Katherine Willis Pershey is author of Any Day a Beautiful Change and associate minister of the First Congregational Church in Western Springs, Illinois. Her work has appeared in Christian Century, A Deeper Story, and the anthology Disquiet Time, and she has been interviewed by Working Mother Magazine, Patheos, and Things Not Seen.
"A lively, thoughtful, and thought-provoking read from beginning to
end. . . . Exceptionally well-written, organized, and presented,
making it very highly recommended for personal reading lists and
community library collections."-- "Reviews"
In her second book, pastor and writer Pershey (Any Day a Beautiful
Change) weaves together personal stories of the triumphs and
tribulations of her own marriage, theological reflections on this
ancient institution, and practical advice for both newlyweds and
not-so-newlyweds alike. Witty, candid, and heartfelt, this book
covers topics such as maintaining a healthy sex life and dealing
with in-laws with a refreshing energy. Pershey's love and respect,
for both her husband and the covenant of marriage, is evident on
every page. However, she does not shy away from discussing the
sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes dull daily labor that marriage
requires. With poignant and relatable honesty, she confesses to
difficult times with her faith and fidelity: an almost-affair, her
struggles with codependency and her husband's alcoholism, and her
marriage's rough first few years. This is a book that celebrates
the hard work of marriage and that makes readers believe marriages
"can be saved, and that marriage as an institution can be
redeemed." It is a book that is sure to become part of the
premarital counseling canon, passed among friends, and opened
whenever "for better or for worse" is put to the test.--
"Reviews"
"Very Married is, without question, the very best book on marriage
I have ever read--and I have read many."--from the foreword--Eugene
H. Peterson "Reviews"
"I've read my fair share of marriage books, but few are as deft in
their storytelling or as honest in their reflection as Very
Married. Pershey has written an extraordinary book."--Seth Haines
"Reviews"
"Marriage is beautiful and brutal. Marriage is brutiful. Katherine
tells the truth about marriage. I am so grateful for Katherine's
wise, brave voice and her important work in the world."--Glennon
Doyle Melton "Reviews"
"The book we have all been waiting for: hopeful, inclusive,
practical, theological, honest talk about the complex sacrament of
marriage."--Sarah Bessey "Reviews"
"What Pershey has accomplished here is mysterious and sublime.
Prepare to fall in love with marriage all over again, or perhaps,
even, for the first time."--Kelly Flanagan "Reviews"
"Without question, this is the most authentic, most engaging, most
truthful book I've ever read about love and marriage. I intend to
borrow shamelessly from this book for future premarital counseling
and wedding meditations."--Keith Graber Miller "Reviews"
"Witty, engaging, honest, thoughtful, funny, wise, nuanced,
gracious. I could go on. I will read this book more than once. I
will give it to many friends."--Amy Julia Becker "Reviews"
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