In 'Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give,' Ada Calhoun explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the societal expectations around them through a series of poignant essays. With raw honesty, she reflects on her own experiences and the stories of others, unraveling the myths of fairy-tale romances. Calhoun challenges readers to reconsider what it means to truly celebrate love amidst life's imperfections and challenges. This book is a heartfelt and insightful dive into the nuances of commitment, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Join her on a journey that promises not just laughter and tears, but also a profound sense of connection.
By Ada Calhoun
Published: 2018
"Love is not a fairy tale; it’s a series of messy moments that bring us closer together."
Seven essays celebrating the beauty of the imperfect marriage. We hear plenty about whether or not to get married, but much less about what it takes to stay married. Clichés around marriage—eternal bliss, domestic harmony, soul mates—leave out the real stuff. After marriage you may still want to sleep with other people. Sometimes your partner will bore the hell out of you. And when stuck paying for your spouse’s mistakes, you might miss being single. In Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give, Ada Calhoun presents an unflinching but also loving portrait of her own marriage, opening a long-overdue conversation about the institution as it truly is: not the happy ending of a love story or a relic doomed by high divorce rates, but the beginning of a challenging new chapter of which “the first twenty years are the hardest.” Calhoun’s funny, poignant personal essays explore the bedrooms of modern coupledom for a nuanced discussion of infidelity, existential anxiety, and the many other obstacles to staying together. Both realistic and openhearted, Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give offers a refreshing new way to think about marriage as a brave, tough, creative decision to stay with another person for the rest of your life. “What a burden,” Calhoun calls marriage, “and what a gift.”
Ada Calhoun is a celebrated author and essayist known for her incisive exploration of contemporary culture, identity, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Her notable works include 'Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis', which offers a compelling look into the struggles of Generation X women, and 'Also a Poet', a biography of the poet David Berman that intertwines personal narrative with literary analysis. Calhoun's writing style is marked by its sharp wit, honesty, and a keen observational ability, making her an essential voice in today's literary landscape.
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Liar's Poker takes you deep into the high-stakes world of Wall Street during the 1980s, where the line between truth and deception blurs in the cutthroat arena of finance. Author Michael Lewis pulls back the curtain on the chaotic life of bond traders, showcasing a ruthless culture driven by greed and bravado. Through vivid anecdotes and sharp insights, readers are thrust into the thrilling, sometimes absurd realm of investment banking. As Lewis navigates the intricacies of "big swinging d***s," he unveils the strategies and psychological games that define success in this high-pressure environment. Will you emerge with a new understanding of the financial world and its enigmatic players?
In "Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World," the author invites readers on a transformative journey towards tranquility in the chaos of modern life. Through practical insights and heartfelt anecdotes, the book unveils the power of slowing down, highlighting how mindfulness can reinvigorate our daily routines. Each chapter challenges the fast-paced grind, offering simplicity as a remedy for stress and burnout. As you turn the pages, you'll uncover profound strategies to foster deeper connections, both with yourself and the world around you. Are you ready to embrace a slower, more fulfilling way of living?
In 'Can Love Last?', Stephen A. Mitchell explores the evolving nature of romantic love through the lens of both psychology and personal narratives. He delves into the factors that challenge lasting relationships, unraveling the mysteries of passion, intimacy, and attachment. With poignant insights and compelling stories, Mitchell examines whether love can truly endure the test of time. The book invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and commitment, making it a thought-provoking journey into the heart of relationships. Will you find the answers to keeping love alive, or is it destined to fade?
In 'Women Who Love Too Much', Robin Norwood explores the deep emotional struggles of women who find themselves in unhealthy, obsessive relationships. Through compelling anecdotes and insightful analysis, she reveals the patterns that lead these women to prioritize love over self-worth. Norwood provides a roadmap for healing, encouraging readers to reclaim their identity and understand the roots of their behaviors. This book is not just a guide; it's a revelation for those caught in the cycle of loving too much. Are you ready to break free and rediscover the love you truly deserve?
In 'The Fault in Our Stars', two teenagers, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, navigate the trials of young love while grappling with cancer. Their poignant journey unfolds against the backdrop of existential reflections and the search for meaning in their limited time. With humor and heartbreak intertwined, the story explores profound themes of life, death, and the impact of love. As they travel to Amsterdam to meet a reclusive author, secrets and revelations challenge their perceptions of happiness. This compelling tale will leave you questioning the fragility and beauty of existence.
In 'The Inner Game of Tennis', W. Timothy Gallwey reveals that the battle on the tennis court is not just with an opponent, but within oneself. He introduces the concept of the 'inner game' — the mental challenges that players face that often hinder their performance. Through revolutionary techniques focused on mindfulness and self-awareness, Gallwey demonstrates how players can unlock their potential and achieve peak performance. This book transcends sports, offering profound insights applicable to all areas of life. Are you ready to win the game within and transform your approach to challenges?
In 'How To Think More About Sex', Alain De Botton invites readers on a provocative exploration of the complexities of human sexuality. Challenging conventional views, he delves into the intersections of love, desire, and modern relationships, prompting us to reflect on our own experiences. The book balances humor and insight, offering philosophical musings alongside practical advice. De Botton’s engaging prose encourages us to confront societal norms and rethink our intimate lives. Prepare to embark on a journey that will leave you questioning what you truly know about the nature of attraction.
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“Love is not a fairy tale; it’s a series of messy moments that bring us closer together.”
Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give
By Ada Calhoun
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