Falling: The Story of One Marriage

I remember reding about this book when it was first published, but really had no interest in reading about yet another failed marriage. Too depressing. But then after reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and learning that this author is her current husband, my interest was piqued. I LOVED The Glass Castle and was very curious about John Taylor as her husband. So I bought, and read, this book. I can sort of see why one reviewer here referred to the author as "whining".... But then don't we all when we go through the harrowing, nauseating experience of divorce? I did. And I'm not a whiner. I thought the author was just being as honest as he could. The only part I really didn't understand is what actually happened in this marriage to cause it to be so miserable for each of them. They got married, they did this, they did that, and then he was having an affair since he was so miserable. About what, exactly? Maybe his point is that it doesn't have to be anything specific in this day and age of demanding absolute happiness; anything less means d-i-v-o-r-c-e. Sad. In any case, I enjoyed the book because men usually don't write about this stuff.... and because I can see why he and Jeannette Walls were drawn to each other. I would have liked to read more about him and Jennette, but maybe that will come in a future book. I do believe that Jeannette definitely deserves a quiet, reassuring, stable marriage and it would appear that John Taylor can provide that for her.

After having read the book, then read some of the reviews, I was suprised at how outraged some people were at this story. This is probably the most realistic viewpoint about a relationship that I have read in a long time. Does that mean that every man cheats on his wife? No. Does that mean that every woman wants "maintennance" for the rest of her life? No. What it does mean is that sometimes people make mistakes (in this case, several of them), but they must go on. Granted, there were several times where I found myself angry at the author for his actions, but who am I to judge someone elses misfortunes, when we all have skeletons in our closet.

I found John's honesty of going into his marriage, to the breakup simply poignant. He reflected on society's standards, his family and the things that led to the demise of his marriage. Really a captivating read.

I have been divorced for many years, but I found John Taylor's story compelling; it read like a novel. He doesn't fail to reveal that he is far from perfect, and I was always looking for the moment when he would dump on his wife - but he didn't. They seemed both equally to blame, though I must say Mr. Taylor was more than fair and generous to his wife at the end, at least financially. He seems to be a man who truly gives being civilized a try. You have to hand it to him; he was sensitive to everyone's needs in this book. And I like his ruminations on marriage and divorce. He's a great writer and I hope we hear more from him. Oh, by the way: this book has a very fitting, lovely cover. Whoever's responsible should be commended.

After having just finished Falling, I must comment on how truly comforted I feel. So many of the feelings John Taylor expresses really touched me. I had trouble expressing these very same feelings even to myself. How anyone could say this man is self-absorbed! I think he would have tried anything to make it work if he thought there was even a remote possibility the two of them could have been happy. I always remember saying I'd wish there was a magic button I could press to make me feel something in my marriage. Wonderful reading for anyone going through divorce. Its been 8 years for me and still, this book made me feel connected to someone who had experienced such emotional trauma, and still feeling it, it never goes away. I'd love to see how Mr. Taylor is doing today, as well as his wife and daughter. I hope he has found some peace within himself.