Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This breezy and upbeat book from self-help author Fox (the People Tools series) quickly wins the reader's trust when the author admits that he didn't always have it right. He was on his third marriage and wondering why he couldn't find "the right person" when he realized that he might be the problem. What Fox learned afterward is what he shares in this handy guide: "not only how to find the right person, but also to be the right person." In 50 short, easy-to-read chapters, Fox presents one tool at a time, discussing the importance of cuddles (or physical contact in general), the usefulness of a "Get-Out-of-Jail-Practically-Free card," and remembering to say thank you. Each chapter begins with two quotes (chapter 41, for instance, samples Plutarch and Waiting for Godot) that set the tone for the lesson to follow, and Fox liberally uses stories involving himself, family members, or friends to underscore his points. It's clear that Fox is generally an optimist, but he tempers his advice with some realism. While encouraging readers to "weave, don't leave" a relationship, he acknowledges a few pages later that "abandon ship" is occasionally the most prudent decision. Fox leaves readers with the advice that, as difficult as relationships can be, it's important to believe in a happy ending. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
