punywolf11's review against another edition
2.0
I am going to be that person: I despised this book. I love Kim and Penn as a couple, and I admire their relationship and marriage. They read with authenticity and enthusiasm and vulnerability. But the content of this book was the same old, same old marriage advice repackaged in a different way.
The booked reeked with privilege (there’s a story about Kim buying a $709 eye cream in their chapter about finances— so needless to say, I thought that entire chapter was hard to relate to). It also painted Kim in an unfairly negative light. I didn’t like how they constantly referenced their pastor and therapist, Christopher; he should’ve just written a chapter from his perspective.
Overall, I didn’t take much from the book. I did learn more about them as a couple, but much of their advice was so-so, written from a place of privilege. Wish I’d skipped it and just stuck to watching their videos.
The booked reeked with privilege (there’s a story about Kim buying a $709 eye cream in their chapter about finances— so needless to say, I thought that entire chapter was hard to relate to). It also painted Kim in an unfairly negative light. I didn’t like how they constantly referenced their pastor and therapist, Christopher; he should’ve just written a chapter from his perspective.
Overall, I didn’t take much from the book. I did learn more about them as a couple, but much of their advice was so-so, written from a place of privilege. Wish I’d skipped it and just stuck to watching their videos.
xxertz's review against another edition
5.0
“Back to the book…”
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I borrowed this audiobook. I just saw that I was having relationship issues, this book was the most popular and with the longest waitlist, and it seemed to make the most sense to wait for (procrastinate and rely solely on) this book to solve all my problems.
So imagine my shock when this book is making me crack up 2% into it. My status update was: “Excuse me? I don’t know you, but I think we should be best friends. For real, I feel rejuvenated listening to this couple. They are adorable and I feel drawn to them”. The audiobook was narrated by the authors and I loved it.
I had a hard time understanding what was part of the book and what was extra. The authors provide commentary on what they wrote, additional background, and jingles. These extras could be part of the written book too, I don’t know, but it made the audiobook feel more intimate, like I was on the inside of the conversation.
The concepts in this book aren’t exactly new, but I found it inspiring to hear directly from the couple having the problems (vs composites, fictional, or renamed patients). I appreciated their vulnerability and weird put togetherness. It is easy to think “hey, they made it. They were in a bad place, committed to be better, and got better. Maybe I can too.”
At some point I have to admit that I don’t retain much when I listen to audiobooks. I remember the feelings, but not the content; however, I did retain more with this book because of the stories shared, which helps me remember the morals. That said, I look forward to listening to this book again and picking out a few new things to work on.
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I borrowed this audiobook. I just saw that I was having relationship issues, this book was the most popular and with the longest waitlist, and it seemed to make the most sense to wait for (procrastinate and rely solely on) this book to solve all my problems.
So imagine my shock when this book is making me crack up 2% into it. My status update was: “Excuse me? I don’t know you, but I think we should be best friends. For real, I feel rejuvenated listening to this couple. They are adorable and I feel drawn to them”. The audiobook was narrated by the authors and I loved it.
I had a hard time understanding what was part of the book and what was extra. The authors provide commentary on what they wrote, additional background, and jingles. These extras could be part of the written book too, I don’t know, but it made the audiobook feel more intimate, like I was on the inside of the conversation.
The concepts in this book aren’t exactly new, but I found it inspiring to hear directly from the couple having the problems (vs composites, fictional, or renamed patients). I appreciated their vulnerability and weird put togetherness. It is easy to think “hey, they made it. They were in a bad place, committed to be better, and got better. Maybe I can too.”
At some point I have to admit that I don’t retain much when I listen to audiobooks. I remember the feelings, but not the content; however, I did retain more with this book because of the stories shared, which helps me remember the morals. That said, I look forward to listening to this book again and picking out a few new things to work on.
lissalovestoread's review against another edition
2.0
I don't actually make a point to watch the Holderness family's videos, not do I really have an interest in their advice on fighting better with one's partner, which I realize will make anyone reading this wonder why in the world I decided to read this book.
Three words: The Amazing Race. While I only occasionally see their videos, I love TAR, I loved Kim & Penn on TAR, and I loved their weekly vlogs after each episode of the show had aired. So when I saw they had a book, I wanted to give it a try. And it was fine. But let's face it, if you're not really looking for advice of a certain sort, than you're not terribly likely to be over-the-moon reading a book devoted to the subject, no matter how much you rooted for the authors on a reality TV show. I was kind of hoping for some fun anecdotes about Kim & Penn, and there were several anecdotes, and some of them were a bit fun. But again, I'm reading a book about arguing with someone you love, so the anecdotes are bound to not always be side splitting in their hilarity.
Ultimately, I think if you do want some been there, done that style advice on communicating better with your significant other---even when that communication comes in the shape of an argument, then this book will probably offer you some info to consider implementing in your life. What they suggest sounds logical and worth trying if you're not already doing something similar. But if you just want some funny Kim & Penn stories---maybe take to their social media and start asking them to write another book that focuses more on that. :)
Three words: The Amazing Race. While I only occasionally see their videos, I love TAR, I loved Kim & Penn on TAR, and I loved their weekly vlogs after each episode of the show had aired. So when I saw they had a book, I wanted to give it a try. And it was fine. But let's face it, if you're not really looking for advice of a certain sort, than you're not terribly likely to be over-the-moon reading a book devoted to the subject, no matter how much you rooted for the authors on a reality TV show. I was kind of hoping for some fun anecdotes about Kim & Penn, and there were several anecdotes, and some of them were a bit fun. But again, I'm reading a book about arguing with someone you love, so the anecdotes are bound to not always be side splitting in their hilarity.
Ultimately, I think if you do want some been there, done that style advice on communicating better with your significant other---even when that communication comes in the shape of an argument, then this book will probably offer you some info to consider implementing in your life. What they suggest sounds logical and worth trying if you're not already doing something similar. But if you just want some funny Kim & Penn stories---maybe take to their social media and start asking them to write another book that focuses more on that. :)
filemanager's review against another edition
DNF @ 14%
Not nearly as funny as their videos.
Not nearly as funny as their videos.
brontherun's review against another edition
4.0
Everybody fights is a fun look at relationships through the comedic, and yet real, marriage of Kim and Penn Holderness. It does have a counseling/self-help feel woven throughout as they chronicle the lessons learned from their marriage sessions with their pasture. So, some basic psychology/therapy is at play.
So, when you have somewhat typical advice like, “make sure that your partner understands what you need, not just what you want,” and using communications strategies by focusing on language. For example, they have a list of magic words, the first being, “I feel. Because what you say after I feel is always true.”
However, what makes this book, one of thousands and thousands about relationships, worth reading is the voice of Kim and Penn. As I’m a fan of their blogs and videos, I enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at their attempts to maintain a solid relationship and their willingness to share vulnerable and intimate moments to illustrate some of these topics.
So, when you have somewhat typical advice like, “make sure that your partner understands what you need, not just what you want,” and using communications strategies by focusing on language. For example, they have a list of magic words, the first being, “I feel. Because what you say after I feel is always true.”
However, what makes this book, one of thousands and thousands about relationships, worth reading is the voice of Kim and Penn. As I’m a fan of their blogs and videos, I enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at their attempts to maintain a solid relationship and their willingness to share vulnerable and intimate moments to illustrate some of these topics.
kshea1's review against another edition
4.0
Since this audiobook is narrated by Kim and Penn, it is more like listening to a podcast. They even ad-lib a bit and add to what is written in the book. This book is raw and filled with emotion while also lighthearted and humorous at other moments.
sonia_reppe's review against another edition
5.0
This book gives you both sides to their fights, and the perspective and advice from their marriage counselor. It was humorous and entertaining, like their Youtube videos. I've been a fan of this couple for a couple years. (My favorite videos include the Moms Got FOMS, Hamilton Mask parody, Baby It's Cold Outside parody, Gen X summer, Real Estate Right Now, Every Hallmark Movie).
They are funny, and they are married, and obviously work well together. So when they went on the Amazing Race, I was sure to watch. That show is famous for putting couples under pressure. Guess what? They worked well together and they did very well on the show (no spoilers).
Be reassured that although they look happy and great on camera, they have the same fights as every couple. They work on their marriage. They also say upfront something that I believe and have been saying all my marriage life: Couples have to have a lot of sex. Sex helps the relationship. Start there and the rest will follow.
They are funny, and they are married, and obviously work well together. So when they went on the Amazing Race, I was sure to watch. That show is famous for putting couples under pressure. Guess what? They worked well together and they did very well on the show (no spoilers).
Be reassured that although they look happy and great on camera, they have the same fights as every couple. They work on their marriage. They also say upfront something that I believe and have been saying all my marriage life: Couples have to have a lot of sex. Sex helps the relationship. Start there and the rest will follow.