Listmania!
For Military Wives/Significant Others
By an Amazon.com customer
Homefront Club: The Hardheaded Woman's Guide to Raising a Military FamilyHomefront Club: The Hardheaded Woman's Guide to Raising a Military Family by Jacey Eckhart
Buy new: $15.56 / Used from: $0.44
This is hands-down the best military-wife book I've read. It gives real everyday advice, and it is effective advice. It is like having a mentor in the odd world of being a military spouse right on your bookshelf. It doesn't just tell you what agencies to go see; it gives real practical advice for thriving (not just surviving) this lifestyle.
Solo-Ops: A Survival Guide for Military WivesSolo-Ops: A Survival Guide for Military Wives by Hilary Martin
Buy used from: $4.90
The primer for those newly attached to the military: read it once, then read it again after a while, and you'll laugh. Funny intro to the ins and outs of a military relationship.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship ExpertThe Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John M. Gottman
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $2.18
For keeping yourselves strong together in times of stress, this is the best.
The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your MateThe Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.46
Being separated for months or more at a time, this book is a good way of learning what makes your S.O. feel cared for and loved - and vice versa, as well.
Not "Just Friends": Rebuilding Trust and Recovering Your Sanity After InfidelityNot "Just Friends": Rebuilding Trust and Recovering Your Sanity After Infidelity by Shirley P. Glass
Buy new: $10.85 / Used from: $6.20
Learn where your individual boundaries lie BEFORE you are separated for months at a time, not in the middle of it.
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and PeaceOn Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace by Dave Grossman
Buy used from: $19.43
The follow-up to On Killing. It gives you a base of general knowledge to the 'what is it like?' question, so that your significant other's answers won't freak you out and you can have an intelligent conversation about it.
Down Range: To Iraq and BackDown Range: To Iraq and Back by Bridget C. Cantrell
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $0.01
This book can be a lifesaver. Maybe it won't be for you, but you might be able to use the knowledge to save a friend/coworker/whatever. It is easy enough to read that upset people can make it through, but contains a great perspective and is a good first step to understanding the effects of PTSD and to getting help.
On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and SocietyOn Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Dave Grossman
Buy used from: $3.50
If your S.O. goes to a combat deployment, this helps give you some sort of basis to try to approach understanding of the impact of killing another person.
Surviving Deployment: A Guide for Military FamiliesSurviving Deployment: A Guide for Military Families by Karen M. Pavlicin
Buy new: $13.57 / Used from: $7.70
Some great suggestions in here for getting through a deployment.
When Duty CallsWhen Duty Calls by Carol Vandesteeg
Buy new: $10.19 / Used from: $0.01
This one is a little more religious, but the sections at the back on how to deal with casualties is invaluable.
12 Hours to a Great Marriage: A Step-by-Step Guide for Making Love Last12 Hours to a Great Marriage: A Step-by-Step Guide for Making Love Last by Howard J. Markman
Buy new: $10.17 / Used from: $2.58
Based on the counseling that most Army chaplains use, for strengthening relationships. Put more tools in your toolbox -- the Army has a way of wearing your equipment down sometimes.
Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass KillingBecoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing
Buy used from: $9.95
Fascinating - if you had any feelings at all about Abu Ghraib, read this book. It helps explain how ordinary people can do awful things - and knowing that is half the battle of not doing it yourself.
A General Theory of LoveA General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis
Buy new: $10.17 / Used from: $5.39
The science of love - helps you understand the changes you go through, why your brain and heart work the way they do.
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are HighCrucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson
Buy new: $9.90 / Used from: $3.34
You need to learn how to communicate well in sticky situations - with your fellow military spouses, with your own spouse - the military adds special stressors. Learn how to talk despite them.
Etiquette for DummiesEtiquette for Dummies by Sue Fox
Buy new: $18.43 / Used from: $0.47
The military is frequently a little more old-fashioned - and America needs more ettiquette anyway. Little things go a long way, and the military puts you in situations out of the ordinary. Be prepared
Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the HomeDare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home by Julie Sussman
Buy new: $12.23 / Used from: $0.19
You'll be alone a lot... get this or something like it. If 1940's wives could manage it, the current generation should be able to manage being home alone.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder SourcebookPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook by Glenn Schiraldi
Buy used from: $2.47
Just in case - better safe than sorry. Our chaplain used this as the basis of a very informative workshop before homecoming. You might not need it, but someone you know might.