Gabfest Reads | When Marriage Goes Stale and Middle Age Hits Hard

In this book, Eli J. Finkel presents a groundbreaking investigation of marriage, showing that the best marriages today are superior to those of earlier eras. He combines cutting-edge scientific research with practical advice, discussing the evolution of marriage from providing basic needs like food and shelter to modern expectations of love, companionship, and personal growth. Finkel introduces 'lovehacks' and strategies for better communication and responsiveness, and offers guidance on recalibrating expectations. The book is designed for anyone looking to improve their marriage, from newlyweds to empty nesters, and those considering marriage or remarriage.

Stephanie Coontz's "Marriage, a History" provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of marriage across different cultures and historical periods. The book challenges traditional notions of marriage as a timeless institution, revealing its adaptability and transformation over centuries. Coontz examines the social, economic, and political factors that have shaped marriage, highlighting its diverse forms and functions. She explores the changing roles of men and women within marriage and the impact of social movements on marital norms. The book offers a nuanced understanding of marriage's complexities and its ongoing evolution.

The novel tells the story of Alice Blackwell, a quiet and bookish woman from Wisconsin who marries Charlie Blackwell, a wealthy and charismatic member of a prominent Republican family. As Charlie becomes President, Alice is thrust into a life of power and influence, navigating the contradictions between her private beliefs and her public persona. The book delves into themes of class, wealth, and the complexities of marital relationships, drawing inspiration from real-life events but with significant fictional elements.

In 'Prep', Curtis Sittenfeld tells the story of Lee Fiora, a shy fourteen-year-old from South Bend, Indiana, who wins a scholarship to Ault, an elite boarding school in Massachusetts. The novel delves into Lee's struggles to fit into the school's rigid social hierarchy, her relationships with her peers, and her experiences with identity, family, and romantic love. The book is praised for its witty and wise portrayal of adolescence and its exploration of larger themes such as social class and personal growth.

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In her second story collection, Curtis Sittenfeld conjures vivid characters at crucial life junctures, laying bare moments when long-held beliefs are overturned. Stories include a divorced woman visiting old friends in 'The Patron Saints of Middle Age,' a married artist challenging the Mike Pence Rule in 'A for Alone,' and a revisit to Prep's Lee Fiora at an alumni reunion in 'Lost but Not Forgotten. ' With acerbic wit and tenderness, the tales delve into strained marriages, past regrets, societal expectations, privilege, and unfulfilled desires.