Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give

Sharp, witty and thoughtful observations about the difficulties and rewards of marriage. Interesting to read what kept some together and what caused other relationships to implode. Grace, fidelity, history and the ability to weather the rough patches seemed to be the best advice, as commitment is a choice continually made, and not just at the altar.I was stunned by a passage from a clergyman, who mentions that while there are many happily unmarried people, he refers to some unmarrieds as "sad" , who "by all rights should have been married", and then goes on to reference aging, as if these "sad" souls have aged out of wedded viability. If that wasn't enough, the same clergyman further rhapsodizes that there is even "a certain dignity" to being divorced, because "at least it had happened.", referring to marriage. My feminist heart blanched and shuddered. I realize Calhoun doesn't express this opinion, the clergyman does, but are we still trotting out and perpetuating these tired, opinions in 2017? re: Single people are sad. Better to be married as we age. It's better to be divorced than unmarried. Find this thinking so outdated and offensive. Again, I'm aware that these are merely the thoughts of one person Calhoun encountered. It just saddens me that to be unmarried and alone is still perceived as sad, undesirable and unfulfilling by some. There are many roads to happiness.Calhoun's book is a good read. Funny, wise and thought-provoking.

A witty, light hearted inciteful look at what makes some marriages implode and why some linger. A quick read that should be required reading for all engaged or co-habitating couples. Holds your interest. Has short chapters that are structured so that you could put it down and pick it back up at any time and not lose your way. You will be highlighting so many passages in hopes of remembering such wise observations.

Have been married for over a decade with a lot of ups and downs and thus book gave me more solace and joy than any other on the subject that I have encountered. Funny, honest, personal, touching, and well-referenced. I plan to give it as a wedding gift soon.

I stumbled upon a review of this book in a magazine and was interested. I read a preview of it on my Kindle, and I was immediately captivated. I have never read such honest and relatable stories, ideas and thoughts about relationships and love. Just reminded me to appreciate the one you love!

Really timely read for me, having been in a relationship for 11 years. The right balance of honesty, humor and hope.

Ada's book is heartwarming, witty, honest, and a must-read for anyone who has ever been in love. Her voice is such that you feel you're having a conversation with her, and her story-telling style makes you feel like you're catching up with an old friend. Ada's personal stories about the great, and the at times not so great, of her own relationships remind you that you aren't alone in the ups and downs of your own relationship. I read it in one day.

So funny and written with a lot of truth, the author used her experience to write something true to life instead of a bunch of stuff that sounds good, I really enjoyed it. Got a copy for my sister.

I’m getting married very soon and would recommend this to everyone in the same situation, or even 20 years in. This gave me a realistic view of marriage, but also a beautiful picture of grace and forgiveness.

It stemmed from a New York Times article and to be honest the reprint of that in the book is still the best bit, but I like this lots as it reminds you that marriage is hard work but worth it. I buy it for everyone I know who is getting married who I think is clever enough to take it the right way.

I loved every page of Ada’s book, it was witty and honest and entertaining. I truly enjoyed it, I could relate to so much of what she shared from her life and I’m sure I will read it again and again!

This is a personal, powerful and really, really useful book for anyone who is married or even thinking about it.

Some much food for thought. Recommend it to all people of ‘marrying age”. She brings respect and candour to the institution of marriage. But it’s fun too.