A wide variety of books have been penned in recent years tackling the issues women face as they move through the engagement period into their early years of marriage. Putting into black and white that bliss isn't necessarily the emotion experienced by women in the time promised to be the happiest in their lives is revolutionary. However, not every book accomplishes its goal in helping women through this time in their lives. The Thoroughly Modern Married Girl: Staying Sensational After Saying I Do by Sara Bliss is neither about being a modern woman nor about staying sensational after entering the world of holy matrimony.

Much of the wisdom dolled out in this book is conventional wisdom that has been handed down to women for generations with little thought on how it truly relates to today's modern woman. Those areas which could be considered modern are hastily brushed over without any real though provoking words or advice. Issues such as the surname game, communication and career importance are centered on how to make your husband happy or comply. Discussion on the housework conundrum still falls short of creating a true partnership. All references to babies are focused on the when, not on the if.

The author's personal experience is the cornerstone of her book and doesn't take into account more facets of the modern woman and marriage. Throughout this book I was left to wonder how Ms. Bliss considered herself to be either modern or sensational. If you've seen one marriage.... you've seen one marriage. Try Reading Marg Stark's What No One Tells the Bride whether you're just getting engaged or have been married for a while or visit your local coffee shop/drinking hole and catch up with some friends.

To my disappointment, "A Walk to Remember" left me puzzled on how a writer gifted enough to pen "The Notebook" could turn out such a mediocre novel. This story is slow, predictable and lacks the creativity and story telling worthy of a best selling author. There is little to no character development and plot suspense. "A Walk to Remember" demonstrates a writer producing a novel which can easily adapted to the Silver Screen. No need to read this book... just wait for the movie.