Book Review: Stories from the Polycule: Real life in Polyamorous Families

Hmmm, I've been seriously mulling over how I feel about this book. Certain parts of me loved it while other parts of me didn't like it because of how polyamory(or how the person discussing their poly family/lifestyle),portrayed it. I was irritated and frustrated a few times while reading the book but then I had to remember that these are individual experiences and I can't invalidate them just because it sounds really bad and puts polyamory in a bad light in my opinion.The author(s) Elizabeth Sheff and Tikva Wolf did a pretty decent job compiling stories, poems drawings and essays from poly families overall.

 Here's a blurb about the book that I thought was helpful: Welcome to the polycule: the network created by the interconnections of polyamorous relationships. Just like the molecules that make up all living things, polycules come in diverse forms: large, small, tightly bound, loosely connected, static, ever-changing. How do polycules form, what do they look like, how do they transform through time, and how do they, sometimes, end? The first of its kind, this anthology brings together stories, poems, drawings and essays created by real people living in polycules.   I'm constantly trying to put polyamory on the forefront, constantly trying to normalize it. I do it primarily to show society that it is just as good as monogamy. However, my inner self also says I don't owe it anyone and you should just live your life. Also, I'm speaking out publicly to reduce the stigma surrounding polyamory.

Elizabeth Sheff edited this piece and while I think she did a good job, I don't know why she felt the need to include two stories,one of which was her own, talking about monogamish relationships. WHY WOULD THIS BE IN AN ANTHOLOGY ABOUT POLYAMORY IF YOU AREN'T POLYAMOROUS???? I seriously want to ask her this because it's pretty asinine! Being Monogamish is not polyamory.

It's not even under the non-monogamy umbrella in my opinion. No offense to the author or anyone who likes her but I don't think she could call herself an expert at polyamorous relationships. She went into a poly relationship under duress basically and that's how things get fucked up and folk's feelings get hurt. I'm still happy overall that I read this book.