10 Books Newlyweds Need to Read Together
We collected 10 Books all newlyweds need to read together.
These are not wedding planners,
they are essential books for planning a successful marriage.
A few years ago I got stuck in Denver airport overnight.
Yes, a snowstorm, of course.
I tried to get a motel, but as soon as the motels heard people were stranded, suddenly all the rooms within taxi distance were over $300/night. Even though you’d probably only be there 4 or 5 hours.
It was an easy decision to find a corner of the dead airport to settle my bags for my pillow and my coat for a sleeping bag instead of find a room. I have better places to spend 300 bucks to not sleep well.
Well, as we all stood in line to discover when we could fly home the next day, the young man in front of me caught my attention.
He had a certain air about him. Clean cut (overused term, that), tall and lanky, not handsome, really. But, there was something arresting about him.
We visited awhile. He said he had just spent a week in Albuquerque getting to know his fiancé better.
And what he said next blew me away.
He said the way they got to know each other better was not going out and partying.
In fact, he said, they were never alone together except for a couple of hours every evening in her parents’ Livingroom, with the parents in the next room.
And what were they doing in the Livingroom those few precious hours?
Studying the Bible together.
Yes, this young man definitely impressed me.
And I mused how important such preparation should be for every couple planning marriage or having just married.
10 Books newlyweds need in their library
Click the titles to check out the books or purchase. We do not receive any monetary benefit from these recommendations. Our reward is knowing they will benefit you in your now and in your future.
1. A Three-fold Cord
by Richard Koehn
I’ve known this author/minister since I was 16, and was so glad the book was written by the time we married.
“In this book about marriage and the home, God’s plan for husband-wife relationships is taught in a clear, interesting manner. Included are chapters about preparing for marriage; the beginnings of a happy home; the husband’s role as a loving, self-sacrificing leader; the wife’s place in submission and support; and resolving differences and misunderstandings. Many practical, down-to-earth situations are described. This book is full of valuable teaching for every husband and wife. ”
2. The 5 Love Languages, The Secret to Love that Lasts
by Gary Chapman
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life?
In the #1 New York Times international bestseller The 5 Love Languages, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner—starting today.
The 5 Love Languages is as practical as it is insightful. Updated to reflect the complexities of relationships today, this new edition reveals intrinsic truths and applies relevant, actionable wisdom in ways that work.
That’s the blurb from Amazon. I haven’t read this book, but I trust the Languages of Love books, and I can trust this one sight unseen.
3. Love and Respect
by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
“Love and Respect – the love she most desires and the respect he desperately needs. The Bible commands husbands to love and wives to obey, or in the context of this book, respect. When either of these needs of love or respect are not met, the “crazy cycle” starts to spin and spirals down. Husbands and wives can see and hear the same things and each react differently because she sees and hears through pink and he sees and hears with blue. However, pink and blue can make God’s purple. This is a book that deals with the challenges marriages encounter. It contains good, practical advice for all ages.”
I’ve seen this book on several must-read lists for couples. You can depend on the truths it teaches.
4. I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah
by Ravi Zacharias
“Couples around the world yearn for the joy and security found in lasting, loving marriages. In his travels, Ravi has heard men and women in many cultures express their dreams of lasting love. In response, he has discovered a treasure in the biblical account of Isaac and Rebekah. This book examines some of the misguided ideas about marriage that are prevalent and speaks about proper concepts of purity and morality in and before marriage.”
This author came to my attention in the last 5 years, and I truly respect his writing. You can depend on his knowledge on any subject he addresses.
5. Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got Married
by Gary Chapman
“Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage,” No wonder the divorce rate hovers around fifty percent.
Bestselling author and marriage counselor, Gary Chapman, hopes to change that with his newest book. So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for. It’s the type of information Gary himself wished he had before he got married.”
Read this book together, discuss and learn. Your marriage will thank you.
6. What Happened to Our Money?
by Gary Miller
And speaking of money and budget planning, this book, only $3.99, can make you big bucks if you follow the teachings.
“This small book is an introductory financial guide for young couples. The principles are based on the Bible and are time-tested. Real-life examples illustrate the various points. Highly recommended for young couples and anyone needing basic financial guidance.”
7. The Total Money Makeover
by Dave Ramsey
Dave Ramsey has helped many couples clear their debt and save their marriage, so this could be another book to read.
“After the wedding ceremony, the honeymoon, and the thank you cards are sent, newlyweds have to deal with a new task: managing money together.
Finances is not a glamorous topic and often one that goes overlooked, but managing your finances can help keep your relationship stable. It breaks tasks down into seven easy baby steps, each designed to help you budget so you can pay off your debt and build wealth.” -The Peaceful Family
8. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member
by W. S. Harris
“An allegory similar in approach to Pilgrim’s Progress. Miss Church-Member gives in to the allure of an easier way, which eventually leads her and her companion to the point of no return. This book illustrates well the progressive path from small things to larger, more deadly sins.”
You may wonder why this book is included in a list for newlyweds, but let’s face it. Those first few blissful years of marriage can make us feel invincible, as if we can do anything and our marriage and our integrity will survive. No and no.
My sister’s minister advised her to read the book before she got married. She didn’t get the significance all at once, but this is an allegory that works well with the marriage journey.
9. You and Me Forever
by William Goldman
“Marriage is great, but it’s not forever. It’s until death do us part. Then come eternal rewards or regrets depending on how we spent our lives.
In his latest book, Francis Chan joins together with his wife Lisa to address the question many couples wonder at the altar: “How do I have a healthy marriage?” Setting aside typical topics on marriage, Francis and Lisa dive into Scripture to understand what it means to have a relationship that satisfies the deepest parts of our souls.
In the same way Crazy Love changed the way we saw our personal relationship with God, You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity will radically shift the way we see one of the most important relationships in our life.
Jesus was right. We have it all backwards. The way to have a great marriage is by not focusing on marriage. Whether you are single, dating or married, You and Me Forever will help you discover the adventure that you were made for and learn how to thrive in it.
100% of the net profits from You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity will go towards providing food, shelter and rehabilitation for thousands of orphaned children and exploited women in partnership with global charities.”
10. The Bible
This should really be first on the list, and likely is the most-read book in your home.
I cherish the devotions my husband and I have shared through all the years of our marriage. They’re not always long and/or rich learning and discussion experiences, but reading The Word together has a power no one can deny.
