Time Out for a Better Marriage: The Husband Guide, Vol. I
Ford Baker, 2012
LifeSystems Press
96 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780615687599
Summary
Do you know any women with struggling husbands?
Husbands looking to step up their game will welcome the arrival of Time Out for a Better Marriage: The Husband Guide Volume I. Therapist Ford Baker, LCSW wrote this concise guide for husbands struggling in their marriage, and it is presented in a straight-talking format that men will relate to, using charts, graphs and problem-solving strategies. It is designed to help men make sense of the difficulties that occur in marriage.
Both spouses share responsibility for marital discord, and there are excellent books that are helpful to women. Not so, for men Time out for a Better Marriage is a starting point and how-to manual for guys feeling overwhelmed in a strained marriage. Many men were not taught effective relationship skills, often leaving them feeling lost or confused. This book helps guys when the marriage begins to falter and the relationship is important enough for them to begin considering a different approach.
In many cases, before a woman gives up on her man, Time out for a Better Marriage is one way to communicate some of what she has been trying to say in a way he may hear it. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
• Birth—N/A
• Where—Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, USA
• Education—B.S., Nicholls State University; M.S.W., Louisiana State
University
• Currently—lives north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Ford Baker was born in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. His family moved several times while growing up, eventually returning to South Louisiana, where he graduated from Nicholls State University. He attended medical school, leaving during his first year to pursue a different path.
For almost a decade, he worked for the Louisiana State Police as a Forensic Scientist in their crime lab, testifying as an expert witness in state and federal cases involving firearms and tool mark examinations, arson debris and accelerant analysis, and forensic drug analysis.
After leaving the crime lab, Baker attended graduate school at LSU, earned a master's degree in social work and licensure as a licensed clinical social worker. He has experience in outpatient, inpatient, and residential behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Baker has been in private practice for 13 years, specializing in marital therapy and working with clients and families in recovery from substance abuse. His family enjoys living on the edge of the tranquil Felicianas north of Baton Rouge.
Time Out for a Better Marriage is the first volume of Baker’s new series, The Husband Guide. (From the author.)
Visit the author's website.
Book Reviews
Just released in October 2013, Baker's book is also beginning to be noticed professionally. Judith Barnett PhD, a therapist and speaker from Chapel Hill, NC has added Time Out for a Better Marriage to her list of recommended books on her website, http://www.judithbarnett.com
Discussion Questions
1. Do you know any women with husbands who struggle in their relationship? Do you know any men who think their way of being a husband is working and the wife is on the fence, not sure what to do? Do you know of marriages where the husband does not seem to get it? How about women who have tried to explain time, and time again, what they are upset about to no avail? And the husband just wants to get away?
2. Do you know any wives who expect their husbands to read their minds? Do you know any wives who expect their husbands to think like they do? Do wives sometimes expect husbands to have more relationship skills than they actually do? How many wives only want to blame their husbands for the state of the marriage? How fair is that?
3. What is a wife to do when her husband is repeatedly ignoring her complaints?
4. How many women bail on marriages too quickly? Do you know any women who regret getting divorced?
5. Do you know of any good books on marriage for women? How about for men? A book to explain all of this in a way men can relate to, and understand?
6. What evidence does Baker base his book on? What are his credentials? Is this book just one man’s opinion, or does he back it up with credible theory and suggestions?
7. Is this book about bashing men, absolving women of any responsibility for the state of their marriage, or is it about bringing clarity to men in the muddy waters of relationships, a seemingly alien topic for most guys?
8. Is the book full of jargon? Is it written for professionals or for regular folks? Is this a book a husband may actually read?
9. What makes Time Out for a Better Marriage different or better than other books for men on relationships?
10. Is this book just for men or is the information useful to women as well? Even though it is geared toward men, what specifically is helpful for women?
11.What from the book was most helpful for you as a person, or as a spouse?
12. What is The Husband Guide series and where can we find information on the next book?
(Questions provided courtesy of the author.)