Contemporary marriage has its critics — those who would like to change it or do away with it altogether. And the institution has its loyal defenders who are convinced that marriage is all right just the way it is. In ancient times people got married to insure physical survival. Two or three or eight against the elements were better than one. Marriage offered later generations the security and meaning necessary for achieving the "good life." More recently, marriage has been seen as the best road to personal growth for both husband and wife.

In this follow-up to their popular anthology I Like Being a Catholic, editors Michael Leach and Therese J. Borchard have gathered an eclectic array of material on couples who relish the challenges of a life together in committed love. Or as Leach puts it: "First we fall in love. That's the exciting part. Then we learn to love. That's the hard part. Finally, we simply love being loving. And that, by far, is the best part."

Of the early tributes to marriage here, we enjoyed a piece by Sue and Tom Johnson, the Executive Couple for National Marriage Encounter. They list 40 things couples have reported that they like best about their relationship. The first two are: "Sharing the good of God with your best friend" and "Overcoming life's difficulties together." In both of these experiences, it is necessary to be open and relaxed with your mate. That's one of the reasons we agree with Andre Malraux who is quoted in this book as saying, "A happy marriage is a long conversation that seems too short."

There is plenty of material here to savor including love letters, nuptial vows, wedding readings, and a few glimpses of rituals from other cultures. The reader can join in the discussion of the 10 best books, films, and TV shows on marriage. Although I like Being Married puts far too much emphasis upon little bits from celebrities and famous people, there is enough here to satisfy anyone who believes that matrimony is an unparalleled adventure.