150 Secrets to a Happy Wife

Embracing the stereotype of the husband as a clueless, insensitive dolt and the wife as an endlessly patient, effective yet marginalized mom at the helm of a busy household, Gumm returns with an update to his 2006 guide (Romancing Mommy) full of humorous and pragmatic instruction. The titular secrets are no mystery; they're common-sense. Gumm's tips on being a loving husband and dad (really, just a normal human being) include filling her car with gas, using a glass, flushing the toilet, and reading to your children. This is Husbandry for Dummies, and it's debatable whether men%E2%80%94Gumm's target audience%E2%80%94will listen. But taken en masse, and taken seriously by the husband who wants to be better, these tips would surely result in more respect and courtesy. A 21st-century Art of Courtly Love this is not, and it's surprisingly unkempt for an updated edition, but credit is due: if small gestures make a happy marriage, then Gumm is on to something. If they don't, and he's not, at least he%E2%80%98ll have readers laughing. (Apr.)