Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage

by Rick Burgess, Bill Bussey

The only thing funnier than marriage is Rick and Bubba talkin' about it! Rick and Bubba are at it again, and this time it is all about marriage. Addressing such topics as apologizing (The Ten Worst Ways to Say I’m Sorry), communication (Grunting Is Not a Language), date nights (Worst Date Nights in History), finances (I Thought You Paid the Gas Bill), and playing sports together (I Did Too Let You Win), the two "sexiest fat men alive" will have couples everywhere tied in knots. With stories, top ten lists, and even a bonus addendum of their oft mentioned, "The Book of Blame," this humorous look at marriage is long overdue. This book will revolutionize your way of looking at married life. And it might just remind you all over again why you fell in love in the first place.

Genres: Nonfiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2009

Reviews

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Marriage was never meant to be perfect. Marriage is meant to teach an imperfect person to love another perfectly".

Quite an insightful statement from the self proclaimed "America's Two Sexiest Fat Men Alive" Rick Burgess and Bill 'Bubba' Bussey from their fifth book "Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage".

Though I live in the south, I've never heard Rick and Bubba's morning show, odd but true. After reading their newest book and listening to the CD included, I realized what I've been missing.

Although much of the tips and advice are offered to both men and women, this is decidedly a man book and clearly written from a man's perspective (even though a wife hijacked the word processor, adding her comments).

Comical, at times hilarious, this is a great book. I found it not so much for the newly married as those already married. I identified with many of the top ten lists, the relationship illustrations, and many of the truth's that couples learn from going through.

My favorite parts of the book? As a woman, I must confess this statement from the 'Ten Commandments of Marriage" resonated with me the most....

"Thou shalt apologize to your wife for whatever agony or discomfort she has had to
endure on any given day, physically or emotionally, including mishaps with appliances
or motor vehicles, or as a result of national or world events, because it is your fault.
Accept it."

I'd recommend this book for the humor and for the wisdom. Hats off to these two guys for giving their tips on making marriage what God intended it to be.

[Chickadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Self-appointed “two sexiest fat men in America”, Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey are sharing their tips and advice on marriage!

In Rick and Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage, you will find a lot of humor, a lot of funny stories and a smattering of Bible based wisdom to help encourage your marriage.

As a married woman, I found this book extremely entertaining because it was written from the viewpoint of men and their take on everyday situations. In Chapter Three, entitled: “Ball and Chain?”, Rick and Bubba share what those special looks from your wife over dinner REALLY mean, and how men and women perceive romance completely different.

I loved their “Sample Apologies for Men” suggestions and Bubba’s account of what happens when his wife Betty decided to get “domesticated”. I enjoyed the accounts of these guys being sick and their wife’s responses along with their “Top Ten Reasons Some Husbands Don’t Pick Up After Themselves.”

As humorous as the entire book is, one of the last chapters is very sobering. The Unthinkable chapter is about the loss of Rick and Sherri’s 2 ½ year old son, Bronner who died in 2008. Rick states “Sherri and I have learned a lot about our marriage through this tragedy.”

Rick goes on to write about how as a couple they grew closer and didn’t allow grief to tear apart their marriage. Out of the entire book, this chapter probably touched my heart the deepest because it depicts what a solid, Godly marriage is all about. For better or worse – no matter what.

This book also includes a “Best of Rick and Bubba” CD with 11 different tracks to listen to.

Though the back cover claims this book to be the “ultimate marriage book”, I wouldn’t suggest buying it if you are searching for serious marital advice. This book is 95% humor and is a very light read, which might disappoint those looking for meatier advice.

[Lenore Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had so much fun looking for my Dear Hubby's lil black book. Honest! I always said he had the book that has all the excuses men give their wives. You know what I mean. Why men can't pick up their dirty clothes? How did they forget your anniversary? And didn't they see that game last week?
Honest my DH always has such sweet answers I know he has to be getting them from some cheat sheet some where. Now I know where! Yep, I found his lil black book and it was (as expected) in disguise with a plain white wrapper. Even had the nerve to title it 'Rick and Bubba's Guide To The Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage'
I have had so much fun reading this book. And the CD that is at the end has had me in stitches in the Durango. I was so happy to receive this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I do not know how I have not heard Rick and Bubba on the radio or their TV show or through their books. It must have been a conspiracy to save DH from me. I know that I now have a goal to let all the other GRITS (girls raised in the south) know that there is a book (man's guide to marriage) that has all the secrets we have been looking for. Oh and to top it off I found out they stole our secrets too!
They published our well hidden Book of Blame to share with our football loving, hunting, fishing, can't find the remote darling husbands. There is even a confidentiality agreement the men must sign to keep us from finding out. So GRITS, I have caught them red handed and expect you to go out and find your DH's copy of 'Rick and Bubba's Guide To The Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage'.

[Marta hoelscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not knowing who the author's of this book were, I really had no idea what to expect. I have to say that I laughed all the way through this book. There is so much wisdom and truth mixed in with the humor that it's wonderful for anyone who is married. although I'm not sure I'd recommend it for those about to be married.

Fans of the author's radio show will probably love this book. While I got a good laugh out of the book, the book focus's quite a bit on the concept of the wife always being right and the husband always being wrong. It also tends to portray women as nags. These are all jokes though and while it might get a bit old and tired, it's delivery is fairly funny. Probably most husbands would think it quite funny, wives possibly not so much.

To add to the fun, there is an accompanying CD that has highlights from Rick and Bubba's radio show.

One of the things that I really liked about this book though is that there were moments where the hilarity ended and some good stuff came out! For instance, in the chapter "Ball and Chain?" they talk about the fact that marriage is the opposite of a ball and chain, but instead is the opposite of being tied down and is in fact freedom. It is a wonderful description of marriage and the freedom you feel from trusting your spouse. These gems in the middle of all the 'good ol' boy humor" make this a worthwhile read.

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can comedy and sound advice be found in the same book, and can that advice come from two “good-ole-boys?” Yep, Rick and Bubba make it work. If you have never heard of Rick and Bubba, you may want to stop by http://www.rickandbubba.com/ to check out the website for their morning radio show. Rick and Bubba, both of strong Christian faith, believe in the institution of marriage and through humor divulge some marital wisdom.

Some of the topics touched on are money, annoying habits, looks, helpmates, blame, children, illnesses, and respect. While the book is discussed in a light-hearted manner, there is also good insight into relationship problems that can arise. For me, the best subject was “Forsaking All Others” which was both funny and very serious.

Not everything in the book is light hearted. There is a touching chapter on Rick and Sherri’s marriage and recovery following the loss of a child.

The book is easy to read and is filled with special text boxes that will make at least you smile, if not laugh out loud. My top favorites were: The Top Ten Worst Ways to Say I’m Sorry and Rick and Bubba’s Anniversary Gift Chart. This book is funny, fresh, faithful, and full of great marriage tips. There is an audio CD that comes with the book that has excerpts the book from their radio shows.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot believe I actually read the whole thing. What a waste of time.

Rick & Bubba are apparently local radio celebrities somewhere in Alabama, and they consider themselves funny. I found their book more irritating than funny most of the time. A few moments were amusing, I suppose. But mostly I wished they'd decide whether they were writing a marriage advice book (with fairly decent advice) or an obnoxious comedy routine about how to be a lousy, lazy husband who doesn't respect his wife all that much. They ricocheted back and forth--often within the same page or chapter--between giving good advice (ex. continue to date your spouse to keep the relationship strong) and ranting about their wives (ex. how they nag or how they get lost because they can't follow directions). It wasn't funny, and I kept wondering why on earth their wives a) had married them in the first place, and b) hadn't yet divorced them.

It only got worse toward the end when they started getting a little preachy, and I realized Rick & Bubba are actually conservative evangelicals. Really, I should have guessed that from the start. I'm a big fan of "God first, spouse second, children third." I'm NOT a big fan of "believe in Jesus or you'll burn in Hell for all eternity." God's not that small or petty.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick & Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess & Bill “Bubba” Bussey is probably one of the funniest books I have read in recent memory! “The two sexiest fat men in America” have found an entertaining way to share marital advice, based on over 33 years of experience between them.

While the book is told from the man’s point-of-view, and inevitably makes fun of the way that women act in various situations, Rick & Bubba allow plenty of page space to poke fun at themselves, as well. They recognize that men and women interpret everything differently, and the lack of communication and understanding can either become humorous or disastrous.

Filled with examples from their own families, Rick and Bubba’s Guide is a beneficial read to both single and married people, alike. Learn how to have a sense of humor when dealing with the tricks life throws at you. Remember that no one is perfect and embrace each other for who you really are. Love yourself. Love each other. Be patient. Forgive. Be graceful. Be faithful to each other and to God. And stay determined. Together you will grow stronger and make it through this thing called life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which originally appeared at Andi's Book Reviews.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I had not heard of Rick and Bubba so I had no idea what to expect beyond what I read on TN info page.

The blurb I read promised, "This book will revolutionize your way of looking at married life. And it might just remind you all over again why you fell in love in the first place."

Sadly it did neither. It did make me giggle- a bit, but over all I was bored, waiting for it to get funny. -Sorry, but I must be honest.-

I don't think joking about weight and the attitudes around it are funny. I believe we must work hard to keep our bodies healthy and one of the best gifts I have given my family is my attempt to LIVE a healthy life and be a good example of that type of lifestyle so they can LIVE to see their grandchildren.

It was hard for me to get past the authors'joking and see the point.

I guess I should have realized that size is part of the joking this book surrounds, and I'm not the right person to read this book and get anything out of it.


Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick & Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage is a humorous look at the serious topic of marital bliss. Mixed in with the jokes and laughter are serious messages about Christian principles of marriage. The "two sexiest fat men in America" remind readers that marriage is not about trading in, up or bailing out. The guide covers a variety of topics such as money, bad habits, children and even dating. The authors bounce back and forth with their tips, advice and stories to encourage couples to keep their marriage strong in good times and bad.
Included with the book is an eleven track CD that could be enjoyed while driving with your husband to church, dinner or even Home Depot. The tracks range in length from 1.5 to 12.5 minutes so they can accomodate various length sojourns. After listening to the CD, one will be inspired to check out Rick & Bubba's website to find out when their radio show is broadcast in your area.
This is a great book to give as a shower or wedding gift; you can also trick husbands into reading it by leaving it available on the tank of their favorite reading seat (you know which one I am talking about).

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The self-proclaimed "two sexiest fat men alive" are back with a new book that takes on one of the oldest institutions--marriage. After tackling life, politics and secret codes, marriage should be simple, right?

In a honest, funny and heart-felt well, Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey offer their own insights in relationships and marriage. The book is fair to both sexes, offering the foibles that both sides commit and how to work together to overcome them. As always, the strong faith of Burgess and Bussey comes through time and again, encouraging readers to keep the focus where it should be in not only marriage, but also in all of life.

And while the book is good, it's made even better by the included "Best of" CD. The CD does offer some duplication in stories told from the book, but hearing them told on the radio by this funny duo is a real treat. If you're a fan of Rick and Bubba, this book is a must have. If you're not, why not give it a try. You might just discover why these two guys are so loved by their fans. They're funny, witty, honest and real.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there a perfect marriage out there? No, but lots of "almost nearly perfect ones." Take two people who love each other, sprinkle in some laughter and a love for God, and you are on your way! Rick and Bill take a comical, sometimes stereotypical, look at the problems and situations married couples encounter. Does the wife have to do all the housework? Is the husband the only one who loves the outdoors? These are just two things you can read about in this book. The accompanying CD is priceless.

I enjoyed reading this book and laughed through a lot of the scenarios. While some of the humor works best in person (hence the enclosed CD), you get the gist here. I did think a lot of the comments were stereotypical, but also think it was probably done to hone in on the fact that too many people fall into those traps. No one fits all of this, no one wants to. This book takes some of the seriousness out of marriage, replacing it with humor and common sense. So, come on, take a fresh look at the situations that plague you, find the humor, and move on with your spouse!

[Jason Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe how bad and how worthless this book is. It is of absolutely no use as a tool for helping people form healthier relationships, and I didn't find it funny, either. It's basically a random, disjointed commentary by two self-proclaimed fat guys who constantly complain about their wives and make them look stupid, as if that were a healthy way of handling a relationship. Clearly, the authors weren't interested in truly offering helpful advice with this book, but you would think that relatively successful radio show personalities could at least come up with some funny material. All of the attempts to be funny are cliche and predictable, and the authors are often so derogatory towards their wives that they lose the reader's respect. Don't waste your money on this book.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey are self-proclaimed fattest and sexiest men in America. They bring us this guide to help with marriage. No marriage is perfect and Rick and Bubba concur. But with their faith, they explain with much humor how you can reach your goal.

They share much of their own experiences with their own wives, and I just have to giggle every now or then because much of it is so true! And they aren't embarrassed to talk about it either.

Included with the guide is a CD which is their radio show sharing many stories included in the book. It will have you stitches and nodding your head in agreement.

Bubba and Rick realize no marriage is perfect, but this guide can show you how you can have fun along the way and also live a fulfilling life.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage was a fun read, full of wacky stories about how they met their wives, what happens on date nights & who has the best 'come hither' look. Not to be taken too seriously, this book does show the funny side to issues that could crop up in a marriage. My first reaction was to pass this book off as nonsensical & flippant but after reading it, I realised that a lot of the scenarios posed were actually quite true! I don't think that this book is the "be-all-end-all" guide to marriage but it is entertaining & easy to read. A perfect gift for those 'wayward' husbands!

[Aymee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says that the subject of marriage has to strike fear into the hearts of men and women? Rick and Bubba show you how to make your marriage work without taking it all too seriously. They keep a lighthearted approach to a very serious subject.

Filled with a ton of helpful advice, things I hadn’t ever really considered before and laugh after laugh, the authors caught and held my attention all the while reminding me why we did this crazy thing in the first place. A definite must-read for anyone who is married or has been thinking of getting married. Even if you already have that Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage.

[Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly good book that has just the right mix of comedy and serious life-lessons. Great for anyone...from those considering marriage to those married for some time.

[Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really funny book with a lot of good tips on marriage.