Reviewed by Stephen B for Readers' Favorite

This is a small book (only 170 pages) with snippets of the things a husband needs to do or not to do in order to give his wife what she needs in their marriage. Topics range from kissing to leadership and from being a dad to not sweating the small stuff. Jay Payleitner begins with a simple rule of marriage: it is not a 50/50 process whereby each partner has his and her totally separate roles. He points out that duties and responsibilities are shared, overlap, and are sometimes different, but marriage is a 100/100. He then moves into the 52 areas of concern starting with realizing your wife is present, acknowledging her presence and remembering why you married her in the first place. Subsequent chapters discuss the importance of church attendance and church activity, proper communication regarding bedroom intimacy, initiating apologies, and being the handyman. Payleitner constantly refers to Christian ideals and each chapter is summarized in a few sentences with quotes from various people and sources.

I am a single man, but I found this book very enlightening, encouraging and educational. This is not just for married men although it pertains to marriage. This is in fact a guide to improving oneself, not only with the wife, but with God, and children. It can help a man to be a better person as well as a better husband. I think one of the most important chapters pertains to putting the wife second and God first because as both husband and wife move closer to God, they move closer together. I found it interesting that the longest chapter (just over three pages) dealt with the issue of pornography. There are discussions of adultery. Chapter 44 deals with the men's perceptions of women. Yes, the book is a fast read, but the short chapters are good because they can be quick reminders to husbands. There are some serious chapters but there is a lot of good natured humor throughout. It accentuates positive over negative, and doesn't insult or degrade, but encourages and supports. Are there other books with similar advice? Sure. Just add this one to them in your library.