating World".

For marriages in trouble, and for those people who want to keep things out of trouble, "The Love Dare," is a great list of ideas. Nothing here will cause the reader to go "Wow! Brilliant!" because everything here is common sense. It might not feel natural, and some ideas will be difficult for the couple in strife. The majority of couples will find it useful in its practicality.

Why is it common sense? Try day one, for example,

"Resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue that to say something you'll regret."

Easier said than done, but worth doing just the same.

Either partner can apply the content solo. In fact, it is structured that way.

Forget the movie. I'm reviewing the book. I know, lots of reviewers loved it, but this book will last long after the film leaves the theater. While I liked the movie, all it does is serve as a stepping stone toward the much more difficult work. Get into "The Love Dare," apply its ideas, and, whether or not it delivers, you will know you have done the right thing.

The content is a quick read at first. Partially written in a script like handwriting font, it will flow easily on the eyes. Slow down, consider the depth of the ideas, and the creative applications, and the work begins. It is meant to be read over 40+ days, not scanned on the train to work.

I fully recommend "The Love Dare" by Stephen Kendrick.

Anthony Trendl
http://anthonytrendl.com

I was a divorce attorney for 5 or 6 years and saw hundreds of marriages come to an end--but usually for the same few reasons. This book could put divorce attorneys out of business.

After going through The Love Dare and Fireproof Your Marriage Couple's Kit, my wife and I found new hope for our marriage. In a practical way, we learned how to love unconditionally and that has had priceless results on our relationship. We highly endorse The Love Dare book and recommend you get the Fireproof Your Marriage Couples Kit too. We are going to recommend the Fireproof Your Marriage Leader's Kit to our Pastor and may be our whole church will benefit from the small groups.

The Love Dare is must reading for anyone who wants to improve their marriage. My wife and I have been doing marriage counseling for over ten years, and this book, without a doubt, will help anyone who wants to take their marriage relationship seriously. Well done!