Once upon a time Martians and Venusians met, fell in love, and had happy relationships together because they respected and accepted their differences. Then they came to earth and amnesia set in: they forgot they were from different planets.

Using this metaphor to illustrate the commonly occurring conflicts between men and women, Gray explains how these differences can come between the sexes and prohibit mutually fulfilling loving relationships. Based on years of successful counseling of couples, he gives advice on how to counteract these differences in communication styles, emotional needs and modes of behavior to promote a greater understanding between individual partners. Gray shows how men and women react differently in conversation and how their relationships are affected by male intimacy cycles ("get close", "back off"), and female self-esteem fluctuations ("I'm okay", "I'm not okay"). He encourages readers to accept the other gender's particular way of expressing love, and helps men and women learn how to fulfill each other's emotional needs.

With practical suggestions on how to reduce conflict, crucial information on how to interpret a partner's behavior and methods for preventing emotional "trash from the past" from invading new relationships, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is a valuable tool for couples who want to develop deeper and more satisfying relationships with their partners.
Amazon.com Review:
Relationship counselor John Gray focuses on the differences between men and women--men are from Mars, and women are from Venus, after all--and offers a simple solution: couples must acknowledge and accept these differences before they can develop happier relationships. In this unabridged version, Gray gives a spirited delivery of his message, especially when role-playing typical male/female interactions. Although it takes some time to adjust to his slightly nasal tone, the information is sound and gives both men and women helpful hints on improving themselves and their union. (Running time: 9.5 hours, 6 cassettes) --Sharon Griggins

Customer Reviews Average rating - 3.5

Rating - 4 Date: 2009-01-03
Content: The author provides a unique insight on how men
and women behave. In doing so, some over-generalizations
surface. I don't know that the scientific data shows
what the author reports as verifiable truth.

For instance, the following statements are made in the
book:
o gender insight is equivalent to tolerance
o we are conditioned by our experience with partners
o gender differences are accentuated due to intimacy
and having children
o men don't like unsolicited advice ( I would say that it depends. )
o women giving advice to men may foster an unloving response
o men show stress by withdrawal and women by being overwhelmed
o don't disapprove of a man's need to withdraw
o don't guard the cave door waiting for the man to come out
o men must feel needed and women must feel cherished
o always respect your partner's imposed limits

These are just a few of the pearls of wisdom provided
by the author. The book is interesting. I don't know
how much of the contents have been validated in formal
psychological studies either individually or in groups.

Dr. Joseph S. Maresca
Summary: Human Behavior

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-12-21
Content: I used to think that my behavior was unusual until I read this book. Now I understand that men and women ARE from different planets and that it is normal for us to behave the way we do! The book is loaded with tons of good information regarding the communication and relationships between men and women. As with most books, it is not always easy or second nature to practice what we learn. I found the section on writing "Love Letters" very interesting and helpful. I think all married couples should read this book!
Summary: Excellent Information!

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-17
Content: I really enjoyed the book Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus. It is very well written and very easy to follow.
Summary: Review of Book

Rating - 1 Date: 2008-11-16
Content: The fact that millions of people believe the advice in this book is astonishing.

First and foremost, John Gray is NOT a phD from an accredited university. It is a certificate from an online school that was closed down by the state of California for "running a degree mill." In fact, if you do your research, you will find only his high school diploma is accredited. Do I think that only an accredited phD has valid advice? No. But anyway you slice it, slapping phD all over book covers when you aren't is extremely deceitful and misleading.

That being said, I found this book to be very degrading to women. Statements along the lines of "When the Venusians (women) first saw the Martians (man) they said 'We need you for your strength and power!'" and "women find value in being cherished by a man" are infuriating. Everything about this book insinuates that women need men to take care of them and only feel valuable in the long run if they have a man.

I did find some valid, insightful information in this book, but why John Gray has to pinpoint these insights to either the man or the woman and not on people as a whole is beyond me. Also, the constant referral of men and women as beings from other planets is tiresome and completely unnecessary. We get it. The genders are different in more ways than our reproductive organs. Speak to us as though we are adults, please.

In my opinion, this book is not a book I would give my daughter or son for relationship advice. Instead I would suggest a book that offers advice that is directed to different personalities...not genders.
Summary: Psychobabble at it's finest.

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-16
Content: This is a 'must read' for every man and woman, even if you think you understand your partner very well.
Summary: The best ever