📖 Overview
More Than Two is a comprehensive guidebook on practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamorous relationships. The authors draw from their personal experiences and those of many others to address the practical and emotional aspects of maintaining multiple romantic partnerships.
The book covers fundamental topics like communication skills, managing jealousy, establishing boundaries, and navigating relationship transitions. Each chapter includes specific scenarios, tools, and exercises to help readers apply concepts to their own relationships.
The text addresses both common and complex situations that arise in polyamorous relationships, from time management to raising children to handling conflicts between metamours. The authors maintain a focus on consent, autonomy, and personal responsibility throughout their discussion of these topics.
At its core, More Than Two presents an ethical framework for conducting relationships that centers honesty, self-awareness, and respect for all involved parties. The book challenges conventional assumptions about love, commitment, and relationship structures while offering practical guidance for those exploring alternatives to traditional monogamy.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate the book's detailed communication frameworks, practical examples, and ethical guidelines for navigating polyamorous relationships. Many highlight its comprehensive coverage of jealousy management and establishing boundaries.
Common praise points:
- Clear breakdown of relationship agreements
- Emphasis on personal autonomy
- Real-world examples from multiple perspectives
Common criticism:
- Dense, academic writing style
- Repetitive content
- Later revelations about author Franklin Veaux's personal conduct led some readers to question the book's credibility
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (3,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,100+ ratings)
Sample reader comments:
"The communication tools apply to any relationship type" - Goodreads reviewer
"Too theoretical at times, needed more practical advice" - Amazon reviewer
"Changed how I approach all relationships" - Reddit user
"The section on jealousy alone justifies the purchase" - LibraryThing review
Many readers recommend focusing on co-author Eve Rickert's contributions while being mindful of the controversy surrounding Veaux.
📚 Similar books
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The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton, Janet Hardy This foundational text covers polyamory basics, from managing jealousy to building sustainable multiple relationships while maintaining personal integrity.
Polysecure by Jessica Fern The book connects attachment theory to non-monogamous relationships and provides tools for creating emotional security across multiple partnerships.
Love in Abundance by Kathy Labriola This practical guide addresses common challenges in polyamorous relationships through case studies and concrete solutions for managing time, emotions, and relationships.
The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory by Dedeker Winston The text examines polyamory through intersectional perspectives while providing frameworks for relationship agreements and emotional processing.
The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton, Janet Hardy This foundational text covers polyamory basics, from managing jealousy to building sustainable multiple relationships while maintaining personal integrity.
Polysecure by Jessica Fern The book connects attachment theory to non-monogamous relationships and provides tools for creating emotional security across multiple partnerships.
Love in Abundance by Kathy Labriola This practical guide addresses common challenges in polyamorous relationships through case studies and concrete solutions for managing time, emotions, and relationships.
The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory by Dedeker Winston The text examines polyamory through intersectional perspectives while providing frameworks for relationship agreements and emotional processing.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The book sparked controversy within the polyamory community when one of Franklin Veaux's former partners published an account alleging that his real-life relationships didn't align with the ethical principles he advocated in his writing.
🔹 "More Than Two" began as a website in 1997 before becoming one of the most comprehensive books on polyamory, featuring over 500 pages of practical advice and relationship philosophy.
🔹 Co-author Eve Rickert founded Thorntree Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to books about unconventional relationships and sexuality.
🔹 The book's ethical framework centers on the concept that love is abundant rather than scarce, challenging the "relationship escalator" model of traditional monogamy.
🔹 The authors interviewed over 120 polyamorous people and spent nearly two years writing and revising the book, incorporating real-life examples and case studies throughout the text.