Customer Rating:  
Summary: A + B = Bliss-filled marriage.
Comment: My mother purchased this book for me. I think it was an "Oh, but she means well" type thing. I spent some time looking over the book and decided there are few things I have ever read that are more off track.
The authors disguise biased, overgeneralized stereotypes of how all men and women act with really cute and catchy graphics. They tell you what to do and how to act so that you can attract a lasting mate. Because we all know trying to change yourself or hide parts of yourself to impress someone else is the best way to develop an emotional and intimate connection. The back of the book says playfully, "Oh, great, another one of those dating books, right? Wrong!" Actually, yeah, that's pretty right. Except I'd rather read all those other dating books.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Are they for real?
Comment: Okay, so I'm at work one day, a Christian bookstore, and I open up a box to check it in when I come across this book. I read the back cover and think to myself, "Are you serious?" But, being the curious person I am, I have to read it. I'm pretty sure I wasted about 3 hours in which I could have been doing something more beneficial, like watching grass grow.
Okay, so it wasn't THAT bad, but I definitely felt as though I should talk to my manager about selling this book in our store. The only way this could be considered a Christian book on dating is that it says that you should wait until you're married to have sex, but even that, it says in a way that makes you think that you should save it more for (if you're a girl) keeping the guy interested than because it is morally a sin. This book is not scripturally based, so if you're looking for something that is, go elsewhere. Try Joshua Harris or Eric and Leslie Ludy, but don't buy this book.
If you insist on trying this, be warned that you may not like what you read. This book tries to be hip, so it is interesting. But in the end you may feel as I did, like you wasted a good 3 or more hours of your life.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Decent book with a HUGE problem
Comment: There are many good things about this book, but space is limited, so I'll only address a HUGE problem. The chapter `Men Lie to Get What They Want' is mostly good; it deals with how men often lie to get sex and admiration from women. True enough, but near the end of the chapter the authors sail off a cliff.
Women are asked `does it bother you that all of the love and affection he has expressed are just attempts to get sex? It shouldn't, he's a man!' This is applied to both `bad boys' and `nice guys'. They insist that regardless of how dedicated to waiting for marriage & being honorable and respectful your man is; he is still a liar just trying to get sex. Worse, "when your man says he loves you, he means nothing more than when he says `I love doughnuts'. The fact that he gets to have sex with you is just a bonus." Then, `But ladies, just in case your guy doesn't take these words of advice, prepare yourself for lies desperately seeking admiration and sex. Hey, it's only natural.'
This is sick. Sincere men aren't perfect, but these slurs are insulting and patently false. The authors' excuse disgusting male behavior; smear nice guys with it; and then tell women to tolerate it because it's `natural'! And are women to be content being seen by their husbands as `doughnuts' with which they can have sex?
If a woman regarded my genuine displays of love and affection as manipulative lies, the relationship would be over. Period.
Here is how a mirror image of the authors' thoughts might read (nearly word for word):
Guys, does it bother you to know that she's interested in sex with you only to the extent that it can get her what she most desires; an `I love you', a bouquet of flowers, a foot rub or a romantic date? Don't be, after all, she's just a woman. Relax guys, you can play her like she was meant to be played; don't reward the conniving scheming wench. Love & affection are your biggest bargaining chips, so use them wisely. Make it clear that there will be no sweet nothings until you get a binding legal document! And, after marriage, if she wants any love and affection, she'd better be `putting out'. Also realize that when she does express a desire to make love, she's saying no more than when she was longing for that snazzy new pair of shoes. That she gets poems and flowers from you is just a bonus. Don't let this disappoint you, it's only natural!
Disgusting, demeaning and indefensible, but no more so than the authors' words.
This is to say nothing of the contention that guys are, by nature, unable to be truthful and respectful. God commands guys to be truthful and honor women as they would their sisters. God asks of us nothing we can't do (even if only with His help). To say that guys `cannot help it' is to impugn God.
All of that aside, this is an otherwise good book.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Halariously True
Comment: Picking up a book like this seemed like another waste of time, but what the authors do is inject their sense of humor and blunt style of advice. Girls, we're too desperate sometimes and we talk too much: now why didn't I think of that? And guys, although you may feel like a loser for being the "nice guy" you have a better shot at being Marriable. They also talk about the dreaded "online dating" and how to do it and be safe. It's not just for non-Christians!
The format of the book is easy to read, with humorous pictures that match the topics. There's little anecdotes in the margins of the book by the co-authors as well. This book is not a waste of time or money! Single or not, pick it up.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A JOKE?
Comment: I was looking for some books about adult dating and ran across the DiMarco books. I purchsed this book thinking it looked good for us older folks. Alas, as I started reading it, I realized that I know this Mr. Dimarco. He is a convicted felon and a habitual liar and he is now writing books? How could I take seriously anything he wrote in this book. I hope folks are NOT falling for his latest line of bull. He is a true [...] artist. [...]
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