Golden Marriage is an unusual autobiography of a marriage -- we are taken through five decades of marital reality by the two alternating authors, Herb and Margaret Dimock.

But the book is also a reminder of world events from the 20th century, and a tender look at two people intent on bucking its negative trends with their idealism and with their marriage, which is still going strong after 67 years now.

EXERPT:

I interrupted. "I'm not talking just about intercourse. What I'm trying to say is that I'm a touch person and you are not!"

"But we touch each other all the time."

"No we don't! Sure, you give me a quick kiss now and then, but we don't take time to cuddle. You don't reach across the bed and lay a hand on me to let me know... Oh, it's not your fault!... I've been thinking about this a lot, Margie." I stared absently through the windshield, down the river. "At last I see what I have to do: cut back on some of the big things I keep driving to achieve, pull in my shingle as a counsellor. My number one job is to practice a t home what I prach in the pulpit. Loving my family begins with spending time at home."

Margaret shook my arm to break my reverie. "Yes! That's good. But it is my fault too. I have aided and abetted your over-conscientiousness. It's my pride in all the things you accomplish at the church." She lifted her face to mine. "No wonder we both suffer from over-work and fatigue."

I kissed her.

She took my hand firmly in hers and smiled a smile that warmed the whole interior of the Plymouth. "To have you home more would be a great lift for me. It might help both of us to get back on track.

$17.95 U.S.    184 pg pb