The Real Thing: Lessons on Love and Life from a Wedding Reporter's Notebook Hardcover – April 21, 2015

I bought it initially on Kindle after reading an article that had an excerpt ! I feel in love with this book! Emily is honest and open and funny when it comes to relationships and there's a part in this book that resonated me after a long term (7yr) relationship. It was about coming to terms with being alone and that you may not find your partner. Since accepting that fact and knowing that other women are perfectly happy without a partner (although always keeping an eye out), I became so zen about it all. It sounds silly, but I focused on me (cliché) and in the end, I became very independent and aware of what I want out of life and love and I ended up finding it in the end.The reason I read this again was because I have a friend going through a break up and I didn't want to misquote the book. After flying through it on a plan ride, I decided, I needed to spread the wealth and have purchased for two friends. It's a quick read, very relatable, and most importantly: honest. I highly recommend you read this book if you enjoy these topics!

I'm a professional matchmaker, dating and relationship coach - LOVE is what I do for a living. I've read SO many books on the subject of love and relationships, and I'm not easily impressed. But I loved this book. The Real Thing is smart, sensible, funny - even inspiring. Ms. McCarthy's got some great advice for readers, single or married. While I read, I kept nodding my head and agreeing with her, and that hardly EVER happens! I'm pretty stingy with stars when I review books, but I just felt compelled to give this one FIVE stars! It's a jewel of a book, and I enjoyed it A LOT! I've added it to my recommended reading list for clients. Highly recommend.

Let me start by saying that I usually read novels and the occasional historical biography. I saw the author interviewed on CBS Morning News and I was delighted by her obvious enthusiasm for her topic. I decided to give the book a try and I can honestly say I'm glad I did. Written with a delightful blend of interviews, personal experience and the occasional witty insight she lays out her take on the never easy, always unique, path of finding love, hitting all the stages from dating to longevity. I highly recommend the book. And, by the way, this is not just for the young, single and looking crowd. Anyone who has ever ventured out of their cave and tried to form a loving connection will find themselves in these pages.

I loved this book! It actually arrived the date of publication! Ellen McCarthy has written not just a story about relationships and love, but a Love Story. As the "Wedding Reporter" for the Washington Post for the last three years or so, she was the beneficiary of all of the experience and experiences of every couple she covered. Her writing style just carried me along for a ride I did not expect. Because there were two people named Ellen McCarthy at those weddings. The reporter, Ellen McCarthy; and the human being, Ellen McCarthy. The young woman who hadn't found The Real Thing for herself yet. So this was not just a compilation of wedding stories or even love stories, even though each anecdote was delightful and as different from all of the others as our fingerprints are. No, this was really a journey of self-discovery. And how Ellen, herself found The real Thing!

I love this book, reading it has seriously given me a little different prospective on relationships and what ifs that we ponder after a break up or during those rough patches that we go thru in life.

Lovely stories told in a loving way.

Love how Ellen's personal story is weaved into the short stories about her interviews with couples and relationship experts. Ellen has an easy writing style. The Real Thing is very insightful and at the same time entertaining.

It was cute with many heart warming stories. A good quick summer read. As I have found in other volumes - this one was well edited, syntax and spelling correct and appropriate.

A entertaining read that also has great nuggets of information/advice. Really enjoyed reading it.The author is quite funny and I enjoy her writing style.

Beautiful book