Review of Smart Love
Posted: 20 Aug 2022, 10:14
[Following is a volunteer review of "Smart Love" by Vincent Fudge II.]
Every relationship has its own set of highs and lows. It requires nurturing and conscious effort time and again. Although the relationship between the author, Fudge (as Edward), and Ebony was on the rocks for quite some time; triggered by a minor issue and in a fit of rage, Edward grew physically violent towards his wife and ended up in jail. During his detention, Edward reflected on his behavior and vowed to improve his relationship by following the working methodology of the SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-bound) technique. After his release, the author Vincent Fudge II, and his wife worked on this method. He has chronicled their journey and struggles toward the betterment of their relationship in his book SMART Love.
The book is divided into three sections the introduction/background part, the middle part records the month-by-month implementation of SMART principles in Edward and Ebony’s relationship with anecdotes that led to a particular behavior or a situation, and the last part or epilogue features the overall progress and a summary of the whole exercise.
The book is not a conventional self-help book preaching the usual dos and don’ts. By being truthful in his writing, Fudge intends to lead by example and inspires his readers very subtly to make amends without being forceful. He recounts his real-life experiences and identifies his weaknesses and follies in all honesty...how rectifying them makes him evolve into a better person. He also does not dwell on self-pity, rather he approaches each matter with pragmatism and empathy.
Fudge has effectively pointed out some often neglected elements in a relationship. What struck me the most in his narrative was his idea of having a ‘shared vision’ which is one of the most key aspects of having a healthy relationship. Bliss and contentment seem to be completely absent in our relationships because intentions/preferences, hopes, and expectations are not communicated between partners and they do not share a common ground/vision. Throughout the book, the author has stressed the importance of communication between the partners in all matters. This fact would likely strike a chord with most of the readers.
The author has quoted Bible verses, anecdotes, metaphors, and analogies to convey his message effectively. He also seeks God’s assistance in difficult times, emphasizing the need for reflection to the readers to rectify behavior and actions. The only thing that I disliked was that the author did not give enough credit to his therapy sessions. Although in my opinion, the sessions played a pivotal role to make the author and his wife understand their relationship dynamics better.
All in all, it is a very engaging and interesting read and professionally edited. I would rate it a 4 out of 4 and recommend it to adult readers who are married or in a relationship or are about to get committed or married to better understand the complexities of relationships.
******
Smart Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Every relationship has its own set of highs and lows. It requires nurturing and conscious effort time and again. Although the relationship between the author, Fudge (as Edward), and Ebony was on the rocks for quite some time; triggered by a minor issue and in a fit of rage, Edward grew physically violent towards his wife and ended up in jail. During his detention, Edward reflected on his behavior and vowed to improve his relationship by following the working methodology of the SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-bound) technique. After his release, the author Vincent Fudge II, and his wife worked on this method. He has chronicled their journey and struggles toward the betterment of their relationship in his book SMART Love.
The book is divided into three sections the introduction/background part, the middle part records the month-by-month implementation of SMART principles in Edward and Ebony’s relationship with anecdotes that led to a particular behavior or a situation, and the last part or epilogue features the overall progress and a summary of the whole exercise.
The book is not a conventional self-help book preaching the usual dos and don’ts. By being truthful in his writing, Fudge intends to lead by example and inspires his readers very subtly to make amends without being forceful. He recounts his real-life experiences and identifies his weaknesses and follies in all honesty...how rectifying them makes him evolve into a better person. He also does not dwell on self-pity, rather he approaches each matter with pragmatism and empathy.
Fudge has effectively pointed out some often neglected elements in a relationship. What struck me the most in his narrative was his idea of having a ‘shared vision’ which is one of the most key aspects of having a healthy relationship. Bliss and contentment seem to be completely absent in our relationships because intentions/preferences, hopes, and expectations are not communicated between partners and they do not share a common ground/vision. Throughout the book, the author has stressed the importance of communication between the partners in all matters. This fact would likely strike a chord with most of the readers.
The author has quoted Bible verses, anecdotes, metaphors, and analogies to convey his message effectively. He also seeks God’s assistance in difficult times, emphasizing the need for reflection to the readers to rectify behavior and actions. The only thing that I disliked was that the author did not give enough credit to his therapy sessions. Although in my opinion, the sessions played a pivotal role to make the author and his wife understand their relationship dynamics better.
All in all, it is a very engaging and interesting read and professionally edited. I would rate it a 4 out of 4 and recommend it to adult readers who are married or in a relationship or are about to get committed or married to better understand the complexities of relationships.
******
Smart Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon