Blest Atheist

Know anyone suffering in adulthood from the scars of child abuse? Read how one author handled the experience and came out on the positive side -- emotionally, professionally, and in family and spiritual life.  According to one reviewer, "This is an amazing read. Even if you aren't interested in God or religion, this book is inspiring and beautiful. Many lives have been changed through Mahlou's work, and I think maybe will be changed by this book. This is a must read." 

Available in print through online bookstores, as well as in selected bookstores, particularly in the St. Louis area. Available also in digital form through Amazon Kindle, B&N Book Nook, and Apple iBooks.

Description: As a young child, outraged by the hypocrisy she finds in a church that does nothing to alleviate the physical and sexual abuse she experiences on a regular basis, Beth delivers an accusatory youth sermon and gets her family expelled from the church. Having locked the door on God, Beth goes on to raise a family of seven children, learn 17 languages, and enjoy a career that takes her to NASA, Washington, and 24 countries. All the time, however, God keeps knocking at the door, protecting and blessing her, which she realizes only decades later. Ultimately, Beth finds God in a very simple yet most unusual way. A very human story, Blest Atheist encompasses the greatest literary themes of all time – alienation, redemption, and even the miraculous. The author’s life experiences, both tragic and tremendous, result in a spiritual journey containing significant ups and downs that ultimately yield great joy and humility.

From the Press Release:


Why would God bless an atheist? This question is at the heart of Elizabeth Mahlou’s memoir. Elizabeth’s story demonstrates that she is a catalyst for miracles large and small as well as an active force for good in the world despite being an atheist. Neither shocked nor surprised by the wretched or the wonderful, she works tirelessly with incredible energy and intelligence to be the axis at which the one will become the other.

Blest Atheist, a very human story, encompasses the greatest literary themes of all time – alienation, redemption, and even the miraculous. The author’s life experiences, both tragic and tremendous, result in a spiritual journey containing significant ups and downs that ultimately yield great joy and humility Her narrative, which sweeps readers from continent to continent, from past time to present time, from laughter to tears, is garnering a loyal following.

One reader writes, “I was overwhelmed by this book. It was astounding...your use of words is stunning...but mostly I want to tell you how much I love this book.”

Another reader writes, “Your humor balances the tragedy and sadness; there is no self-pity, just many life lessons learned. Your last chapter especially is very powerful as you share your words of transformation and enlightenment. I gained wisdom and understanding from your words.”

Reviews:

From Online Bookstores:
Elizabeth Mahlou grew up in an abusive home. She tells of her mother stabbing her brother with a knife in the buttocks, and her father throwing a pitchfork and stabbing him with it. Taking an airplane ride had a whole new meaning in this family. The abuse was physical, emotional, and sexual. "The wounds were in the heart and mind and covered parts of the body." Like most bullies, their mother blamed them for the pain she inflicted.

Did Mahlou's mother have PMDD? Possibly, however, medicine was not available at that time. Elizabeth knew that she had a problem with rage. She took it out in different ways. She did not beat her children. She believes that rage can be inherited. Perhaps it can, or perhaps it is a learned trait.

I can hardly blame her for the sermon the young Elizabeth unleashed on the congregation of her church. She must have seen them as evil to sit by and allow the abuse to continue. She saw them as hypocrites. Mahlou
turned her back on God, because she thought he had turned his back on her.

Mahlou continues to share bits and pieces of her adult life, including her stint in the army. She speaks of her handicapped children. Mahlou fought for equality for her children. Time after time, things happened that many would call coincidences. Eventually, Elizabeth Mahlou came to know them as blessings from God.

One of the most astute statements in this book is "There is a clear difference between an easy life and a good life." Elizabeth's life has not been, easy but her adult years have been good.

Blest Atheist is an unusual book. Elizabeth Mahlou has led an unusual life. It is easy to see how intelligent she is. 2/3 or more of this book is spent discussing her childhood. I hope that putting all of that terrible time on paper gives her closure. Many would never be able to forgive such abuse. As Elizabeth has discovered, with God all things are possible. I wish her well and all of God's blessings.  (Debra Gaynor, Barnes & Noble)

From Library Thing:

If you want a good read, read this book! Initially, the title did not especially grab me though I was intrigued by the thought of an atheist considering herself blest.

Elizabeth Mahlou grew up in a violently abusive family, yet one that was outwardly respectable and church going. She made the decision as a teenager to be an atheist. How could there be a god or God when she and her siblings experienced so much physical abuse, especially from their mother.

The author refused to be cowed. She and her siblings (the 8-pack) went on to break out of the mold, and not repeat the abuse with their own families.

Elizabeth became an linguist and expert in all things Russian. She weaves her own story through the story of Shura, a artisticaslly talented lad rescued from certain death because of spina bifida. The whole book is a beautifully woven tapestry. I only got lost once and that was in one chapter with a lot of Russian names and connections.

One of the prominent threads is how again and again, people were blest by her. She could not help but be a blessing to others. And, even though in her head she was an atheist, in her heart she was not. It was great to read of how her heart and head came together where she found herself in a profound experience with God that bypassed her mind before finally capturing it.

I'm so glad I read it. I have stickers all through the book at places to which I want to return for further ponder. (frannyji)
  
The author (from her blog: 100th Lamb):

I am the mother of 4 birth children (plus 3 others who lived with us) and grandmother of 2, all of them exceptional children. Married for 42 years, I grew up in Maine, live in California, and work in many places in education, linguistics, and program management. In my spare time, I rescue and tame feral cats and have the scars to prove it. A long-time ignorantly blissful atheist converted by a theophanic experience to Catholicism, I am now a joyful catechist. Oh, I also authored a dozen books, two under my pen name of Mahlou (Blest Atheist and A Believer-in-Waiting's First Encounters with God).
Contact the author via MSI Press: editor@msipress.com.

Excerpt from the book:


How were we able to turn the tables on our lives when so many others have not been able to survive far less life-threatening situations? Was God there with us in the burning house? Did God teach us lessons beyond those we learned at school that would stand us in good stead all the rest of our lives?

Wayne Muller wrote in Legacy of the Heart, "With each painful event, we renew our efforts to explain to explain the causes of our suffering." The 8-pack [the eight children in the Mahlou family] were unlike most in that respect; we knew the causes, and each time we knew we were not the cause. Rather than seeking the causes of our suffering, the question that I have perpetually raised is why we survived such extreme abuse when others who experienced less abuse did not reach adulthood intact.

Danielle [my younger sister] believes that she has the answer to that question. Her earliest memory -- she insists she was only two years old at the time -- is of a prayer: "Dear God, Daddy is gone all the time, and Ma is a child. I guess You have to raise us. Please!"

Could the explanation be that simple and that powerful, that God heard a precocious child's perspicacious prayer, took it seriously, and answered it for all of the 8-pack? And more awe-inspiring, could a loving God, acting in loco parentis, unseen and unbidden by most of us, been watching over and protecting the 8-pack all of our lives, ensuring our physical, emotional, and ethical well-being?

  _________________________________
To purchase the book, send a note to orders@msipress.com, tell us that you read the excerpt here, and why you like the book. We will give you a 10% discount and free shipping (in the US). Those who live outside the US can get a better deal by purchasing from the Amazon online store in their part of the world.

If you prefer to purchase from Barnes & Noble, click here.

If you prefer to purchase from Amazon, click here. 

Losing My Voice and Finding Another

Know anyone who has moved to another country and had to learn the language? Perhaps you yourself are such a person. Then this book is for you -- or for anyone in this position whom you may know.

Available in print through online bookstores, as well as in selected bookstores. Available also in digital form through Amazon Kindle, B&N Book Nook, and Apple iBooks.




Description: Losing My Voice and Finding Another is a language learner narrative, based on the author's experiences from 2003 to 2010, when he emigrated from the United States to Germany at the age of 53 and began to learn German. The book is written for adults, especially immigrants, who find it difficult to learn a second language; language teachers who want to learn about emotional and social aspects of second language learning; and citizens and policy makers who want to understand why some adult immigrants are not successful at learning a new language. Foreword by Dr. Rebecca Oxford.

Video Book Announcement:

From the Press Release:

In this book, Cooper Thompson examines the array of emotions while learning German: anxiety, excitement, anger, hope, contentment, confusion, and joy. He explores his own emotional ups and downs, a topic that less personal books on language learning fail to address adequately. He also probes the far deeper changes that language learning wrought in his identity, personality, relationship, and even life-purpose.

           

When I read his words, my own world was altered. I entered a new dimension and gained fresh insights about the substance and the soul of language learning, even though I have been in the language field for decades. Because he is a perceptive, lively storyteller, his reflections are rich, enlightening, and captivating. Because of his social and psychological sensitivity, he is able to provide useful information to readers of both genders and of a range of backgrounds.

         

This important and eminently readable book will be a boon to language teachers, language learners, educational researchers, sociologists, and cultural experts, and it will be fascinating to ordinary readers who enjoy a good story.

- commentary by Dr. Rebecca Oxford, leading L2 and ESL scholar
Professor, United States Air Force Culture & Language Center
Distinguished scholar-Teacher & Professor Emerita, University of Maryland

Reviews:

From Online Bookstores:
This book has not only expressed in eloquent yet straight-forward language my deepest fears and struggles as a foreigner living in Germany but has also provided a voice to many worldwide who struggle daily with a second language and trying to assimilate. Anyone who has lived abroad, learned another language and tried to assimilate will experience many "ah-ha" moments while reading Cooper Thompson's book. It's honest, heartfelt, well-researched and well-written. A MUST for anyone experiencing the same challenges.  (Abasolo, Amazon)

Through heart-rending stories and brilliantly descriptive narratives, Cooper Thompson takes the reader on a journey through the emotional highs and lows so many of us experience while learning to communicate in a foreign language. By deeply exploring and artfully describing his feelings, he is able to help us to be in touch with our own. For anyone who has struggled to be understood, this book offers assurance that you are not alone with your fears, frustrations, and inhibitions. At the same time, it offers encouragement and support to overcome barriers, both internal and external, that stand in the way of communicating with those around you. (Kathryn, Barnes & Noble)

From GoodReads:

As I am a non-immigrant and monolingual person, this is not likely the sort of book I would have picked up to read. But since I knew of Cooper Thompson's earlier work as a social justice and diversity activist in the U.S., I was curious to read about his experience as an immigrant, learning a new language at the age of 53. The result is a delightful read; Thompson focused enough on issues of pedagogy, but the heart of this book is experiential and deeply emotional. Thompson's story-telling ability, his sensitivity to issues of culture and identity, couched in a lifetime of thinking about, talking about, and working with emotions, have resulted in a lively, insightful, and often delightful read.

From Library Thing:

This book looks at the learning of a second language through the eyes of an American immigrant to Germany. This is a man with a solid background of psychology/sociology and an interest in the workings of his own mind. He takes us through all the non-technical difficulties of learning a second language, such as the frustration about not being able to express himself and the influence this has on his emotions, or having to work with a teacher or teaching method that does not fit. He also finds some very real opportunities in this process, such as realizing that often you can understand people better if you let them speak their own language, even if you don't speak this language yourself. I thought it was a refreshing take on a complex problem, well worth reading.
 
The author (as posted on his Amazon page):

Cooper Thompson has been leading workshops, consulting, and organizing against sexism, homophobia, and racism for 30 years. Although he was born and raised in the United States, he has lived in Germany since 2003. He is the author of many essays and educational materials on oppression, and a co-author of White Men Challenging Racism: 35 Personal Stories (2003, Duke University Press; all author royalties go directly to fund antiracist work.) His latest work, Losing My Voice and Finding Another, is a memoir about his experience learning and using German. It was published in 2012 by MSI press. Most of the essays, and excerpts from the two books, can be found at www.cooper-thompson.com/essays.


Contact the author via MSI Press: editor@msipress.com.

Excerpt from the book:

I didn’t have peer models or friends of my age to support me in the learning process. I didn’t have people who could tell me that my experience was normal. I felt stuck in the role of being a student and believed I had to go to class. I didn’t know that I had choices for how I could learn this language.

Years later, I met Madeline Ehrman, an expert on second language learning difficulties. She suggested to me that I could have negotiated with my German teachers for what I wanted. It seemed so obvious. I had first learned to do this in college in 1969 and had done this many times in my life as a learner, and as a teacher and workshop facilitator I had regularly asked students and participants to tell me what they wanted. But it had never occurred to me to do as I was learning German.

Looking back, I realize how powerless I felt. I was scared, my self-esteem plummeted, and I didn’t see options for solving this problem. But I wasn’t conscious of being powerless in the sense of being able to talk about it and name it. I just felt it, and I reacted as if I really were helpless.

What I needed was an approach to language learning that would allow me to take on this complex task of language learning in the same way that children do. They listen and mimic and eventually create their own words, phrases, and sentences. They play with the language. They don’t think about being powerful; they simply act like they are. And they don’t think about their mistakes, until they get to school and teachers begin to criticize them.

I needed an adult version of this. I needed opportunities to experiment with the sounds of German, to move my body while I was trying to speak German, to use the language as best I could, without worrying if was right or not. I needed a minimum of correction and lots of repetition and lots of freedom to say whatever I wanted to say, at my own pace.

In class one day, the teacher asked us to talk about some cultural differences between our home countries and Germany. A Japanese woman told the class about an unwritten cultural rule against nose blowing in public, and how she had changed her behavior to accommodate German culture, where nose blowing is acceptable.

I interrupted her and started talking about the health implications of nose blowing. I had recently read an article that suggested that blowing your nose tends to increase ear infections. As I was rambling on and trying to figure how to say this in German, I was aware that the teacher looked impatient. If I had put words to her facial expression, she might have said, “Cooper, that isn’t relevant to what we’re talking about.” But I just kept talking until I was satisfied that I had explained the danger of nose blowing. I doubt that anyone understood me.

After class, I thought, why in the world did I talk about snot and bacteria? And why did I ignore the teacher’s subtle attempt to quiet me? It wasn’t so awful what I did—I didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings, or cause a major problem for the class, or violate a cultural taboo—but I felt embarrassed about it.

My behavior was similar to what happens during sharing time in kindergarten when kids will say some really random things that have no connection to what other kids have shared. Maybe I just wanted to hear my own voice, to show off that I could say something. My German teachers always told us, “Practice, practice, practice.”

When I told a friend about this—his daughter was five—he laughed, knowing exactly what I meant. She did this all the time, and he had found himself doing the same thing when he was learning Italian. Whenever he could, he’d try to use his Italian, even if it was out of context or inappropriate. Showing off and making random comments for the sake of practice is a learning strategy that I would continue to use as I learned German.

Several years later, I was talking with a friend who is originally from Poland and has lived in Germany for many years. She was telling me about an event she organized for her job and how pleased she was that the mayor was able to attend at the last minute because of a cancellation in his schedule.

“Ich habe Schwein gehabt,” she exclaimed.

I must not have heard her correctly, so I interrupted her. “What was that you just said about a Schwein?”

“Ich habe Schwein gehabt.” I quickly translated this in my head. I had heard her right. She did say, “I have had pig.”

“What does that mean?”

“That I was lucky. You don’t know this expression?”

I laughed and acted outraged. “No, I never heard this. And it’s crazy. What does luck have to do with pigs?”

“I don’t know. I’m not German. It’s just a German expression.”

Despite how ridiculous it sounded to me, I decided to incorporate this phrase into my vocabulary because it was kind of cool. Or so I thought. Over the next few days I found many occasions to use it. Unfortunately, my wife overheard me using it, and most of the time told me that the way I was using it made no sense.

After about a week of hearing about the pig I have had, my wife gave me a look when I again told someone, “Ich habe Schwein gehabt.” I have stopped using the expression, but I haven’t forgotten it.
 _________________________________
To purchase the book, send a note to orders@msipress.com, tell us that you read the excerpt here, and why you like the book. We will give you a 10% discount and free shipping (in the US). Those who live outside the US can get a better deal by purchasing from the Amazon online store in their part of the world.

If you prefer to purchase from Barnes & Noble, click here.

If you prefer to purchase from Amazon, click here. 

Joshuanism

Some have called him Satan. Others have called him a breath of fresh air. However, you look at life, religion, spirituality, and Christianity (its old roots and its modern edifaces), you will have an opinion about this book and its author, Michael Vito Tosto. The controversy it has begun can be found on various sites on the Internet: "just google it."

Available in print through online bookstores. (Ask your local bookstore to order it through Ingram or Books in Print). Available soon in digital form.



Description: In this conversational, theological book, Tosto details a new spiritual approach for knowing God in the 21st century. This new approach is called Joshuanism, an evolved expression of Christianity (though it draws from other sources as well, such as Buddhism, existentialism, psychology, and science), rooted in the same son of God Christianity worships: Jesus. Yet in this case, we are approaching him with a fresh, unencumbered perspective, preferring to call on him by his Hebrew name: Joshua. Thus, Joshuanism.

Video Book Announcement:

Press release: Click here.

Reviews:

From Online Bookstores:

This is an excellent book. Well written, well researched, competent, and able to hold your interest. You might not agree with all the conclusions reached in this book, but the writer definitely asks all the right questions, and at least he's attempting to answer them in new and relevant ways. This is the kind of book I would recommend to anyone who's spiritual or religious journey is in need of a jolt, if nothing else, this book will get you thinking. Tosto seems like an up and coming voice for the current generation, someone who can isolate the truest spiritual needs under the surface of our culture and speak to those needs in a way that strikes a nerve. Five stars. This book is definitely worth a read. (Reagan, Amazon)

I know the author. He gave me a free copy of the book. Because of my background in Christianity, I did not expect to like this book. I don't doubt Mr. Tosto's writing prowess, but I was sure the content would irk me. I even had a pad of paper and a pen handy when I began to read this so I could notate all the problems I had with the theology. And yes, I did have a few...BUT...I could NOT put this book down. I stayed up all night until I finished and when I was done I thought to myself, "Yes, this is the future." And I was won over. Bravo, Mike! You've begun something that I think will soon be everywhere. (Starfire 98, Amazon)

5-star rating, no reviews yet (Barnes & Noble)

From GoodReads:

Rated 5 stars by Jenna Mccain and Tracy Alvarez and 3 stars by Steve Parker.

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

A work of theology and spirituality, detailing an alternative to the current manifestations of Christianity, yet still rooted in the same Son of God.

In this conversational, theological book, Tosto details a new spiritual approach for knowing God in the 21st century. This new approach is called Joshuanism, an evolved expression of Christianity (though it draws from other sources as well, such as Buddhism, existentialism, psychology, and science), rooted in the same son of God Christianity worships: Jesus. Yet in this case, we are approaching him with a fresh, unencumbered perspective, preferring to call on him by his Hebrew name: Joshua. Thus, Joshuanism.

The book is constructed to be a “journey of thought,” taking the reader through a presented argument for why an alternative, or a path beyond, is needed, what that path might look like, and why Joshuanism provides such an alternative for those who no longer see contemporary Christianity as a suitable means to practice their spirituality.

Among the themes explored are: practical spirituality, authentic godliness, altruistic love, genuine faith, hope,
intimate community, holistic health, the deconstruction of the organized church setting, the restoration of the home gathering, the removal of the financial system from spirituality, the marriage of faith and science, tolerance and acceptance, progressive spiritual thinking, and the evolution of our spiritual consciousness.

Though not meant to be a litany of defects, the book does explore, in great detail, the perceived failings of contemporary Christianity.

Joshuanism: A Path Beyond Christianity is a well-researched, culturally relevant work that can draw even the staunchest of atheists into its engrossing and applicable discussions of theology and spirituality in everyday life.
 
From the author:

Knowing God can sometimes be the most difficult thing we as humans can do. Many obstacles stand in our way: societal distractions, the expectations of others, temptations, even ourselves. However, have you ever considered that the very religion you practice can be the greatest obstacle? Is it possible that the institutions, conventions, and accepted norms of your religion are so fraught with baggage, human distortion, and misconceptions that your religious pursuits are actually hurting you rather than helping you? If the answer is "yes", then perhaps you stumble in your pursuit of God because the road you're walking no longer truly leads to him. This book suggests that the answer is indeed "yes," and within this book is a road map back to the basics, back to the original intent. Yes, to go forward, we must go back. But by going back, we are thus compelled to go forward in a new direction with open minds and fresh ideas. You are therefore invited into an intriguing conversation, a journey of thought and theology, a path beyond that which you are currently experiencing. What is this path? It's called Joshuanism, and it is rooted in the same son of God Christianity worships: Jesus. Yet in this case, we are approaching him with a fresh, unencumbered perspective, preferring to call on him by his Hebrew name: Joshua.  If you indeed feel that what you've been doing has just not worked, or if you've never attempted to know God but feel you have the desire to do so, then you have been beckoned to evolve. So, come. Evolve. Be a part of the conversation...
 
The author (as posted on his Amazon page):

Michael Vito Tosto (age 35) is a theological and spiritual writer, and a former leader in the Christian church. A graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in history, he has spent the last ten years researching the history and evolution of humanity's theological consciousness. A voracious reader, an avid fan of baseball and the films of the 1940s and 50s, and a self-proclaimed polymath, his other interests and pursuits include music production, poetry, photography, script writing, art, sociology, anthropology, geology, and all other Earth sciences. He lives in Saint Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Valerie. 

The author maintains a web presence, where he can be contacted:

website: http://www.joshuanism.com/

Excerpt from the book:

If you come from a decidedly Christian background, you may have observed that one item in particular seems to be noticeably missing from the Five Elements. Indeed, “the Missing Element,” as it were, is so entrenched within Christian thought that it can hardly fail to be conspicuous in its absence. I am talking, of course, about sin. For reasons that I do not think I will ever quite understand, Christians seem to be obsessed with sin. They love to bathe both in the forgiveness of their sins and the guilt of their sins. On the one hand, Christians never tire of proclaiming unending gratitude for the great pardon the Son of God’s death purchased for them. But on the other hand, they wallow in their ongoing sinfulness, taking some sort of strange joy in the self-punishment and self-loathing that guilt inevitably brings, as though clinging to guilt will pay for what was supposed to be freely given in the first place. Moreover, because of his obsession with sin and guilt and the dark psychology associated with both, the Christian forsakes other worthier endeavors and weighs himself down with an impossible endeavor. What is this impossible endeavor? To stop sinning, of course. This endeavor is problematic for two reasons. First, only part of him truly wants to conquer the sin he professes to be plagued by; another part of him does not. Somewhere, deep within his psyche, he knows that to lose that sin and the familiar aches that come and go with it is to lose a piece of his identity and the comfort that comes with that identity. The same principle is applied to those people who are mentally unable to find happiness. Why can’t they find it? Because as soon as one problem is solved, their mind frantically searches for a new one, or invents one when a suitable replacement is not apparent. Why do humans do this? Because sadness is easier to control than happiness. Sadness requires very little of us. Happiness takes effort. It’s the same with sin. A sin that plagues you is, by definition, a sin you are familiar with. Rarely do humans willingly forsake that which is familiar to them, because familiarity brings comfort. The truth is that the man or woman who is afflicted by ongoing sinfulness is actually drawing a form of comfort from the affliction. That’s problem number one. Problem number two with the endeavor to stop sinning is this: it’s just not possible. You are never going to attain total sinlessness in this life. Never. What happens if you tell a child not to play with matches? The first chance the child gets he will play with matches. What happens when you throw all your effort toward ceasing to sin? You are just going to sin all the more. Why? Because your focus is on sin! You are so attentive to sinfulness that you cannot escape it. You are defeated before you even begin.
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To purchase the book, send a note to orders@msipress.com, tell us that you read the excerpt here, and why you like the book. We will give you a 10% discount and free shipping (in the US). Those who live outside the US can get a better deal by purchasing from the Amazon online store in their part of the world.

If you prefer to purchase from Barnes & Noble, click here.

If you prefer to purchase from Amazon, click here. 

The Marriage Whisperer

The self-help book, The Marriage Whisperer: Tips To Improve Your Relationship Overnight, was written by Dr. Patt Pickett, a resident of St. Louis, MO, where she is becoming a popular radio and television show personality on the topics covered in The Marriage Whisperer.

The Marriage Whisperer (a trademark name registered to Dr. Pickett) won the 2013 IPPY "Living Now" gold medal in the competition for books on relationships.

Featured as a "Reader's Choice" in the September 2013 Small Press Bookwatch.

Available in print through online bookstores, as well as in selected bookstores, particularly in the St. Louis area. Available also in digital form through Amazon Kindle, B&N Book Nook, and Apple iBooks.

Description: This jargon-free, self-help title is written by an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and inspired by over 10,000 conversations. It delivers 70 couple stories with humor and includes practical tips and tools for lasting relationship improvement. Popular themes like communication, habits, chores, arguments, sex, and intimacy are explored in easy-read tales. The Marriage Whisperer was featured in the September 2013 Small Press Bookwatch as a "Reader's Choice" for the marriage shelf. It also won the gold medal in the IPPY "Living Now" competition.

Video Book Announcement:



Press release: Click here.

Reviews:

All Amazon and B&N reviewers of this book have rated it as 5 stars.

You will be completely in awe at how clearly so many of these relationship stories will ring true. I kept saying to myself "That is so true!" as I read through the scenarios and "studied" her practical solutions to everyday relationship issues. Dr. Patt's wealth of knowledge gleaned from her numerous years of experience is expertly conveyed and organized in this easily read self-help resource. Every couple will discover relevant and insightful tips that should be put into practice immediately!  (Cindy G, Amazon)

This down-to-earth book is filled with gentle wisdom based on Dr. Patt's years of experience working with couples who want to improve their relationship. Written with a touch of gentle humor, The Marriage Whisperer is not only filled with excellent information, it's a pleasure to read. (Anon., B&N)

From Library Thing:

The Marriage Whisperer is a practical, accessible book for married couples seeking to improve their relationship. The chapters, on helpful topics such as communication, trust, intimacy, roles, etc. offer relevant illustrations, practical insights and excellent discussion starters for couples. I have begun working through it with my wife and we are finding it very helpful in enhancing our intimacy and communication, in particular. I also perform wedding ceremonies and am trained to do pre-marital counseling for the couples whose ceremonies I perform, and will be enthusiastically recommending this excellent book to this whom I counsel. Highly recommended! (peacemover)

From GoodReads and The News-Gazette (St. Louis):

I originally wrote this review for The News-Gazette. Thanks! Here's what I think: "The Marriage Whisperer" is a new self-help guide for couples, written by Patt Hollinger Pickett, Ph.D. It's not a book meant to be read cover to cover.

It contains many topics and issues that married couples face — just about every problem you could possibly come up with. This is a book for men and women to read and discuss together.Pickett has worked for 20 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist, and she has a private mental health practice. She also works as a life coach and motivational speaker, and lives in Missouri. . . . 

Pickett delivers her marriage advice with humor and no nonsense. Through the pages, readers will feel that she cares about helping people and truly believes that most marriages can be improved and last with a little work from each person.

If you want to improve your marriage, consider using "The Marriage Whisperer" as a guide. (Margo Dill)

From experts:
This book is not a bandage for a broken marriage. It's a road map. A tool. A conversation starter. It's a serious marriage-fixer book, but only if you do the work. (Patricia Lorenz, Art of Living writer and speaker)

As a pastor and marriage and family therapist, I’m always on the hunt for resources to
help couples. Dr. Pickett’s book, The Marriage Whisperer, is that resource. (Rev. Bryan R. Salminen, Ph.D.)

Dr. Patt Hollinger Pickett Ph.D. has hit the mark with a successful combination of well articulated
concepts and "how to’s.” (Bob Bertolino, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling, Maryville University)

I was impressed by the range and depth of the material. (Harry J. Aponte, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Associate Professor at Drexel University)

Midwest Book Review:

The Marriage Whisperer by licensed marriage and family therapist Patt Hollinger Pickett is a jargon-free, self-help 214 page instruction guide inspired by over 10,000 conversations. Illustrated with 70 couple stories which are presented with humor and include a wealth of practical tips and tools for lasting relationship improvement, The Marriage Whisperer is an informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Popular themes like communication, habits, chores, arguments, sex, and intimacy are explored in easy-read tales that are thoroughly 'reader friendly'. Highly recommended for community library Self-Help collections, "The Marriage Whisperer" is particularly appropriate for non-specialist general readers with an interest in dealing with the problems, pressures, and stresses that family life is inevitable subject to in our modern world.


The author (as posted on her Amazon page):

For two decades, Patt Hollinger Pickett, Ph.D. has listened and learned during over 10,000 conversations with individuals and couples determined to improve and strengthen their marriages. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she believes in the power of couples to create great relationships and feels privileged to witness the amazing changes possible. In The Marriage Whisperer, Dr. Patt offers readers practical coaching tips and solid guidance for relationship enrichment based on her training and inspired by the wisdom and insight she has gained in her helping role. 

The author maintains a web presence, where she can be contacted:

website: http://themarriagewhisperer.net

Excerpt from the book:

Create Marital Happiness for a Lifetime
Here are important things you can do to create marital happiness. Just pick below how
long you want it to last!

If you want to be happily married for one day:
Devote the entire day to the companionship of your partner to share secrets, offer small favors and gifts, and bond intimately without thinking about pleasing anyone else. Isn’t this what brought you together when you were courting?

If you want to be happily married for one week:
Give positive feedback and express gratitude to your partner for seven days in a row. Compliments and gratitude prevent taking your partner for granted, a habit which snuffs out positive vibes.

If you want to be happily married for one month:
Keep your partner’s feelings and opinions in mind at all times during the next 31 days. This builds emotional sensitivity to and respect for your partner’s opinion.

If you want to be happily married for one year:
Plan a non-cancelable/non-refundable romantic getaway for your anniversary. Scheduling special time alone rekindles intimacy and love.

If you want to be happily married for three years:
Schedule a monthly date to focus on your couple intimacy as a priority above individual needs and those of children. What you do for the stability of the couple stabilizes the family which benefits the children. Couple time is not selfish time.

If you want to be happily married for five years:
Learn to fight fairly and “practice” as needed. Airing and settling differences respectfully is an essential skill.
Differences and disagreements are a normal and healthy part of relationships.

If you want to be happily married for ten years:
Work to accept little annoying habits and differences gently and with love. Marriages and people are not perfect. Separate the important from the petty. Let petty things go without attitude.

If you want to be happily married for a lifetime: Continue all of the above throughout your marriage.
A lifetime of marital happiness takes a lifetime of love, attention, and effort.

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