The Commitment Chronicles: The Power of Staying Together

Imagine morphing together Erma Bombeck's irreverent and funny writing style with Ann Landers advice-to-the-lovelorn and Dr. Phil's in-your-face attitude. Enter, stage left: Cheryl McClary, a PhD professor of Women's Health and holder of a juris doctor degree. This combination could be dangerous-even explosive! And it is. Warning: this book is not for the faint (or feint) of heart.Cheryl (after reading this book, you'll feel like you're sitting in her kitchen, so we'll go with first-name basis) wrote this book for women, but a few men will find it valuable. Cheryl would suggest, however, that most men won't understand it because, you see, we're clueless. Yes, I'm a man. My wife gave me this book to read, suggesting that a book reviewer like me might find it interesting. Oh, boy.To sum up Cheryl's philosophy, men are dolts. Well, she didn't use that particular word, but she employed a wide range of synonyms. We don't know how to be husbands, lovers, fathers, or any of those things. We have to be trained, led, managed by a capable woman. The capable part comes from knowing yourself-loving yourself-before looking outside. Women get so many messages that diminish them, self-love and strength is vital. Every woman who has been birthed and raised by another woman, passing mental and psychological garbage down through the ages needs to read-no, absorb-this book. Put it under your pillow after bedtime reading and hope for osmosis.Now, men. Read this book. Reality: It will only help a little bit in understanding your woman. You won't get as much out of it as a woman will, but if you pay attention you will cower and love with a slightly higher level of effectiveness. My wife insists that I am not clueless, though over dinner tonight she did admit that I used to be. Now I'm a step beyond clueless (and I am like the handsome, wonderful man Cheryl has been married to for 23 roller-coaster years): I'm trainable...and receptive. The rewards are worth the struggle. Be sure to check out page 149 for the list of lessons we can learn from the unconditional love of dogs. There is no index. You don't need one. But you will find value from the bibliography and the rich collection of resources in the back of the book. This is a wonderful recovery guide for misguided women, confused men, and relationships that can benefit from the nurturing that comes from real love.

With all of the educational information and credentials that the author list, I fully expected a medical text book type of reading from this book. The Commitment Chronicles: How to Stay Happily Married was recommended to me by a friend, and I thought, well, I will at least read one chapter. I am now glad I took her recommendation! It has been worth the time. I found that although Dr. McClary is fully qualified to write on the topic of marriage from a professional stand point, she has chosen to write it from a woman's and wife's viewpoint. I found this realisticly refreshing enough to apply to the "everyday living" that goes with being happily married. This is not some "up in the cloud, one day happy emotional, good feeling reviving" type of book. It gives useful and helpful hints that will assist you in finding a way to be happy yourself, then to work on talking-listening skills, and lastly intimacy revvers that are sure to keep you happily married.

I ran across Mrs. McClary checking into my hotel a couple of weeks ago here in Chicago. She is a honest, down-to-earth person! She told me about this book she wrote and left me a copy to give to my mom. I thought I'll just skim through it to see what it was about. Being a 24 yr old male, I was shocked to be thrown into this book! Just the title and the bright pink cover would normally make me not look at it. BOY WAS I IN SHOCK! This book is incredible. It gives you insight on how YOU shape your relationships, not other people. We have all heard that we must love ourselves before we can love another. Such a true statement and this book will help you create "real love" and most important, happiness with one's self. I'm just amazed on how great this book really is. I read while on the train, and everday when I step out of that car, I feel like I'm walking on water. JUST A GREAT UPLIFTING book that helps you on your way. Men and women alike should read this. Our world would be a much better place. THANKS CHERYL! PS...It's on it's way to my mother! :)

Even if your relationships seem perfect, this book is a benefit to all its' readers, married, in love or looking for it. In a world where we see "help" being given through arrogant remarks, as does Dr. Phil, this book breathes sentiment and answers.

Although I am not usually one for books concerning relationships. Upon recommendation, I picked up a copy of Cheryl McClarys Book in my travels and was amazed. Her words not only spoke to my heart, but instantly I felt as if someone had finally understood my fears concerning commitment and reliving old patterns. I have lived for years with the underlining thought that it was by my own hand that my relationships did not work because I simply did not know what a healthy relationship was. But what I found with Ms. Mclarys book was page after page of text that spoke only to me. What a blessing. I recommend this book not only to those like myself looking for the perfect match, but to the countless people I meet who are unhappy with their relationships and feel lost. This book is a snuggle for the heart and a laugh for the soul.