Blog Tour: Generation NeXt Marriage

Tricia Goyer is an author with a heart for her generation, and that passion shines through in her latest nonfiction book, Generation NeXt Marriage.

From the introduction:

In this book, you won’t find me talking about how to “fix” your spouse or your marriage. Instead, I’m going to talk about our generation, married and grown up — our strengths, our weaknesses, our similarities, and our desire to succeed where so many of our parents and role models failed. I’m also going to dig into God’s Word to find hope and help. The idea emerged after I noticed how different my marriage is from those of previous generations. Different doesn’t mean wrong…it just means different.

Though every marriage, in every generation, requires hard work and commitment in order to be successful, each generation finds itself facing unique-to-them influences, outlooks, and challenges. Here are just a few examples:

* Gen Xers saw the bottom fall out of the institution of marriage as the number of divorces skyrocketed during their growing-up years.
* Media had a significant influence on growing Xers, due to the prevalence of the latchkey kid scenario (and the invention of the VCR!), among other factors.
* Gen Xers consider themselves to be very “spiritual,” even though studies show that fewer than a third of them attend church regularly.

Goyer takes into account all the factors that have shaped and that currently define Generation X as she talks candidly and encouragingly about making marriage work. From finances to communication, parenting to conflict resolution, she tackles the “big issues” of every marriage, examining them from the viewpoint of a Generation Xer. She writes honestly of her own struggles and the lessons she’s learned. And she points to God’s word as the ultimate authority and source of strength and advice for married couples.

Full of entertaining sidebars, interesting facts, and practical help, Generation NeXt Marriage is a good read for any married Gen Xer. And interspersed throughout every chapter are quotes from other Gen Xers, sharing their own challenges, insights, and successes. If you were born anytime between the early ’60s and early ’80s, you’ll find yourself nodding along with them, knowing exactly where they’re coming from.

Generation NeXt Marriage is available from Amazon.com. You can also check out the first chapter of the book at Tricia’s website HERE. And be sure to read about Tricia’s “Love Gen X Style” contest HERE.

Book Winner: Family Squeeze

The winner of Family Squeeze is:
Momala

Congrats!

He is risen!


[The angel] said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”
- Mark 16:6-7 (MSG)

Book Giveaway: Family Squeeze

From the Publisher:

You’re in the “Middle Ages”–sandwiched between the “greatest generation” and the “gimme” generations, busily juggling both with no relief in sight. Children are driving, and parents are not. Money is tight and so are your favorite jeans. And things that never ached before are beginning to give you trouble! For every baby boomer who wonders if it’s possible to navigate the Middle Ages with grace and style, Phil Callaway offers plenty of hope and a little hilarity, too. Because there’s nothing like a smile to make wrinkles less noticeable.

My thoughts:

Although I still have a few years until I enter the “middle ages” — according to the definition from author Phil Callaway — I am thoroughly enjoying Family Squeeze. I’m about halfway through and have laughed during each and every chapter. The chapters are short, so it’s easy to fit one or two in while you’re waiting in the carpool line (or waiting to see if your teen is going to make curfew) or while you’re hiding in the bathroom to get away from the noise for a minute or two. Callaway writes about everything from helping parents who are suffering from Alzheimer’s to dealing with teens begging for the car keys. And along with the humor, he offers understanding, encouragement, and a some helpful, practical tips.

Reading Family Squeeze, you’ll find yourself laughing one minute: “The thing I like about exercise is the same thing I like about banging my head against a stone wall: It feels good when I stop.” But the next minute, you’ll be nodding your head as something hits home: “I’d love to protect my children from pain, but life happens instead. And as it comes along, so does mercy and — thank God — grace.”

Family Squeeze is available from Amazon.com. But wait — I have a giveaway copy sitting right here on my shelf. If you’re interested in winning it, just leave a comment on this post, being sure to include an email address so I can contact you if you win. (U.S. and Canada shipping addresses only, please.) I’ll pick a winner on Monday.

Book Winner: Experiencing the Resurrection

The winner of Experiencing the Resurrection is:
Karen from The S.A.L.T. Blog

Congrats, Karen!