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I know what I think about The Course of Love, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I do know that I feel like an outlier because clearly de Botton is loved by many and already many GR friends have responded very positively to this book. The Course of Love focuses on the relationship between Rabih and Kristen from the time they meet to 13 years or so into their marriage. There are two narrative strings. The first is told from Rabih and Kristen's perspective, and takes us through a gamut of events and emotions as their relationship evolves. The second strand is interspersed throughout Rabih and Kristen's story and is in the nature of an italicized commentary about love and relationships -- as though Rabih and Kristen are a case study. I recognize that de Botton is clever and even very insightful -- much of what he says about romance, love, having children, and the wear and tear of daily life and lengthy relationships is bang on and very recognizable. But it felt like a clever intellectual exercise that somehow left me feeling unengaged -- shrugging my shoulders -- like I had been lectured at without an opportunity to participate in the conversation -- "so what" I felt at the end. But don't trust my cranky review -- this is definitely a very clever book and I expect will be appreciated by many. I've been married for 28 years -- maybe I'm past the point where rationalizing or intellectualizing what makes things work feels interesting -- I just feel blessed to have great life partner -- warts and all... Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.