In my opinion this book is for everyone.  Thankfully I am not divorced, so for me Michael’s book serves as a powerful reminder to take good care of my own marriage.  However, bcause I have friends who are divorced or going through divorce, this book contributes to my understanding of their struggle and helps me be a better friend, which is why I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 

Michael combines honesty, a unique sense of humor, and complete personal accountability to say three things: 

1)  Divorce stinks.  If at all possible, avoid it.  Instead work very hard to make your existing marriage work.  You’ll need to do that work anyway, even if you do get a divorce, so why not just change and skip the divorce part altogether?

 2) If divorce does happen, prepare for a long haul, and be ready to be honest about who you are. Also get ready to change those things in yourself that contributed to the dissolution of your marriage.  (No one is blameless.)    

3) Lastly, suck it up and get over it!   I’ve known Michael for about twelve years through swimming, and in life as well as in the pool, he practices what he preaches; accountability, honesty, and optimism.  A work ethic in your relationship areas is just as valuable as a work ethic in your career, more in fact.  

His reward after many difficult and lonely years is a great new life. (I won’t give away any more details of his story.)

Don’t expect this to be a book on how to do “divorce recovery” painlessly.  It is most likely going to be a long, difficult,  and uncomfortable process.  There is however in Michael’s book a message of complete hope and optimism for anyone who is willing to be honest and who wants to change for the better.  

Thanks Michael for a great book!