Are you looking to explore the world of open relationships? Whether you’re curious about the concept or actively practicing it, there are plenty of insightful books on open relationships that can provide you with valuable perspectives, advice, and stories. In this article, we’ll delve into the 20 best books about open relationships that cover a wide range of topics, from communication and boundaries to jealousy and ethical non-monogamy. Get ready to expand your understanding of relationships with these thought-provoking reads.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Books About Open Relationships
- 2 The Ethical Slut
- 3 Opening Up
- 4 The State of Affairs
- 5 Love in Abundance
- 6 Designer Relationships
- 7 The Art and Etiquette of Polyamory
- 8 The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory
- 9 The Game Changer
- 10 The New Love Without Limits
- 11 The Polyamory Handbook
- 12 Rewriting the Rules
- 13 The Ultimate Guide to Kink
- 14 The New Monogamy
- 15 The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love
- 16 Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships
- 17 More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory
- 18 The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory: Everything You Need to Know about Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Alternative Love
- 19 Designer Relationships: A Guide to Happy Monogamy, Positive Polyamory, and Optimistic Open Relationships
- 20 The Game Changer: A Memoir of Disruptive Love
- 21 More Than Two
- 22 Conclusion
- 23
20 Best Books About Open Relationships
The Ethical Slut
by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton
The Ethical Slut is a groundbreaking book on open relationships, co-authored by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton. This book challenges traditional ideas of monogamy and explores the concept of ethical non-monogamy, offering practical advice and insights for those interested in exploring open relationships. The authors delve into topics such as communication, boundaries, jealousy, and sexual freedom, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of consensual non-monogamy. With a focus on honesty, respect, and self-awareness, The Ethical Slut encourages readers to embrace their sexual autonomy and create fulfilling relationships that align with their values. Whether you’re curious about polyamory, swinging, or other forms of non-monogamy, this open relationships book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a more expansive and ethical approach to love and intimacy.
Opening Up
by Tristan Taormino
Opening Up by Tristan Taormino is a groundbreaking book on open relationships that challenges traditional notions of monogamy. Taormino explores the diverse world of non-traditional relationships, including polyamory, swinging, and open marriages, offering practical advice, personal anecdotes, and expert insights. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, the author delves into the complexities of communication, jealousy, and boundary-setting in open relationships. Through candid interviews and real-life experiences, Taormino provides readers with valuable tools to navigate the challenges and rewards of consensual non-monogamy. Whether you’re curious about exploring alternative relationship structures or seeking guidance in your own non-traditional partnership, this open relationships book offers a wealth of wisdom and perspective.
The State of Affairs
by Esther Perel
The State of Affairs by Esther Perel is a captivating exploration of infidelity and the complexities of modern relationships. Through compelling real-life stories and insightful analysis, Perel delves into the emotional, psychological, and cultural factors that contribute to affairs. This thought-provoking book challenges conventional notions of monogamy and offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of love, desire, and trust. With empathy and wisdom, Perel navigates the nuances of intimacy, betrayal, and reconciliation, shedding light on the universal experience of infidelity. Whether you’re seeking to understand the intricacies of relationships or grappling with your own experiences, The State of Affairs is an illuminating and essential read. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of romantic relationships and a valuable resource for those looking for insights into the complexities of modern love.
Love in Abundance
by Kathy Labriola
Love in Abundance by Kathy Labriola is a comprehensive and compassionate guide for anyone interested in exploring non-monogamous relationships. This insightful book on open relationships provides practical advice and exercises to help readers navigate the complexities of polyamory, swinging, and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. Labriola’s warm and nonjudgmental approach encourages readers to communicate openly, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care while pursuing multiple romantic connections. With its wealth of real-life examples and thoughtful guidance, this book about open relationships is an essential resource for anyone seeking to build and sustain healthy, fulfilling relationships outside of traditional monogamy.
Designer Relationships
by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson
Designer Relationships by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson is a thought-provoking book on open relationships that challenges traditional notions of love and connection. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, psychological research, and spiritual insights, the authors explore the possibilities and complexities of non-traditional relationships. They offer practical advice on navigating jealousy, communication, and boundaries, while encouraging readers to design their own unique relationship structures that align with their values and desires. This open relationships book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of love and intimacy in today’s world.
The Art and Etiquette of Polyamory
by Francoise Simpere
The Art and Etiquette of Polyamory is a comprehensive book about open relationships that delves into the intricacies of navigating multiple romantic connections with grace and respect. Written by Francoise Simpere, this guide offers valuable insights and practical advice for individuals exploring the world of polyamory. Simpere provides a thoughtful examination of the emotional, social, and logistical aspects of polyamorous relationships, offering guidance on communication, boundaries, and managing jealousy. With a blend of wisdom and warmth, The Art and Etiquette of Polyamory is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and thrive in the realm of consensual non-monogamy. Whether you’re new to polyamory or seeking to deepen your understanding, this book on open relationships is an essential read.
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory
by Dedeker Winston
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory by Dedeker Winston is a comprehensive and insightful book on open relationships. Winston, a seasoned relationship coach, provides a practical and empowering guide for women who are interested in exploring non-monogamous relationships. The book covers a wide range of topics, including communication strategies, jealousy management, and building healthy boundaries. With a mix of personal anecdotes and expert advice, Winston offers valuable insights into the complexities of polyamory, making it an essential read for anyone navigating the world of open relationships. Whether you’re new to the concept or already practicing polyamory, this book about open relationships is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and thrive in non-traditional relationship dynamics.
The Game Changer
by Franklin Veaux
The Game Changer by Franklin Veaux is a revolutionary book about open relationships that challenges traditional notions of love and commitment. Through his personal experiences and insightful storytelling, Veaux explores the dynamics of non-monogamous relationships and offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of multiple partnerships. This book on open relationships delves into the emotional, psychological, and logistical aspects of polyamory, shedding light on the rewards and challenges of embracing non-traditional relationship structures. Whether you’re curious about the concept of ethical non-monogamy or already navigating the waters of polyamory, The Game Changer is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that will undoubtedly challenge your perceptions of love, intimacy, and human connection.
The New Love Without Limits
by Deborah Anapol
The New Love Without Limits by Deborah Anapol is a groundbreaking book on open relationships that challenges traditional notions of love and partnership. Anapol explores the possibilities of expanding our capacity for love and intimacy beyond the confines of monogamy. Through personal stories, research, and practical advice, she offers a compelling argument for embracing non-traditional relationship structures and redefining the boundaries of love. This open relationships book delves into the complexities of polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, and other alternative forms of intimacy, providing readers with a roadmap for navigating these uncharted territories. Whether you’re curious about exploring open relationships or looking to strengthen your existing non-traditional partnership, The New Love Without Limits is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and embrace the diversity of human connection.
The Polyamory Handbook
by Peter J. Benson
The Polyamory Handbook by Peter J. Benson is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in exploring non-monogamous relationships. This enlightening book on open relationships delves into the complexities of polyamory, providing practical advice and useful tools for navigating the challenges and rewards of multiple partnerships. Benson offers insightful perspectives on communication, jealousy, and ethical considerations, making this book about open relationships an invaluable resource for individuals and couples seeking to build healthy and fulfilling connections outside of traditional monogamy. Whether you’re new to the concept of open relationships or a seasoned polyamorist, The Polyamory Handbook offers guidance and support for anyone interested in exploring the diverse landscape of open relationships. If you’re curious about polyamory or looking to strengthen your existing relationships, this open relationships book is a must-read.
Rewriting the Rules
by Meg-John Barker
Rewriting the Rules by Meg-John Barker is a groundbreaking book on open relationships that challenges societal norms and encourages readers to reconsider traditional relationship structures. This insightful book about open relationships offers a fresh perspective on love, sex, and intimacy, and provides practical advice on navigating non-traditional partnerships. Barker’s engaging writing style and thought-provoking ideas make this open relationships book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring alternative approaches to love and connection. Whether you’re curious about polyamory, non-monogamy, or simply looking to understand the complexities of modern relationships, Rewriting the Rules is a valuable resource that will inspire you to reconsider the way you think about love and commitment.
The Ultimate Guide to Kink
by Tristan Taormino
The Ultimate Guide to Kink by Tristan Taormino is a comprehensive and insightful book that delves into the world of BDSM and kink. With a focus on education, safety, and consent, this book provides a wealth of information for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Taormino explores a wide range of topics, including bondage, role-playing, and power dynamics, offering practical advice and tips for exploring and incorporating kink into your sex life. Whether you’re curious about kink or looking to enhance your understanding and skills, this book is a valuable resource. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in exploring their sexuality in a safe and consensual way.
The New Monogamy
by Tammy Nelson
The New Monogamy by Tammy Nelson is a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional notions of relationships. This book explores the concept of ethical non-monogamy, offering insights and guidance for couples navigating open relationships, polyamory, and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. Dr. Nelson provides a fresh perspective on intimacy, trust, and communication, offering practical tools for redefining and reimagining monogamy in the modern world. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, The New Monogamy invites readers to explore the possibilities of love and connection outside of traditional boundaries. Whether you are curious about exploring non-traditional relationships or seeking to strengthen your current partnership, this book offers valuable insights and strategies for creating healthy and fulfilling connections. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and informative book about open relationships, The New Monogamy is a must-read.
The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love
by Janet W. Hardy, Dossie Easton
The Ethical Slut is a groundbreaking book on open relationships that challenges traditional notions of love and sex. Co-authored by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton, this practical guide offers a refreshing perspective on polyamory, non-monogamy, and other forms of consensual non-monogamy. The authors provide valuable insights and advice on how to navigate the complexities of multiple partnerships, communication, jealousy, and sexual health. Through personal stories, tips, and exercises, The Ethical Slut empowers readers to explore their desires and build fulfilling relationships based on honesty, respect, and ethical behavior. Whether you’re curious about polyamory or seeking to strengthen your existing non-traditional relationship, this book about open relationships is an essential read for anyone interested in the possibilities of love and intimacy.
Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships
by Tristan Taormino
Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by Tristan Taormino is a comprehensive book about open relationships that provides a practical and insightful guide for individuals looking to explore non-traditional relationship dynamics. Taormino delves into the complexities of open relationships, offering advice on communication, boundaries, jealousy, and sexual health. Through personal anecdotes and interviews, she explores the various forms of non-monogamy, from polyamory to swinging, and offers valuable tools for navigating these relationships with honesty and integrity. Whether you’re curious about non-monogamy or already practicing it, this open relationships book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to create and maintain fulfilling and respectful connections outside of traditional monogamy.
More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory
by Franklin Veaux, Eve Rickert
More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert is a comprehensive and engaging book about open relationships. The authors provide practical advice, personal stories, and ethical guidelines for navigating the complexities of polyamorous relationships. This book goes beyond just the logistics of managing multiple partners and delves into the emotional and interpersonal aspects of polyamory. It offers valuable insights for anyone interested in exploring non-monogamous relationships, whether they are new to polyamory or have been practicing it for years. More Than Two is an essential resource for anyone seeking to build healthy and sustainable connections with multiple partners, and it provides valuable tools for communication, boundary-setting, and navigating jealousy in polyamorous relationships.
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory: Everything You Need to Know about Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Alternative Love
by Dedeker Winston
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory by Dedeker Winston is a comprehensive book about open relationships that explores the world of non-monogamy and alternative love. This insightful guide offers everything you need to know about navigating the complexities of open relationships, from communication and jealousy to ethical considerations and practical advice. Winston draws from her own experiences and interviews with other polyamorous individuals to provide a candid and practical resource for anyone curious about or already involved in non-traditional relationship structures. With its mix of personal anecdotes, research-based insights, and actionable tips, this book on open relationships is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand and thrive in the world of polyamory and non-monogamy.
Designer Relationships: A Guide to Happy Monogamy, Positive Polyamory, and Optimistic Open Relationships
by Mark A. Michaels, Patricia Johnson
Designer Relationships: A Guide to Happy Monogamy, Positive Polyamory, and Optimistic Open Relationships by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson is a thought-provoking book that explores the dynamics of different types of intimate relationships. Whether you’re interested in monogamy, polyamory, or open relationships, this book offers valuable insight and practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of modern love. Michaels and Johnson’s expertise and experience shine through as they provide a comprehensive guide to building and maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships. With a refreshing and open-minded approach, this book encourages readers to explore and understand the diverse possibilities for love and connection. Whether you’re curious about non-traditional relationships or looking to strengthen your current partnership, Designer Relationships is a must-read for anyone interested in the diverse landscape of intimate connections.
The Game Changer: A Memoir of Disruptive Love
by Franklin Veaux
The Game Changer: A Memoir of Disruptive Love is a captivating book about open relationships that delves into the complexities of love, sex, and nontraditional partnerships. Franklin Veaux shares his personal journey of navigating polyamory, jealousy, and unconventional dynamics in relationships. The author’s candid and introspective narrative offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of embracing non-monogamy. Veaux’s storytelling is honest, vulnerable, and thought-provoking, making this book on open relationships a compelling read for anyone curious about alternative relationship structures. The Game Changer explores the intricacies of multiple partnerships, communication, and personal growth, providing valuable insights for those interested in understanding and navigating the world of non-traditional romance and intimacy.
More Than Two
by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert
More Than Two by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert is a groundbreaking book on ethical non-monogamy, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of polyamory and open relationships. With a combination of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and insightful commentary, the authors explore topics such as communication, jealousy, boundaries, and ethical decision-making. This book about open relationships challenges conventional notions of love and intimacy, offering a refreshing perspective on alternative relationship structures. Whether you’re new to the concept of non-monogamy or a seasoned practitioner, More Than Two provides valuable insights and tools for creating healthy and fulfilling relationships. Through its thoughtful and compassionate approach, this open relationships book has become an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the possibilities of ethical non-monogamy.
Conclusion
Exploring the complexities and dynamics of Open Relationships can be both enlightening and challenging. The 20 best books about open relationships offer a diverse and insightful collection of perspectives, experiences, and advice for anyone interested in or navigating non-monogamous relationships. Whether you’re seeking practical guidance, personal narratives, or academic insights, these books provide valuable resources for understanding and navigating the intricacies of open relationships.
Which Open Relationships book is best?
The best book on Open Relationships can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton,
- Opening Up by Tristan Taormino,
- The State of Affairs by Esther Perel.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Open Relationships?
For those looking to learn about Open Relationships, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton,
- Opening Up by Tristan Taormino,
- The State of Affairs by Esther Perel,
- Love in Abundance by Kathy Labriola,
- Designer Relationships by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson,
- The Art and Etiquette of Polyamory by Francoise Simpere,
- The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory by Dedeker Winston,
- The Game Changer by Franklin Veaux,
- The New Love Without Limits by Deborah Anapol,
- The Polyamory Handbook by Peter J. Benson
These books offer a range of perspectives on Open Relationships, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books on Open Relationships?
The best books on Open Relationships include:
- The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton,
- Opening Up by Tristan Taormino,
- Rewriting the Rules by Meg-John Barker,
- The Ultimate Guide to Kink by Tristan Taormino,
- The Game Changer by Franklin Veaux,
- The Art and Etiquette of Polyamory by Francoise Simpere.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Open Relationships are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Open Relationships books of all time?
Choosing the best Open Relationships books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
- The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton,
- Opening Up by Tristan Taormino,
- Designer Relationships by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson,
- The Game Changer by Franklin Veaux,
- The Polyamory Handbook by Peter J. Benson,
- The Ultimate Guide to Kink by Tristan Taormino,
- and Rewriting the Rules by Meg-John Barker.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Open Relationships and continues to be influential today.