cover image The Wait: A Powerful Practice to Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love.

The Wait: A Powerful Practice to Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love.

DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good, with Tim Vandehey. S&S/Howard, $24 (272) ISBN 978-1-5011-0529-6

When film executive Franklin and actress Good met, both had already been in serious relationships, but neither had been married. Each was in the midst of re-evaluating what was important in life%E2%80%94how to be more intentional in their work, families, faith, and future relationships. To help gain clarity they mutually decided to take a vow of celibacy. In this joint book, Franklin and Good take turns explaining their past, the process of falling in love, and how celibacy can work today. Although the couple state several times that celibacy isn't "just about sex," the vast majority of the book focuses on how to handle celibacy in their personal lives (how difficult it can be, explaining it to friends and family, temptations, etc.). Good says that for women, "Celibacy is control," while Franklin explains how he was "publicly and privately ridiculed" by some who knew of his celibacy. A guide to navigating the difficulties surrounding celibacy before marriage, the book provides little discussion of morality or Christian ethics. Readers looking for encouragement and guidance on choosing celibacy and developing a lasting marriage in the Cristian tradition will find inspiration and clarity through hearing Franklin and Good's frank description of their relationship. (Feb.)