Book Review - Making Couples Happy, How Science can help get relationships back on track by John Aiken & Alison Leigh

John Aiken is a trained clinical psychologist he has written two other books and appears regularly on channel Sevens Sunrise. Alison Leigh is a journalist/broadcaster with over 30yrs experience in writing for Australia and New Zealand magazines.

Making Couples Happy, How Science can help get relationships back on track  is a companion to the ABC-series-helping couples rediscover the positives in their relationships and setting them up for long term happiness.

The 4 simple steps explained in the book are-

·         Talk

·         Connect

·         Support

·         Dream

With skills and exercises to work through. The book uses 4 real couples as examples and goes through their high and lows while using science to help get their relationships back on track. The book contains an index which makes it easy to look up issues and exercises.

The book was an enjoyable read, the exercises where satisfying and the skills to learn could be challenging. An upbeat approach to creating a happy long lasting relationship. Anne

Book Review—Tricky Teens by Andrew Fuller

The well-known psychologist Andrew Fuller who is an honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne and has acted as the scientific consultant for ABC TV on the science of teenage brains, provides advice on how to parent through the ups and downs of the teenage years.

He is also the author of Tricky Kids which is also in our catalogue. Tricky Teens main focus is on giving parents the guidance to create and nurture open and solid relations with their teens. The book is divided into 4 sections-

1.    Neurochemistry and habit

2.    Overcoming common problems

3.    Changing patterns

4.    Essential conversations

The book includes a six week plan to help break negative behaviour patterns and replace them with new ones.

I found the book to be a thorough read. I especially liked the chapter on sexuality and romance as it lists a number of personality types for teens to avoid. 
Anne