About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

There are no case studies, or quick answers about marriage in this book. However, the author does show that a marriage relationship can work. She writes about her own experiences and the complexity of a long term marriage, both the ups and downs.



Pros

• An honest look at the issues of a shared life together.
• Refreshing.
• Funny and thoughtful.

Cons

• The author's reasonably happy life may not appeal to people who are looking for answers to problems.

• No index.

Description

• "It's like riding a seesaw, trying to balance between 'We' and 'I'."
• "Too much togetherness, and the 'I' is ready to jump off."
• "Too much self-absorption and the 'We' falls off."
• "It's about realizing that small gestures go a long way."
• "The biggest annoyances are the easiest to fix-like getting your shoes out of the bathroom doorway"
• "--and then the really serious problems--over money, sex, etc.--seem easier to tackle."
• "It's about being in love with imperfection. It's about the power of humor."
• "It's about working with changing bodies and limitations."
• It's a frame of mind about commitment.
• "It's about renovating, rather than divorce."

Guide Review - "Thoughts From a Queen-Sized Bed"

This collection of essays captures a marriage in process. She talks about the reality of sharing a bed with the same man forever, and realizing that issues and problems don’t always get resolved at the end of the day as often seen in TV sitcoms or movies. She says, “The trick is to keep your sense of balance on the ups and downs.

It’s always a challenge, and if you are lucky, it’s always interesting.” I recommend this book if you are looking for what makes a marriage survive. Mimi Schwartz shares her insight and life about marriage, family and friendship with humor, thoughtfulness and honesty. There is a lot of wisdom in her words. "Long term marriage is about "reinventing yourself and your marriage many times, so that neither gets into a rut."