Elemental Love Styles by Dr. Craig Martin

Elemental Love Styles reads like a fun astrology book: a quick explanation as to how the process works, a quiz to determine one's elemental style - the four elements are the styles here, so Fire, Air, Water and Earth - and then the remainder of the book explaining how to use these styles to your benefit with regards to dating and relationships. Each style has a chapter devoted to its behavioral traits and mannerisms, and covers a wealth of topics (albeit some very briefly) such as intimacy, home life and general personality traits. The last few chapters of the book then move into how the elements can work together in a relationship.

There isn't a lot new in the format of this book; in fact, its a bit predictable. You know that when you pick up a book about astrological compatibility, you'll get a similar layout, so in that respect Dr. Martin's astrology-based counseling practice and homeopathic experience comes in handy. Where Elemental Styles delivers is in its unique way of seeing how relationships evolve based on one's personality type, and Martin's refusal to state that any one elemental style combination is a 'bad' one.

Dr. Martin makes it clear from the start that the book isn't meant for couples with serious relationship issues or those in abusive relationships - and I have to agree. Its premise is light and refreshing, but there aren't any earth-shattering discoveries here either. Most of the advice provided falls within a stereotype - Earth folks are stable and reliable, Fire folks are, well, Firey - but there are a few gems worth picking up the book for, such as the parts discussing Dynamic Inner Growth (DIG) - which is outlined in a chapter all of its own, as well as mentioned regularly in the last third of the book. Recommended for couples in long term relationships looking for a new way of viewing their communication issues, with a bent towards understanding each others motivations and personality in order to move the relationship forward.