Let’s Talk About It: A Handbook for Catholic Couples Discerning Marriage

What is this book about?

Let’s Talk About It is a short practical handbook for Catholics who are longing for healthy marriages and tools to aid them in their discernment. In Let’s Talk About It, you will find not only discussion modules for couples in a relationship, but also personal anecdotes, activity ideas,  and an entire section on approaching the world of dating and getting to know prospective partners in a lighthearted way.  Don’t miss the section on discernment tips!

How can I buy the book?

Physical copies are available at St. Paul’s online store and at St. Paul’s bookstores at all major Indian cities.

If you are outside India and can’t access a physical copy, you can buy an ebook here: Ebook order form

What is the cost of the book?

â‚ą 120 (+â‚ą30 shipping)

Who should buy this book?

Catholic Couples discerning marriage (obviously)
Engaged couples (to get to know each other better)
Single Catholics (to reflect more deeply about their own values and priorities)
Parish priests (to give couples who want to get married)
Youth group leaders (to give their youth before they get into unhealthy relationships)
Older Catholic parents (to give their unmarried adult or teenage children)
Friends of Catholics who have just started a relationship
Catholic communities (to help their singles in their marriage discernment)
Anyone involved in marriage preparation or mentoring unmarried Catholics in their 20s and 30s.

Reviews by readers of Let’s Talk About It:

“The book is a miracle worker if you are not sure what or where to begin learning about your to be spouse.”

“It’s a different idea and a much needed topic. There is very little available online and as books on discernment during the arranged marriage process or during the dating phase. The questions given in the book are so apt. I could connect to some of them myself.”

“With well thought-out questions, relatable personal insights, practical activities and engaging areas of discussion, which have effectively led to deep conversation, ‘Let’s Talk About It’ written by my dear friend Susanna Tuscano is a handy companion for intentional relationships.

I fortunately got a peek into the book before it was published, and it helped my partner and I to lay a solid foundation of conversation that didn’t simply scratch the surface. When we went out on dates, we asked each other questions. But there were certain areas we wanted to broach, however we didn’t know what to ask after we’d exhausted all our own thought-up questions. The discussion starters at the end of the modules gave us a great base to a launch these conversations and helped cover a lot of ground that’s often overlooked or missed.”

“The book serves as a guide for those looking to be in an intentional relationship, it offers direction while you’re getting to know someone better and creates space for honest and meaningful conversation when you’re inclined to marry someone. Whether you’re going on dates, you’ve been in a relationship for a while or preparing for marriage, Let’s Talk About It is a great tool to have on your journey. It’s also a great gift for couples who you may know are discerning marriage.”

“It’s a great book. I really liked how it’s all about asking very practical questions. It doesn’t sugar coat any of the hard pills like the red flags.”

“It’s a very well put book .. things I thought were too much to ask before marriage are actually the ones I should be asking …it gives me confidence to ask these questions to myself and to my partner that will benefit us both in the future . Together or apart. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.”

“It truly helps you to talk about it with a potential spouse. I was so excited about the book the moment I saw the announcement since in Indian context (at least in many typical families in Kerala), choosing a spouse for yourself is considered a grave sin or a taboo. The book guides young couples on how to talk things out in a good date.

It is a handbook and so, not too much detailing is given, but in general, it helps a lot. The modules that goes step by step gives a clarity on what topics to be discussed and at which stage of dating or courtship. It helps you to refine your thoughts about your potential spouse, what are to be talked about before marriage, etc.

I highly recommend (Catholic) youth out here to read through and get an idea about dating, before you get into the search for your potential spouse. I have not seen much material on dating in Indian context. There are a lot available in the West…there are good talks by Jason, Jackie, Fr Mike, etc.

PS: The book is written in a Catholic context, but its helpful for a general audience as well.”

A Blue Print Guide for Discerning Marriage:

While discernment is not usually given any importance when it comes to marriage, believe it or not, it is the key to a happy, healthy and holy marriage. Let’s Talk About It! shatters the conventional way of how Indian Catholics go about seeking a matrimonial alliance. The dinosaur-aged “job-application” questions like “What is your profession?”, “How much is your salary?” are put on the back burner, because, in her writings, Susanna brings to the fore the importance of discerning towards marriage, even before you can meet someone, this book can be like a compass to guide you towards the marriage goal.

Sharing her own experiences of she met her husband, she tells us what she perceived and finally the person whom she ended up with teaches singles not to live in this rigid framework of who could be your ideal spouse. Her case is the classic example of man proposes and God disposes, but in reality, God disposes for a greater blessing.

The ideas and reflective questions offered by Susanna on how to break the ice and gradually evolve are simple yet powerful and soul searching nor are they based on rocket science, however, between the lines, one can read the lessons taught by St. John Paul II in his book, Love & Responsibility. Susanna has also been careful not to use any heavy theological jargon so that the readers can use the book as a joyful accompaniment on the journey of discernment.
If you are single and believes that God is calling you to marriage, please purchase this book and make it your companion as you journey along and find your soulmate.”

Have any other questions? Email Susanna on catholicdisciplesmatchmaking@gmail.com.