The Meaning of Love - Second Edition

Reviewed by Mary King, Associate Professor, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania on 3/5/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 2 see less

The Meaning of Love: Second Edition is a text that covers various aspects pertaining to love. There are 37 Chapters that covers topics including emotions and feelings, interdependence, infatuation, sex, rejection, and jealousy. Each chapter highlights learning objectives, a video applying the concept covered in the chapter, key takeaways, key terms, and chapter review questions. There is a well-organized Table of Contents and Glossary. This text highlights many of the author's claims and opinions, and is written in the first person. There are many contemporary areas of love that are not addressed. I would not characterize this text as an academic reading, but some chapters may be interesting as supplemental material.

Content Accuracy rating: 2

The information presented in the text is appropriate. However, this text is limited in citations, and the most recent citation is 1988. The text largely expresses the author's opinions, and is written from a philosophical standpoint. Key elements from disciples including Communication and Sociology are absent.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

Some information presented is contemporary and relevant (for example, the video clips), but the citations are limited and dated.

Clarity rating: 3

The text is clear and avoids jargon and technical terminology. At times there are run-on sentences that can be difficult to follow.

Consistency rating: 5

This text is consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

Modularity rating: 3

The chapters of this text are short and easy to move through. Additional use of subheadings, sections, and/or bullet-points would enhance the readability of this text.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The chapters within this text are well-organized and the content flows in a logical manner.

Interface rating: 4

There are some spacing issues throughout the book that can be slightly distracting. For example, there are some paragraphs that are split into two paragraphs mid-sentence. Another example is that there are some paragraphs blocked out appropriately and others that have no space between it and the prior paragraph.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

The grammar throughout the text is free of errors, but some sentences are difficult to follow.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

This text provides some examples of love in different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It is not culturally insensitive or offensive.

Comments

As a Communication scholar who studies close, personal relationships and regularly teaches courses pertaining to love and intimacy (i.e., Interpersonal Communication, Relational Communication), I don't think I would use this text in my class.