Sharon S. Brehm is a respected social psychologist who has composed a witty, fun, and insightful tome regarding the many fascinating contributions her field has made to the study of love relationships. Popular press books may or may not offer valid advice--they aren't relying on scientific research, but rather on opinions (which often conflict with the opinions found in still other books). Brehm offers her readers information that is reliable and valid, and perhaps most importantly, useful. Better still, her book is equally applicable for men and women. As a psychology professor and a consultant for individuals seeking their life mate, I read and use many books--texts and popular press--on this issue. Brehm's book is among my most trusted resources, and it gives readers the best of all worlds: excellent and engaging writing that is easily understood, information that is eminently useful, and solid research evidence rather than opinion alone. Should you live together? Does marriage really make people happier than if they had remained single? What attracts romantic partners? If you want "just the facts," this is the place to go for them. (If you want opinion-type popular-press books that support "the facts" and thus really do give good advice, I highly recommend "If I'm So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?" by Susan Page, as well as "How to Find the Love of Your Life," by Ben Dominitz, "The Rules," by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider [note: "The Rules" are for women only], and "Mars and Venus on a Date," by John Gray.)
