Steven Shiendling, Ph.D., brings true tales from his practice to the game of football. In the release of Fumbles, Field Goals, And the Myth of the Hail Mary, the author’s material is aimed at helping men become better relationship partners. He believes that many relationship issues and behaviors can be described using the language of football, and Shiendling’s personal passion for the game is apparent.

Roger Staubach, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback, provides the foreword emphasizing that to win in any relationship, one must excel at communication. As the reader propels through the book, the art of communication is described using football terminology, and very specific examples are provided of both failed and positive communication. The reader may want to immediately refer to the glossary of football terms provided at the book’s ending if unfamiliar with football terminology, since it is a requirement to engage in this book.

Fumbles, Field Goals, And the Myth of the Hail Mary reveals winning strategies to obtain a positive relationship, both in the game of football and on the home front. The art of throwing a Hail Mary pass to win a football game may work; however, in a relationship, waiting until the last minute to hurl a winning play will not make for a lasting relationship; “you have to play the whole game,” as indicated by Shiendling.

Four key sections are provided that range from mistakes that a team can make, how to lose in the game of football, communication, and finally winning plays that yield a healthy relationship. Within each segment are tangible illustrations that correlate football vocabulary to relationships. One such case in point, demonstrates that a player may sit on the bench, but in a relationship, to be detached or disengaged in behavior is cause for a negative outcome. At the end of each chapter is a section deemed “extra points,” which is a pretty good summation.

While the concept of enticing men to become better relationship partners is noteworthy, the content of the book, at times, induces the reader into falling asleep in their chair. Instead, the reader may want to crank up the television volume during a Monday night football game, download the highlights and analyze the playbacks.

I would rather my husband learn insight from a great movie on Lifetime television than from a book that provides a football mentality and how-to tips. Fumbles, Field Goals, And the Myth of the Hail Mary leaves something to be desired.