Books by author: Gary Chapman (www.gaychurch.org)

Gary Chapman

Unhappiness in a relationship often has a simple root cause: we speak different love languages, believes Dr. Gary Chapman. While working as a marriage counselor for more than 30 years, he identified five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. In a friendly, often humorous style, he unpacks each one. Some husbands or wives may crave focused attention; another needs regular praise. Gifts are highly important to one spouse, while another sees fixing a leaky faucet, ironing a shirt, or cooking a meal as filling their "love tank." Some partners might find physical touch makes them feel valued: holding hands, giving back rubs, and sexual contact. Chapman illustrates each love language with real-life examples from his counseling practice.

How do you discover your spouse’s – and your own – love language? Chapman’s short questionnaires are one of several ways to find out. Although some readers may find choosing to love a spouse that they no longer even like –hoping the feelings of affection will follow later– a difficult concept to swallow, Chapman promises that the results will be worth the effort. "Love is a choice," says Chapman. "And either partner can start the process today."

The Five Love Languages For Singles

Amazon reader review: Glad to have a version of 'The Five Love Languages' that addresses parent-child relationships, dating relationships, work relationships, friendships... not just marriage! Five Love Languages for Singles made me reflect on various ways I need to purposefully and effectively communicate appreciation to people in all areas of my life!

The Five Love Languages For Children

Amazon reader review: This outstanding book addresses how each child (adults as well) expresses and receives love best through one of five primary "languages" - quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch. Although children need to be spoken to in each of these love languages, there's one love language that meets their deepest emotional needs and should be used often with them (and authors caution how you use that language for discipline). The information in this book complements books that address communicating with children based on their temperament (such as "Raising your Spirited Child" and "Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles" by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka). I also appreciate that the author included an informative chapter on "love languages in marriage", instead of just a one-liner encouraging readers to buy his book dedicated to that subject. Bottom line - Even if you've read tons of parenting books, you will truly learn something new from this one - something to enhance your relationship with your child and adults in your life. You'll probably even learn something about yourself.

The Five Love Languages of Teenagers

Amazon reader review: Soon after reading Chapman's best-selling "The Five Love Languages," I knew I had to get this book for teenagers. If the original book could give me so much valuable insight into loving my wife, this title could certainly help me with my teen. I was not disappointed.

Chapman here not only covers the five love languages as they relate to teenagers, but also offers help for the challenges that many teens and their parents face. Dealing with anger, failure, and blended families are among the issues that the author addresses.

This book is excellent reading material for any parent of a teen, or a church worker who interacts with teens. Buy it and see -- I'm confident you won't be sorry.

* Note: I've read several of Gary Chapman's books and they are excellent however be forewarned that he is anti-gay and this comes across in some of his writing.