funny informative medium-paced
twitchywitchy314's profile picture

twitchywitchy314's review

5.0

An absolute must read for anyone! I love the real life examples that are shared of unconventional relationships. Both helpful for me personally as well as in my profession as a therapist.

tashaorama's review

5.0

I really enjoyed reading and reflecting through this book and the conversations it sparked. A wonderful look into the many facets of how we can relate to others through connections/friendships/relationships that I didn't even know I had missed out on in depth and in breadth.
informative reflective medium-paced

This was truly mind-opening, eye-opening, and informative!!

The author talks about different relationship styles and the way that different people approach unconventional relationships. Having been raised on "there is only monogamous forever relationship", I got to know that unconventional relationships exist from the internet, but prior to reading this, I had little idea how much there was out there or how any of it could work. Reading the people's stories felt great, knowing that there are people out there living their best unconventional lives.
There is no cheesy "this type might work for you if xyz", which I liked a ton. The book simply aims to inform about ways people approach different relationship styles, gives some insight on hardships that may occur with each style, and gives questions for further thought and discussion after each part. 
I definitely took a lot from this book, and I will surely re-read it in the future, should I feel insecure or simply want to refresh or re-read the people's stories.

I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about unconventional relationships, be it due to personal curiosity, seeing someone close in an unconventional relationship, or simply the wish to know what's out there.
informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Even though I'm pretty familiar with a lot of the concepts in this book it's so nice to hear other people's experiences, and a huge range of different ways to practice unconventional relationships. I honestly want everyone I ever date to read this book.
tracilovelot's profile picture

tracilovelot's review

5.0

A great book with quotes from tons of different people practicing relationship styles "off the escalator." The book posits that our society sets up default expectations of how relationships will progress on an escalator from casual dating to exclusivity to moving in together to marriage and kids and so on. But what happens when that's not what you want? This book will help you explore the relationship types that might work best for you and gives great quotes from people who are further on the journey.
emjcn's profile picture

emjcn's review

4.5
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
justfoxie's profile picture

justfoxie's review

5.0

I avoided reading this book for ages because I felt like I knew what it was going to say. So when one of my bookclubs put it on their list, I grudgingly decided it was time.

And I was really surprised. Not that it said something dramatically different than what I thought, but by the care and inclusiveness that the book takes in considering why people might or might not choose the "standard" model. A great starting point for anyone considering "alternative" relationship structures.
challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

scottflanary's review

4.0

This book provides excellent framework to consider unconventional approaches to love. While there are structural weaknesses (e.g. a clunky through-line narrative; limited supplemental research to bolster some points), the value of this work is in showcasing alternative perspectives and offering new vocabulary so the reader can articulate the relational choices that are right for them. Bonus: I feel better equipped to advocate for my specific wants and needs after reading this book.