The Lesbian Polyamory Reader: Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Casual Sex (Paperback)

~ Marcia Munson (Author), Judith Stelboum (Editor) "This anthology contains personal accounts of the joys, problems, struggles, and successes of living life with multiple intimate involvements..." (more)
Key Phrases: polyamorous lesbian, matriarchal village, spontaneous imaginative life, The Haworth Press, San Francisco, The Haworth Document Delivery Service (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Revisits the passion that feminist-lesbians in the '70s brought to our confrontations with patriarchal forms of relationship and love. . . Here we have stories and poetry based on personal experience that now spans decades of herstory and wisdom. These are interspersed with clear academic feminist analyses as well as solid descriptions of working models of polyamorous relationships. . . WILL SHAKE UP SOME MINDS." -- Molly Gierasch, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, private practice, Boulder, Colorado

"Warning! Be prepared to have the dishes pile up in the sink, or just be left on the table. . . You won't be able to tear yourself away from The Lesbian Polyamory Reader for such mundane things as work and evenings with friends. . . OFFERS REASONABLE, LOGICAL, AND PERSUASIVE EXPLANATIONS FOR A STYLE OF LIFE I HAD NOT SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED BEFORE. . . A TERRIFIC READ." -- Beverly Todd, Acquisitions Librarian, Estes Park Public Library, Estes Park, Colorado --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Description

In reading The Lesbian Polyamory Reader: Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Casual Sex, you'll quickly discover that the steps toward love and happiness are as easy as 1, 2, 3, and maybe even 4 or 5. And you'll find that if your own lesbian relationship lies outside the “traditional monogamous couple” model, you're definitely not alone. You'll explore many multifaceted and multifarious love relationships, each one applicable to your own liking, if you so choose. You'll find successful models of relationship styles--regardless of your own orientation--from cover to cover, and you'll discover the pleasing polyphony in the many, many female voices of authorities on love and love relationships.

Whereas other similar studies project the limited view of one or two authors, The Lesbian Polyamory Reader calls upon a broad scope of writers, professional women and academics alike. You'll see that outside the gay rights movement that currently pushes for a traditional, monogamous marriage model of gay couplehood, there lies pleasing multiplicity in the arms and hearts of lesbians worldwide. Specifically, this collection offers:

• “first person” articles--stories that describe a variety of lesbian experiences relating to multiple lovers in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s
  
• “how-to” articles--descriptions of the various polyamorous relationship configurations, including ways of dealing with jealousy
  
• “theoretical” pieces--the history of multiple relationships, the social implications of practicing a love style other than monogamous coupling, and safer sex considerations

Much, much more than a book on personal satisfaction, The Lesbian Polyamory Reader also focuses on the social implications of this love phenomenon, bringing it into a more inclusive circle of discussion for lesbians, educators, and students of sociology and sexology. You'll find satisfaction in seeing the love so many lesbian women have achieved by not mimicking the “marriage model” of living.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (March 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560231203
• ISBN-13: 978-1560231202
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #269,289 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #20 in

  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Sex > Sex Instruction > Alternative

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed my world, November 20, 2000

By A Customer

I've gone from knowing nothing of polyamoury to finally understanding what the nagging feeling that "something isn't right" is. I haven't been able to put this book down! My partner and I have finally opened discussions around the topic, where we would have felt threatened. This book shares many, many different experiences, and advice... along with very candidly sharing the emotions and complexities surrounding polyamoury. If you'd like a series of intellectual essays, written by many women with many experiences, I'd highly reccomend this book.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Open your mind and your heart will follow, March 27, 2000

By	Chrisy Shamblin [e-mail] (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews

WOW...finally I know there is a name for my way of looking at relationships. It will be a gift for any womyn that I am dating. Even friends. Even if this lifestyle is not for you its a must read. This book is eaisly read. There were parts where there was tears cause it touched me so deeply. This book moved me, made me see Im not alone. Its way above five stars!