The topic of relationships gets top billing in this week's two book selections, with high
recommendations for both. I can't say enough good things about either.
The first is for those in the dating stage. Relationship building is treated with humor, insight, and
practical advice in Base Hits and Home Runs: What Women Wish Guys Knew (Cedar Fort
Publishing 2015, 276 pages in soft cover, $18.99). The woman speaking from experience here is
Trina Boice, who enlists sports metaphors and the aid of her twenty-something son, "Coach
Cooper," in rallying eligible young LDS bachelors toward more meaningful relationships with
the opposite sex.
The topics are on-target as the book moves from simply playing ball to the minor leagues and
then the majors. How to flirt, dress, compliment, plan dates, listen, score points with her friends,
and work up to the first kiss are all covered, along with crucial aspects such as defining the
relationship and continuing courtship after marriage and even after children. Boice's
explanations (translations?) of what women are thinking in various situations and stages of a
relationship could be a major revelation to male readers.
Interesting stats, assignments to put the principles into practice, and quotes from sports figures
round out the chapters. The author is careful to reference scriptures, quotes, and research without
detracting from the lively conversation. For less than 20 bucks, this book is a great investment
for any young man who wants to get serious about finding--and being--"the one."
More serious in tone is Love is a Choice(Deseret Book 2015, 273 pages in hard cover, $24.99).
Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy approaches the topic of maintaining
relationships through modeling them on principles of the gospel and attributes of the Savior.
In the first part, "Choosing Love," he speaks of "growing in love" as opposed to the more
temporary "falling in love" and teaches about the Lord's way as opposed to "the wrong way,"
both obvious and less so. Elder Robbins presents it all in the context of families and the eternal
perspective. Scriptures and gospel-centered explanations address couples at all stages, from
newlyweds to parents and eventually empty-nesters.
He goes into depth in chapters on agency and love in marriage, accepting the responsibility to
repent and forgive that comes with agency, following the Savior's example and understanding
how his Atonement can strengthen marriage and family, the interconnectedness of love and self-reliance, respecting children's agency, and choosing happiness.
Part II offers additional "Resources for Practicing Great Choices," with a look at financial unity
in "One Heart, Mind, and Bank Account" and helps for family home evening in another chapter.
Some 60 pages of appendix are devoted to "Christlike Virtues" which could individually be
studied and discussed in relation to their role in creating strong, loving relationships.
Both books are solid resources for readers who want to improve their relationships by improving
themselves.
Laurie
Williams Sowby has been writing since second grade and getting paid
for it since high school. Her byline ("all three names, please")
has appeared on more than 6,000 freelance articles published in
newspapers, magazines, and online.
A
graduate of BYU and a writing instructor at Utah Valley University
for many years, she proudly claims all five children and their
spouses as college grads.
She
and husband, Steve, have served three full-time missions together,
beginning in 2005 in Chile, followed by Washington D.C. South, then
Washington D.C. North, both times as young adult Institute teachers.
They are currently serving in the New York Office of Public and
International Affairs
During
her years of missionary service, Laurie has continued to write about
significant Church events, including the rededication of the Santiago
Temple by President Hinckley and the groundbreaking for the
Philadelphia Temple by President Eyring. She also was a Church
Service Missionary, working as a news editor at Church Magazines,
between full-time missions.
Laurie
has traveled to all 50 states and at least 45 countries (so far).
While home is American Fork, Utah, Lincoln Center and the
Metropolitan Museum of Art have provided a comfortable second home.
Laurie
is currently serving a fourth full-time mission with her husband in
the New York Office of Public and International Affairs. The two
previously served with a branch presidency at the Provo Missionary
Training Center. The oldest of 18 grandchildren have been called to
serve missions in New Hampshire and Brisbane, Australia.
