It is like a trip you can take together into a fantastical world without so much as moving from your couch. There are myriad best-selling relationship books for couples in different stages of romantic partnerships. For instance, you can look up the best relationship books for newly married couples to take with you on your honeymoon and have a wonderful time reading and relaxing together. There are the best relationship books for guys to understand their partners better, and then, you also have the option of choosing the best relationship books for gay couples that are targeted toward the dynamics of same-sex relationships.
Why Should Couples Read Best-Selling Relationship Books Together?
Cognitive neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis carried out a study at the University of Sussex that concluded that reading for 6 minutes can reduce stress by 68%. Hence, there is scientific evidence to prove that reading together helps reduce stress and makes relationships happier. Besides, it is a time-tested means to establish intellectual intimacy with your significant other. From top relationship books to romantic fiction, mystery novels, poetry, there is a limitless world of possibilities you can explore with your significant other. These books can give you a lot to talk about and communicate. More importantly, they give you avenues to stimulate each other intellectually. As you and your partner read together, you also discuss, debate and exchange ideas. This gives another common ground to connect on. A few quiet hours of reading spent intertwined with your lover, followed by mentally stimulating discussions on your individual perceptions of the books – talking about the things you absolutely loved, what gave you a lump in the throat, what annoyed you to no end and what made you laugh out loud – can be a tool of seduction unto itself. With so many good reasons to read together, we bet you can’t wait to give this a try and add another dimension of depth to your relationship. Here are 10 best-selling relationship books to start you off:
10 Best-Selling Relationship Books To Read As A Couple
Like knowledge is a bottomless well, the world of books is no less. Probably 10 is too short a list to put together for the top relationship books for couples to read. But, I guess, 10 is a good number to help you get started on your reading journey as a couple. Here are 10 best-selling relationship books for couples we absolutely love, and you’d too:
1. Men Are From Mars And Women Are From Venus by John Gray
“When women are depressed, they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. It’s a whole different way of thinking.” – Elayne Boosler, American Comedian. This book has been the Holy Grail of couple relationships since it first came out in 1992. Apart from being on-point and hard-hitting in its exploration of gender dynamics, it is one of the most fun books to understand relationships. Men and women really are wired differently, but since they have to co-exist and share their lives (well, mostly), this book can give helpful insights into the workings of the minds of both sexes! That’s why it tops our list of best-selling relationship books every couple must read. Why we recommend it: You will understand each other better. Especially when a flare up happens you can always say, “Well! Men are from Mars….” and end it there.
2. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
‘So now I am crazy because I don’t love you, right? Is that the point?’ April Wheeler, Revolutionary Road. The book brings you a realistic portrayal of a marriage on the rocks. A ‘revolutionary’ couple that went against the fabric of their personalities and did exactly what they didn’t want to – they conformed. The relationship began to unravel and they found themselves lost in the maze of life crumbling around them. The book offers some valuable insights into how and why people inflict pain on their partners – the person they once loved the most. The poignant storyline makes it one of the top relationship books of all time that you must read as a couple. Why we recommend it: You realize how boredom and conformity can ruin a relationship. Maybe you don’t end up making the same mistakes in your relationship.
3. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
“The old dreams were good dreams; they didn’t work out but I’m glad I had them.” These lines and many more from the book are jewels. Rarely does one come across a story of blurring and crossing of societal constructs of monogamy and fidelity in pursuit of soul-stirring love, and finds themselves rooting for the protagonists sans any judgment. This is a beautiful telling of an affair; a celebration of the kind of love that is fleeting yet so powerful and intense that its memories last you forever. This love is unconditional and the sacrifice of togetherness is heart-rending. This is the ultimate out of the best selling relationship books that you will savor as a couple read. Why we recommend it: This is the ultimate love story. Although it transcends fidelity, you realize what two people can do for love. If you want to read more, pick up the sequel A Thousand Country Roads.
4. Love Signs by Linda Goodman
Irrespective of whether you believe in the influence of zodiac signs and birth date on your romantic personality and compatibility with your partner, this makes for a breezy and fun read. Believers of sun signs and astrology may find a unique resolution to a lot of their relationship problems – just blame it on the ‘stars’ and move on. Non-believers can give suspended disbelief a chance and just soak up the momentary child-like wonder of discovering all the fascinating co-relations and patterns these books lay out for you. Linda Goodman’s are considered among the best-selling relationship books for couples for their timeless appeal. Why we recommend it: It is so much fun reading this book together. You can check out your own compatibility. And you will be surprised how accurately the writer pairs the zodiac signs.
5. Love Story by Erich Segal
‘What the hell makes you so smart?’ I asked.‘I wouldn’t go for coffee with you,’ she answered.‘Listen — I wouldn’t ask you.’‘That is what makes you stupid.’ She replied. This uplifting love story may well be the most unlikely entry among the best books on rebuilding trust in a relationship. A tale of romance, fun and tragedy, this novel traces the life of two college sweethearts and how their love holds them together in times of adversity. The book has attained legendary status over the years, your pursuit of best-selling relationship books would be incomplete with it. No collection of best books on relationships and love can be complete without this timeless classic. Why we recommend it: Let’s warn you you can end up crying together after reading this book but if you want to know what happened to Oliver, read the sequel Oliver’s Story. This is one of the best relationship books for couples to read together.
6. Parenting Illustrated With Crappy Pictures by Amber Dusick
As you share your life’s journey, the need to grow the family begins to feel too pressing to ignore and you take the plunge into parenthood. No matter how excited you’re about this transition, you ought to know that a baby changes your married life in ways more than one. If you’re dealing with the curveball that is raising a tiny human, this is among the books to understand relationships that you should add to your reading list. It will help lighten up the mood around the house and kill the mounting stress by sharing some laughs with your partner over parenting debacles that are more universal than you’d have imagined. Why we recommend it: This is hands-down one of the best-selling relationship books for couples who have recently become or are on their way to being first-time parents. Why? Well, because you get a fun yet practical look at parenting.
7. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
People are complicated, relationships even more so. This book that brings you accounts of three different women in complicated relationships may not really qualify as one of the quintessential self-help books on relationships and communication but the insight it offers on the human psyche are priceless.
Read this psychological thriller to feel grateful for a stable – even predictable and boring, at times – relationship. The storyline is really gripping and it tells you how complicated relationships can become. If you’re looking for something different than the quintessential best books on successful relationships, this is it.
Why we recommend it: Reading lovey-dovey books does not always show the true picture of love and how cruel it can be. This book tells you that. You get a glimpse into gaslighting, abuse and cheating in relationships in the most gripping storytelling style.
8. Couplehood by Paul Reiser
‘Sometimes it works out well, and certain household responsibilities fall naturally to those who like doing them. My wife likes to buy groceries, I like to put them away. I do. I like handling and discovering, and location assignments. Cans – over there. Fruit – over there. Bananas – not so fast. You go over here. When you learn not to go bad so quickly, then you can stay with the rest of your friends.” Paul Reiser. Most love stories – in the books, movies and fairytales – that make us believe in the ideas of heady romance and resolute love end at ‘they lived happily ever after’. Nobody, absolutely nobody prepares you for the realities of marriage that is the life and blood of this happily ever after. This book fills that gap and is often referred to as the Bible of Coupledom. A must-read among the best-selling relationship books for couples. Why we recommend it: This book is a must read because it will serve as a guide for your relationship. Needless to say this is the best book possible for newly wed couples.
9. Parachutes And Kisses by Erica Jong
Erica Jong says, ‘Writing about sex turns out to be just writing about life’. If you’re looking for the best romance novels for couples, this witty and extremely well-written account of the life of the 39-year-old protagonist, Isadora, who finds herself surrounded by an interesting assortment of suitors is a must-read. As Erica puts it, ‘sex doesn’t disappear, it just changes forms’. Why we recommend it: This is a very interesting take on how sex can change at 40 and actually become better. It’s all about the dynamics and importance of sex in a relationship. One of the best books on relationships and love that touches upon the intricacies of intimacy.
10. Rumi and Omar Khayyam
“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along,” Rumi. “How sad, a heart that does not know how to love, that does not know what it is to be drunk with love.” Oman Khayyam, Rubaiyyat. What better than soulful, heart-stirring poetry to enhance the vibe of romance in your life and make those mushy, romantic evenings spent indoors, in the arms of your love, truly count. Why we recommend it: This is the most romantic book possible. And if you are looking for the best relationship books for specifically gay couples then you can take a look at these On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong and Lot by Bryan Washington. If you’re looking for newer ways to connect with your partner, reading as a couple has to be right at the top of the list. With this selection of best-selling relationship books, you have a ready-made reading list to kick things off with.
