The Bisexual Option, Second Edition (Haworth Gay and Lesbian Studies) (Paperback)

by Fritz Klein (Author), Regina U. Reinhardt (Foreword)
Key Phrases: healthy bisexual, troubled bisexual, bisexual idea, New York, Bisexual Forum, Oscar Wilde (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Soon to be translated into Japanese! The Bisexual Option explores bisexuality, explains the bisexual, and explodes myths surrounding this large “unseen” segment of the population. Now in its second edition, this intriguing book gives an overview of bisexuality. As there is still no book that covers the subject like this one, it is must reading for establishing a contemporary view of bisexuality and those committed to a bisexual lifestyle. Fritz Klein, an experienced psychiatrist and expert in bisexuality and sexual orientation, explains the concept and the variables of sexual orientation and where bisexuality fits.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: The Haworth Press; 2nd edition (October 7, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560230339
• ISBN-13: 978-1560230335
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #209,922 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #12 in	Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Bisexuality
  #55 in	Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Special Groups > Gay Men

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource for discovering sexual identity., February 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bisexual Option, Second Edition (Haworth Gay and Lesbian Studies) (Hardcover)

I liked this book. I found it to be very affirming of my experience. It offers a balanced approach to exploring your sexual identity. I am married and have struggled with my attractions to men. This book shows that there are options for persons attracted to both sexes. It's not black and white. There is a HUGE middle and bisexuality encompasses it. I am bisexual and I feel much freer to make choices out of truth, than feeling like I 'have to be gay' or I'm 'in transition' because I enjoy my attractions to both sexes. The personal stories in the book are a great source of hope and guidance. Well done!

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bisexuality: A Feelgood Scholarly Book, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

As one half of a long-time male to male rlp, with a three year periodic sexual rlp with a bisexual male, I was interested in reading Dr Klein's book. This is a scholarly and thoughtful addition to the scant litterature on bisexuality. Dr Klein is a Psychiatrist who specialises in sexual orientation and rlp problems.

In the first half of his book Dr Klein tells us why bisexuality is so hated and misunderstood in gay and "straight" society. He then goes on to reproach the (American) Psychological establishment for their slowness to accept bisexuality as a given. (This reads almost as an apologia, given the conservatism of medical culture). Dr Klein presents a number of patient profiles, and clinical statistics. Disturbingly, there are very few lower-middle class, or poor people represented. The message seems clear: it's easier to be bi' and organise your sexual mobility if you're affluent. This is a book that celebrates the diversity of bisexuality, and encourages the like-oriented to see themselves as "normal". As for the really difficult and uncomfortable issues (ie: the agonising struggle of hetero' and homosexual partners to bisexual men and women, Dr Klein offers little advice. Reprinted from an earlier adition, this 1993 second edition has the "feel good" feeling of 1980's/1990's books on Sociology and Psychology.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great starter, May 11, 2002

By	Ray (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This is the very first book I ever read on bisexuality. Since then I've found better books on the subject, but this is still a book I'll put my nose into again. The reason it's not the "best" is because I didn't relate to most of the bisexuals Klein interviewed. It was kind of a downer, some of the uptite bis in this book. Then again, he didn't interview very many people. Especially compared to "Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out". Now that is a book where I related to many more of the people. Just goes to show we (bis) are all different. I will always have a lot of respect for Fritz Klein and found his scale on bisexuality very good. Although I don't agree who we prefer to socialize with has anything to do with orientation. I could enjoy a cup of coffee with anyone, that says zilch about orientation! Other than that, I liked the scale. This is an interesting read, for the most part.