Seems like one of the main topics of conversation over the past couple weeks has been sex, marriage, and relationships (Valentines on the mind possibly?) so I thought I would compile a list of some of my favorite resources (many of which I mentioned in those conversations). If you have any other good recommendations add them to the list! All of the books should be available on Amazon.
SEX
1. Real Sex by Lauren F. Winner- I appreciate her candid style and her excellent argument for chastity in singleness in the midst of a very unchaste world.
2. SEXGOD by Rob Bell- I know Rob Bell might be anathema to some of you because of his later works, yet I feel this book does a great job of understanding the connection between sexuality and spirituality. And it is very readable/accessible.
3. CrazyGoodSex by Dr. Les Parrot- Especially for men(though could be enlightening for women to read), this book uncovers some of the myths men have about sex, that we even carry through marriage. I also just noticed that they published A Guide to CrazyGoodSex, which sounds interesting as well.
4. The Gift Of Sex by Cliff and Joyce Penner. This subtitle is: "A guide to sexual fulfillment" and that is very much what this book is. This book is for married couples who desire to gain a greater understanding of sex from a Christian perspective, deal with issues in their sex lives, and gain greater enjoyment from intimacy with each other in the bonds of marriage. I worked for Cliff and Joyce for a year after seminary and it was definitely an experience (and education!) to work for Christian psychologists and nurses who primarily work in sex therapy!
DATING
1. Date Or Soul Mate? by Neil Clark Warren. The subtitle again describes the book: "finding the love of your life in two dates or less." I mentioned this book to a group of single men the other night. The purpose is to know yourself and what you are looking for and need, so that you can date intentionally and be aware, in two dates or less, if the person you are dating is a possible life partner. I read this book when I was dating Kathryn and it was very helpful to me.
2. Neil Clark Warren has many other books on the same theme: Falling In Love For All The Right Reasons: How To Find Your Soul Mate, Finding The Love of Your Life, etc.... that are worthy reads, though I would just pick one since they cover the same subject matter.
3. When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Approach To Guy/Girl Relationships by Eric and Leslie Judy. Written from both a male and female perspective, this is a classic relationship book.
4. When The Not Yet Married Meet: Dating To Display Jesus: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/when-the-not-yet-married-meet-dating-to-display-jesus
Interesting article about dating with an eye towards marriage.
ENGAGEMENT/MARRIAGE
1. Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Seven Questions To Ask Before-And After- You Marry
by Les and Leslie Parrott. I recommend this book to every couple I talk to or counsel. Both Les and Leslie are psychologists and professors at Seattle Pacific University, and this book is funny, insightful, and represents 7 essentials for a healthy marriage. Kathryn and I read this before we married and found it very helpful. Also comes with workbooks for both husbands and wives to work on together as they are reading. They have many other helpful books on relationships, sex, and marriage that are worthy to check out. You can find them on Amazon or their website: http://www.lesandleslie.com. On their website they also have relationship assessments and other good resources.
2. The Meaning Of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller. Written with the usual Keller insight. this is a thoughtful and comprehensive guide to understanding marriage from a Christian perspective.
3. Getting Your Sex Life Off To A Great Start by Cliff and Joyce Penner. This is the 'introductory guide' to sex. Helpful for engaged couples to read either a few months before marriage or after they are married.
4. 52 Ways To Have Fun, Fantastic Sex by Cliff and Joyce Penner. I know, I have a lot of books on sex. I did work for a Christian sex therapist! But I also gained from my time at their office how the sex life of a couple (or lack of one) is a key sign how the relationship is doing. Sex is about intimacy and emotional connection, so if sex is not a regular part of a marriage then intimacy is also probably lacking. Hence.....52 ideas to have fun, fantastic sex. Some of these ideas are kind of funny and unrealistic, but also some might be worth trying for you married couples out there.
Hope this helps! And please add other books/resources that you might recommend in the comments.
