The Polyamorists Next Door

The Polyamorists Next Door

In writing The Polyamorists Next Door: Inside Multiple-Partner Relationships and Families, Elisabeth Sheff tackles a tough topic with objectivity, sensitivity, and grace.  Sheff shows that polyamory is a positive family model.  With personal experience and fifteen years of research, Sheff presents all aspects of polyamory through a deeply informed lens.

I like how Sheff addresses the more positive aspects as well as the less positive.  It is incredibly important to understand fully any chosen way of life; whether that way of life is a religion, a diet, or a family model.  Sheff discusses the difficulties of defining polyamory, and who practices polyamory.  She writes about how adults view polyamory, how children within polyamorous families view polyamory, and how neighbors, schools, and Child Protective Services view polyamory.

I especially appreciate her insight into her own experiences with polyamory.  It is not easy to transition into or out of a polyamorous relationship, and Sheff opens her life for the reader.  This adds validity to her research.  Without the personal stories, this would be little more than a long (well written) scholarly review journal article.  The personal stories show me that this information is not just a theory rather, a true representation of the lifestyle. 

While no book can be the definitive presentation (i.e.: the one to read while ignoring all others), I believe anyone researching polyamory should pick up this one.  I find it true to life, authentic, and comprehensive.

Happy Reading

Laura