I am awestruck...not because the book is terrific but because some people have figured out (or found agents who've figured out) how to write books about incredibly obvious things -- and make a handsome living at it. I haven't learned this much from a book since Suze Orman told me to look behind the sofa cushions for spare change.

This book is not a list of instructions to happiness. Rather, it is a visit with an old friend. Learn that all along you hold the key to your happiness. I savored each page, you will too!

This is not the type of book so popular now. Iris does not offer step-by-step instructions to happiness. And, I cannot think of one profound message from the book; rather, I have gained a whole new appreciation of ME and the life I have made for myself. This book introduces you to folks that know exactly how to put into words all the magic that life has to offer. So many times I thought to myself, "I knew that!" If you want to be validated and want to feel like you are reuniting with your best friend (yourself), this is your book. Definitely one of the best books you will ever encounter. Go for it!

Readers should know from the start that author Iris Krasnow does not use the word "surrender" to mean some meek, subservient resignation to marriage. She is writing instead of a brave, strong acceptance and commitment to marriage, which may also entail a surrendering of old myths and beliefs about romance, marriage and even personal fulfillment (if that fulfillment comes at the cost of the marriage and family). I enjoyed reading about her personal struggles as well as those of the couples she interviewed and found it refreshing that she was honest enough to admit that she once thought of marriage as a bad thing --- but no longer does. I found myself nodding my head in agreement with much of what she wrote and it certainly expanded my own view and reaffirmed my own belief that marriage, while imperfect, can also be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Make no mistake- this isn't a book that glosses over the difficulties or the pain of marriage and it isn't a book that says staying married is easy (it often isn't, as most longtime spouses can attest). But it is a book that looks honestly at marriage and at couples from all walks of life and all levels of the commitment spectrum - from those who've hung in there to those who've left to build new lives - and at the challenges faced in those marriages. If you like books that tell it from a personal point of view and are also realistic and honest, this is a great read. If you're married, I'd say it should be at the top of your "to read" list. If you're considering divorce, read this one first. It may not change your mind but it will definitely help you to clarify your position and beliefs.

I'm a fan of Iris Krasnow's...(first, her book "Surrendering to Motherhood", and now this book)... and I'll admit... I've had the chance to meet her. She's the first to tell you - and this book does a great job of it: marriage is hell, but the grass ain't greener on the other side. I'm from a generation whose parents divorced.... and several years later, they're realizing they aren't that happy, still! If only they'd stuck it out, if only they put their marriages first, they wouldn't be playing musical chairs at weddings and grandchildren's birthday parties! There's something wonderful about going the distance and enjoying the fruits of your labors. This book lays it out there - not in a "25 ways to save your marriage" theory, but rather with hundreds of real-life stories of how marriages worked.. and how marriages failed. And watching Krasnow question her own marriage as she researches the book gives thought to your OWN marriage as you read on. Krasnow has struck gold with her version of "surrendering" - yielding to a higher power of a sacred vow. Surrendering is not a loss of yourself - but a WIN for the big picture.

Having counselled many individuals in turbulant relationships over the years, this book will certainly be recommended reading to those looking for self-help material. The author is quite correct in saying "being married happily-ever-after doesn't guarantee we get to be happy."

Couples need to let go of the fantasy world they have created for themselves. As children, little girls were read fairy tales of the prince who would whisk his princess off to a beautiful castle where they would live happily ever after. Little boys, too, were read stories of the strong, fearless warrior who would conquer the world and ride into the sunset astride a gallant, white horse. Alas, that is the world of fairy tales and fantasy, but it is far removed from the real modern-day world.

Too many couples live with the expectations of their childhood. They are in love with what they want love to be. The only constant in life is change. There will always be periods of joyful bliss but there will also be obstacles to overcome and times of pain and sorrow. The ups and downs, joys and sorrows, successes and failures are all part of the journey through this world; they ARE our life. Half the battle is accepting each other for who we really are; accepting the strengths and weaknesses, and realizing you cannot change the other people, you can only change yourself. This book has a way of making the reader see the importance of, rather than working against each other, working together to overcome life's challenges. Share the laughter, but also be prepared to share the pain and sorrow, and life's obstacles. I highly recommend this excellent self-help book; the author offers some very wise suggestions on how couples can let go of the fantasies and misconceptions, and strengthen their relationship in a realistic world.

A book that generates the kinds of strong-minded opinions seen in these reviews merits the quick read required to get through Surrendering to Motherhood. Although I don't agree with Iris' opinions in all areas and didn't require as much time in life as she did to recognize the pure joy and peace-amidst-chaos that accompanies motherhood, I found her book full of powerful insights, intriguing explorations, and beautiful experiences to which I could relate. Some view the surrender of self to a higher purpose as a weak-minded sellout. Choosing to prioritize family over one's self requires greater strength, integrity, wisdom, independence, and confidence in one's identity and purpose than any other role that can be filled by a woman. This kind of surrender does not exclude women who work as Iris notes. She does a wonderful job of exemplifying how surrender to motherhood results in complete fulfillment and a peace with one's identity that cannot be fully understood without allowing priorities to be reorganized.

Ms. Krasnow's life has been an interesting one. Her shift from full-time working woman to stay at home mom wasn't an easy one. For those of us who have also found this shift challenging, this book provides validation. Ms. Krasnow emphasizes finding the joy in the mundane, learning that all day, everyday is not fireworks but that there are many, many small joys. An enjoyable read.

Iris Krasnow paints an honest picture of the struggle moms face between career and home. "Surrendering to Motherhood" is an affirmation for at-home moms struggling with their decision to stay home with their children. It is also a wake up call for career women who have chosen the workplace. It is a reminder that children grow up too quickly, and that it is up to us to capture and savor these precious years. Most rewarding for me were memories Krasnow shares from past interviews with celebrities and politicians, and descriptions of day to day interactions with her own children. There is much pressure on women today to "have it all". Krasnow reminds us that in staying home with our children we do "have it all".