1001 Ways To Be Romantic - book discontinued by Sourcebooks - review by DrNike69

So, this review doesn't ACTUALLY contain 1001 reasons, but 1001 Ways to Be Romantic is a wonderful addition to any couple's bookshelf.

The book is set up in a series of chapters, each with their own theme (and often with their own song). Examples of chapter names include "Lovesick", "Help for the Hopeless", "Romance on a Budget", and - one of my favorite chapters - "Sex!". There are lots and lots of chapters, each with about ten different ways to show your partner that you really care about them. Technically, the book contains WAY more than just 1001 ways, since some ways have little multi sections.

Many times I feel like list-type books like this are just a way to get people to buy a varied grocery list of things everyone already knows. This book, however, is quite different. Gregory Godek, the author, goes above and beyond all expectations. All different kinds of couples will find creative ways to get closer together, whether they are inherently romantic, lazy, on a tight budget, or have just lost the spark.

My boyfriend and I are not a very romantic couple, but the ideas in this book have certainly brought our own brand of romance into the apartment. The book even inspired me to be extra romantic for Valentine's Day, and I got the idea for the gift from this book (365 Hershey's Kisses and 365 Reasons I Love Him). One of my favorite ideas from the book that we will be following is number 366: "Plant and care for a garden together". It's something that we had never thought about, but is something that seems like a great way to spend more time together.

Another really cool thing about the book is that many of the reasons are excerpts from Godek's "Romance Classes". Godek is a revered author and researcher, and teaches these classes with many various groups of people. When he finds that one couple has done something particularly romantic or original, he wrote them down and included them in this book. There is a particularly cute story about a couple where the husband mailed the wife a romantic card on their first wedding anniversary. On their second anniversary, the wife mailed it back, and the card has continued back and forth ever since (the tradition started in 1949!). It is nice that the book shows that real couples do cute romantic things.

All in all, I think this book is a great read for anyone looking to add a little extra spark to their relationship. I don’t consider myself a very romantic person, but this book has inspired me to make sure I take time just for my relationship, and to focus on the needs of both individuals.

And I plan on following my favorite number: 946, under “Sex Tips for Gals”, simply reads “More often.” I think it’s a great mantra to live by.