17 of the Best Books on Marriage Worth Reading (2025)

Love doesn’t always come naturally, even in the strongest relationships. Partners speak different emotional languages, fight in destructive ways, and struggle to maintain connection through life’s inevitable challenges.

The good news? Decades of relationship research have revealed practical strategies that actually work. We’ve put together a list of some of the best books on marriage that offer proven techniques from leading psychologists, therapists, and researchers who’ve studied what makes love last. Read on to discover the tools that can renew your relationship.

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Maintaining emotional love and connection in a relationship can be hard. Often, the problem is in the way you are communicating love to your partner, and vice versa. Have you ever demonstrated a gesture of affection, only to not have it appreciated? Does your partner ever say they don’t feel loved enough?

These conflicts happen because every person receives and experiences love differently. The way you experience love dictates your love language. According to Gary Chapman, there are five love languages: Word of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. In Shortform’s guide to the book, you’ll see how learning to speak your partner’s love language helps you understand how to make them feel loved—and how learning your own love language helps you understand what makes you fulfilled in a relationship.

The 80/80 Marriage by Nate Klemp and Kaley Klemp

In the past, marital roles followed a rigid 80/20 model, where one partner assumed the bulk of responsibilities. Though efforts to achieve fairness through shared duties marked progress, this 50/50 approach often breeds resentment and competition between partners.

Nate and Kaley Klemp propose a new framework for modern marriages in their book The 80/80 Marriage. The authors introduce an 80/80 model focused on radical generosity from both partners and the pursuit of shared success. Far beyond simply splitting tasks, couples embrace profound selflessness and togetherness to create an environment where individual growth and collective ambitions coexist.

By shifting attitudes from tallying contributions to nurturing a spirit of benevolence, the 80/80 marriage strengthens the bond between partners. The authors guide couples through practical strategies to implement this mindset transformation through habitual practices and open communication, cultivating deeper intimacy while fulfilling shared dreams. Take a look at Shortform’s guide to the book.

The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm

What is love, really? In The Art of Loving, psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm argues that what most people think of as love is actually a form of false love—giving affection only to get something in return—instead of genuine, mature love. He believes that this failure to truly achieve loving connection is why so many people are unhappy, despite having all their basic needs met. However, if we can learn how to genuinely love others, we’ll be happier and less isolated.

The Art of Loving was originally published in 1956, but many of its lessons are just as relevant today as they were in the 20th century. In Shortform’s guide to the book, we begin by examining Fromm’s ideas on the purpose of love. Then, we examine the types of false love that people often mistake for genuine love. Finally, we learn what genuine love looks like and how to practice it. Throughout the guide, we compare Fromm’s ideas about love to those of other philosophers and psychologists and add some additional nuances he might not have considered.

Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

What’s the key to a happy relationship? In Attached, psychiatrist Dr. Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel Heller argue that the secret is understanding attachment styles: the different ways that people express and perceive romantic intimacy.

In Shortform’s guide to the book, you’ll learn what attachment styles are and how you can use your knowledge of them to find a good relationship—or improve the one you already have. You’ll also discover the hidden dynamics that play a starring role in your relationship conflicts, even if you’re just fighting about who’ll make dinner. Along the way, you’ll also discover the latest research regarding attachment and discover practical tips from other psychologists so you can have the best relationship possible.

Eight Dates by John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, et al.

Romantic comedies always seem to end when the relationship begins, but what happens after? While there’s no guarantee of happily ever after, the authors of Eight Dates argue that there’s a secret to a healthy, long-lasting relationship—make time for your partner and stay curious. Eight Dates is a resource for building a stronger relationship with your partner by committing to learning about who they are and who they’re becoming, starting with eight powerful dates.

The book is a collaborative effort by two married couples: John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman (who founded a research institute focused on building strong relationships and preventing divorce) and authors Doug Abrams and Rachel Carlton Abrams.

In our guide to the book, we explain why weekly dates are important for sustaining a strong relationship and provide a roadmap for eight dates you can go on with your partner. We supplement the authors’ recommendations with advice from other relationship experts, including Amir Levine and Rachel Heller (Attached), Esther Perel (Mating in Captivity), and Gary Chapman (The 5 Love Languages).

Fight Right by Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman

How often have simple disagreements between you and your partner escalated into hostile confrontations? Conflict, an inevitable part of any relationship, doesn’t have to threaten your bond.

In Fight Right, Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman present strategies for understanding the deeper reasons behind conflicts and constructively working through arguments. Using the Gottmans’ research and insight, you’ll learn to identify and avoid destructive patterns, communicate your needs effectively, and preserve intimacy even when perspectives differ.

Disagreements don’t have to mean the end of harmony. Rather, confronting conflict thoughtfully can bring couples closer together in mutual understanding and support. Take a look at Shortform’s guide to the book.

Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt

We all have a deep-rooted need to be loved, but often a rift opens between our romantic partners and ourselves. Why does this happen, and can anything be done?

In Getting the Love You Want, Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt suggest that we unconsciously seek out romantic partners to help us resolve unfinished business from our childhood. When our partners fail to meet our unconscious expectations, our relationships fall apart. To prevent this, Hendrix and Hunt designed a process to change the way couples interact, allowing them to learn about their unconscious needs and to transform their lives into a conscious, loving union.

Shortform’s guide to the book explores the psychological principles that affect how we relate to those closest to us, what science and relationship experts reveal about how our childhoods shape our adult lives, and how a struggling couple can learn to talk to each other, heal, and grow. We also examine how the authors’ approach compares to other methods of couples therapy and to the ideas of other relationship experts.

Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson

When you’re in a struggling romantic relationship—whether you don’t feel heard, every conversation turns into a fight, or you barely speak at all—you may feel like it’s impossible to fix. But clinical psychologist Sue Johnson says you don’t need to give up yet. In Hold Me Tight, she offers a roadmap for healing your relationship so you and your partner can communicate healthily, resolve conflicts, and grow close once again.

Johnson explains that the root of most relationship conflict is emotional disconnection: when partners don’t feel safe sharing their emotions with each other. She guides you through a series of conversations to help identify why you don’t feel safe sharing emotions, overcome these barriers, and reconnect with your partner. In our guide to the book, we also touch on alternate methodologies for couples therapy and offer advice for having difficult conversations with loved ones.

How to Not Die Alone by Logan Ury

How can you find and keep a happy relationship? In How to Not Die Alone, Logan Ury—behavioral scientist, dating coach, and Director of Relationship Science at the dating app Hinge—presents a science-backed approach for finding the true love you’ve always wanted so you can do exactly what the title says.

In our guide to the book, you’ll first learn about yourself: How are your patterns sabotaging your quest for true love, and how can you overcome them? Then, you’ll learn about your future partner: Why do you keep searching for the wrong person, how do you find the right one—and how can you get to know them effectively? Finally, you’ll learn about being in a relationship: How can you navigate the twists and turns effectively, how can a relationship contract keep you happy long-term, and how can you end it smartly if you decide it’s not right for you? Along the way, you’ll discover how Ury’s advice compares to that of other relationship experts and learn further strategies to implement Ury’s suggestions.

How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key

In his book How to Stay Married, author Harrison Scott Key explores the profound impact of his wife’s infidelity on their marriage. He delves into the emotional upheaval he experienced upon uncovering the affair, his struggles with anger and an urge for vengeance, and his efforts to reconcile his religious convictions with the betrayal.

The book follows Key and his wife’s journey through couple’s therapy, the gradual process of rebuilding trust, and the support they received from their local community and church. Despite the challenges and residual pain, Key contemplates the power of forgiveness, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering presence of love. Take a look at Shortform’s guide to the book.

Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

In the book Love & Respect, Emerson Eggerichs explores the concept that in marriages, women’s core need is love, while men’s core need is respect. He argues that meeting these needs is crucial for a successful marriage. The book discusses how failing to meet a partner’s needs can lead to recurring conflict, dubbed the “Crazy Cycle.”

Eggerichs offers strategies for breaking this cycle, including mnemonic devices to help spouses show love and respect. He also examines communication differences between sexes that can lead to misunderstandings. The book aims to help couples achieve mutual understanding and foster a loving, respectful marriage. Check out Shortform’s guide to the book and the workbook.

The Love Prescription by John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman

Is there a research-backed way to make love last? In The Love Prescription, relationship researchers Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman argue that long-lasting love is sustained by small, daily acts. They explain that regularly practicing behaviors such as expressing gratitude for your partner and being honest about your needs make all the difference for long-term love.

In our guide to the book, we explain why small acts sustain healthy relationships and discuss how to implement the most crucial habits in your romantic life. You’ll learn how to express gratitude for your partner’s admirable actions, ask deep questions to stay connected with them, and make time for date night no matter what. We also compare the Gottmans’ approach to the ideas of other relationship and communication experts, including Mark Goulston (Just Listen) and Gary Chapman (The 5 Love Languages).

Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away by Gary Chapman

Marriage can encounter rocky paths filled with miscommunication and disagreement. In Loving Your Spouse When You Feel Like Walking Away, Gary Chapman provides guidance for navigating through dysfunctional patterns to restore intimacy. He emphasizes identifying harmful convictions, altering perspectives, and adopting strategies for rebuilding trust and connection.

Chapman explores practical approaches such as managing emotions constructively, expressing love through specific languages, resolving conflict through open dialogue, and fostering forgiveness. His insights shed light on overcoming infidelity, abuse, and past traumas that impede marital bonds. Take a look at Shortform’s guide to this book.

Marriage by Paul David Tripp

In his book Marriage, author Paul David Tripp underscores the significance of understanding marriage from the perspective of biblical teachings and the principles of the Gospel. He offers a framework for couples to embrace the realities and complexities of marriage, rooted in the recognition of human imperfection and the need for grace.

Tripp emphasizes the importance of shifting one’s perspective from personal satisfaction to the redemptive purpose of marriage. He argues that perceiving marriage as a means to reflect Christ’s image and shape one another’s spiritual growth enables couples to navigate challenges with perseverance, humility, and empathy. Check out Shortform’s guide to the book.

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

In The Meaning of Marriage, Timothy Keller explores the spiritual and sacred foundations of marriage from a Christian perspective. He examines how marriage is intended to reflect God’s nature, mirror the relationship between Christ and the church, and provide an environment for personal and spiritual growth.

The book lays out the specific roles and distinctions between husbands and wives, interpreting the biblical principles that shape these roles. Keller also discusses the value of singleness and the importance of reserving sexual intimacy for marriage, tying these topics to broader Christian beliefs and teachings. Check out Shortform’s guide to the book.

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman and Nan Silver

What’s the secret to a happy marriage? That’s the question relationship researcher John Gottman (along with co-author Nan Silver) answers in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work—a step-by-step blueprint to cultivating a happier, emotionally fulfilling marriage. Gottman’s expertise stems from his research at the Love Lab, a laboratory at the University of Washington in Seattle devoted to deciphering the secrets of happy couples.

In our guide to the book, we explain why becoming genuine friends with your spouse is essential to your marital happiness and how you can improve your marital friendship by following four principles. Then, we describe how fighting can increase your risk of divorce—and which relationship behaviors Gottman relies on to predict divorce with 91% accuracy. We also share Gottman’s three principles for learning to handle conflict effectively. Along the way, we compare Gottman’s advice to that of other relationship experts and share further strategies to implement Gottman’s suggestions.

Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin

Every successful relationship requires a solid foundation of safety, trust, and mutual understanding. In Wired for Love, author Stan Tatkin explores the art of building and preserving an enduring, resilient bond between partners.

This guide examines the neurological underpinnings that shape our human connections, illuminating the brain’s dual nature of conflict and affection. Tatkin offers practical strategies for couples to create a shared haven, recognize attachment styles, resolve disagreements constructively, and leverage their deep intimacy to promote long-term well-being. Check out Shortform’s guide to this book.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re newlyweds learning to navigate your first conflicts or long-term partners looking to reignite your spark, these books on marriage offer roadmaps backed by real research and clinical experience. The common thread running through all of them is simple: great relationships aren’t accidents—they’re built through intentional daily choices, deeper understanding of each other’s needs, and the willingness to grow together. Pick the book that speaks to your current challenges, commit to applying what you learn, and watch your relationship transform from the inside out.