The Everything Groom Book

This book creates more problems than it solves. Like most stereotypes, it forces people into a role and then interprets behaviors and feelings within that. The trick is that - especially at big events - people are complicated - and their intentions and behavior may actually be supportive, if you aren't led by some book to see it as neurotic, negative, clinging, some big problem that even grownups can't solve. While the wedding industry has been reverting brides to hysterical four year olds who must must must have that extra detail that will guarantee love forever.... Thank God, grooms have come a long way - as have families and friends. Grooms are more than able to communicate with both. Families - including Fathers and Mothers, Stepparents, siblings etc - have mostly gotten the hang of dealing with each other in celebrations. At a minimum detente - frankly after the first time, they actually enjoy each other. The book assumes there are the stereotypical problems for the poor beleagured groom to handle. Oddly it does not deal with the REAL issues - for example, learning how to be married - legal, financial, social, sexual, physical, spiritual changes , vs. putting on a wedding. For some reason the author has a special beef about mothers. To be fair, all mothers - but especially step and groom mothers. There seems to be nothing positive they can add. And the grooms father/stepfather? It would appear they only exist to hand over a credit card (another stereotype - does it ever end?). I'd give this one a pass unless you're reading it to be grateful life isn't like her world anymore.

(Posted on 11/26/11)