Many Love: A Memoir of Polyamory and Finding Love(s)

Polyamory has a bad rap. When polyam couples appear in pop culture, they’re usually that weird couple, y’know the one: a little artsy, a little invasive, more than a little off-putting. If you’re anything like me, you grew up with the understanding that you would someday meet that one person who completed you in every way: your best friend, your lover, your confidant, your soul mate. But when reading Sophie Lucido Johnson’s new memoir ‘Many Love: A Memoir of Polyamory and Finding Love(s),’ I found myself nodding along way more than I expected to. I’ve experimented with open relationships, but I have internalized way more conventional beliefs about the Right Relationship than I’d previously unpacked. Every relationship — every love — is different. Some friendships are incredibly intense and important even as they fall outside our traditional notions of romance. Polyamory and open relationships aren’t just about sex; in her words, “Polyamory is about shifting my definition of love to embrace the diversity of relationships in my life, and about allowing myself to prioritize all of those relationships according to their demands.” This is a sweet, honest read full of charming illustrations and raw, beautiful reflections on a life less monogamous. Great for anyone curious about polyamory, or just how love looks different for all of us.

This book is fantastic! Loved the writing style. It’s easy to read and hard to put down, the way a book should be. I’d recommend to anyone who thinks they might be Poly or anyone who has a friend or loved one that is. Sophie’s use of the memoir genre is not only brave but effective. She doesn’t hold back but rather shares deeply with the reader. Her vulnerability is a gift and I can’t tell you how many times I laughed at her banter or shook my head saying “omg me too!” I appreciate the courage it took to write this book. I also appreciate having an easy quick read that I can give to friends whom want to understand my life a bit better. Thanks Sophie.

I loved this book. Yes, it's about polyamory. But it's as much (or more) about the importance of friendship and community in a world where so many are disconnected and lonely. It's a beautiful, inspiring read.

“A fast-paced debut… A candid, modern take on polyamory for fans of memoirs and graphic novels, and anyone interested in stories of dating, love, and romance.” —Library JournalA great book about the author’s life after monogamy. There are so many books on the shelves that deal with how to be polyamorous, all pretty much saying the same thing, that its refreshing to read about a person’s actual experiences without the how to guide.You definitely want to read this if you’re polyamorous or interested in the subject.

Even if you don't think you're interested in polyamory, this book will appeal to anyone who is tired of the rigid labels we've learned to assign to the "many loves" in our lives. I especially love how this book explores the close, complex relationships women have with their female friends. Part memoir, part graphic novel, part reported piece on alternative relationship models, "Many Love" is a fun, poignant, one-of-a-kind read.

I read this entire book in two sittings. Funny, smart, heartfelt, and educational, with a few passages that took my breath away. My favorite chapter is the last one—I’ve never thought of the parallels the writer draws between birding and relationships (and control) before. I wish I'd had this book when I was just starting to open up my relationships, but it's never too late to equip yourself with the kind of knowledge the writer is sharing. Your love(s)—whether with friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, co-workers—will be stronger for it.

Ms Johnson is a good writer. She is good at evaluating her relationshis, which can be complicated. My beef: she seems to diss the traditional, and much more common, "heterosexual cis" relationship and the commitment that requires. Almost as if someone who choses a mate of another gender and makes all the contortions to make that work, is somehow less actualized than a liberal having no gender preference, dozens of partners, and "commitments" that are anything but committed. It also soured me that the attitudes are extremely leftward, and any conservative thinking is to be shunned. I could go on, since I have taught several college courses in Psychology, know the lingo, and can produce conversations with new words. But mental masturbation bores me. I didn't finish the book. Ive already read WAY too many psychology texts. And since this one is the most egocentric and judgmental of them all. No thanks.

This is a lovely, thoughtful memoir. She addresses a subject many people judge before knowing much about it, with grace and humor, honesty and vulnerability. It's sweet and funny, plus I learned a great deal. It made me think about my relationships past and present, both romantic and platonic, through a different lens.

Love the book, saw the author doing an online talk and fwlt inspired to buy it. Great read, insightful and entertaining.

This is a good book, it gives you the impression that you’re having an open & honest conversation with a very smart friend. I loved it. It’s a perspective-changer.

Such an easy read. If you're getting into poly or already in a poly relationship I suggest this book.One of the best poly book out there, Sophie gives you real life experiences rather than a book of rules to go by.