This was such an interesting book. It was really good at laying out different issues and perspectives on the issue.

This is both a practical guide, and a source of reassurance, giving stories of non-monogamy and its various permutations, and spotlighting various partnerships and how they approach it.

A fun and thoughtful book, I appreciated how in-depth it goes into specific topics that are often overlooked.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fun and useful for all adults, not just poly ones. Boyle offers practical advice for everyone while deconstructing the relationship escalator we are raised to expect and want to ascend. Her chapters on ending or reducing relationships while staying loving should be required reading, and her analysis of what causes trouble in living together (dishes, schedules, expectations) and how to handle them are invaluable. The title is something of a joke, but given the cost of living, having multiple adults in one house is becoming more and more common. You don't have to be sleeping together to have a relationship, and Boyle does an excellent job laying out the things we need to live together in harmony, and the ways it is possible to love, respect, and honor someone you just can't live in a small space with. If you want to join my polycule. you'd better have read this book first.

DNF. Thought the title was the most compelling part of the book and the rest could have used some further editing.

‘Monogamy? In this Economy?’ by Laura Boyle is an insightful and deeply practical guide for those navigating the complexities of polyamorous households, particularly when it comes to cohabitation and parenting. With a focus on the real-life logistics of polyamorous living, Boyle’s book offers a treasure trove of advice drawn from interviews with over four hundred individuals in various polyamorous configurations. This isn’t just about the excitement of new relationships—Boyle digs into the everyday realities of sharing a life, a home, and children with multiple partners.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
Boyle’s research is thorough and well-grounded in the lived experiences of those she interviewed. Her advice is practical, and based on real-world scenarios rather than theoretical concepts, making it both reliable and applicable. The book successfully captures the diversity of experiences within polyamorous communities, although some readers might wish for more data or case studies to back up the anecdotal evidence.

Perspective: ★★★★☆
Boyle offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective on polyamorous living that goes beyond the usual topics of jealousy or new relationship energy. Instead, she focuses on the nuts and bolts of day-to-day life, including how to manage finances, set boundaries, and co-parent effectively. Her approach is both pragmatic and compassionate, providing readers with the tools they need to create stable, loving households.

Relevance: ★★★★★
As more people explore non-monogamous relationships, Boyle’s book is incredibly timely and relevant. The rise of polyamorous and other non-traditional households means that many people are looking for guidance on how to make these arrangements work long-term. This book fills a gap in existing literature by addressing the practical challenges of polyamory, making it an essential read for anyone in or considering a polyamorous lifestyle.

Engagement: ★★★☆☆
While the subject matter is fascinating, the book’s engagement level can vary. The practical advice is invaluable, but some sections may feel a bit dense or repetitive, especially for those who are already familiar with polyamory. However, readers new to these concepts will likely find Boyle’s insights both eye-opening and engaging.

Readability: ★★★★☆
Boyle’s writing is clear and accessible, making complex topics easy to understand. She balances informative content with a conversational tone, which helps to keep the reader engaged. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and quotes from her interviews adds a relatable and human touch to the text.

Enjoyment: ★★★☆☆
For those interested in the logistics of polyamorous living, this book is a goldmine of information. However, the focus on practical advice means it might not be the most entertaining read for everyone. It’s a book that is best appreciated for its utility rather than its entertainment value. That said, those looking to improve their polyamorous relationships or navigate the challenges of cohabitation will find it both enlightening and rewarding.


‘Monogamy? In this Economy?’ by Laura Boyle is a must-read for anyone involved in or considering a polyamorous lifestyle, especially those looking to build long-term, stable households. Boyle’s pragmatic approach, backed by extensive interviews and real-life examples, provides readers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of polyamorous cohabitation and parenting. While it may not be a light read, its practical value makes it an essential guide for those committed to making polyamory work in the long run.

Caveat emptor: I am a married queer polyamorous demisexual disabled woman (once you unlock one closeted identity all your other suppressed ones quickly seem to follow) living in a non-monogamous household with kids, partially for financial reasons, so my opinions are colored by that experience.

This practical no-nonsense guide to non-monogamy with plenty of real-world examples from people living in this way. I appreciate the discussions of equity in labor, nesting vs non-nesting partnerships, facilitating issues with metamours (partners of your partner who are not also your partner), scheduling time, jealousy in a practical sense of impacts, etc. It discusses many challenges to polyamorous households due to living in a 2 adult-household world, including homeownership, parenting, and divorce (or relationship breakdowns) and the emotional and legal challenges of navigating these when the system is not set up for them.

I would have loved excerpts from the interviews with poly folks instead of summaries, as the text gets a bit dry at times. I can understand wanting to keep this tight and compact, as a practical guide, but I think it would have added to the text.

An amazing and informative read about polyamorous relationships and the different shapes they can take. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has some awareness of what polyamory is and is curious about the considerations people in polyamorous relationships may have to take, especially when it comes to nesting; that is, the idea of living together, even if not all partners live together.

I think this is an especially good read for people who have decided or feel that a polyamorous lifestyle is for them. The book explores not only the pros and cons of different relationship structures but also how to go about preparing for those structures.

If you're in a polyamorous relationship and looking into moving in with a or multiple partners, you need to read at least the chapters on that. It will set you up for success and reduce emotional conflict!

Laura Boyle, who runs Ready for Polyamory, put out this book and I'm grateful for NetGalley and the publisher for providing this DRC!
Boyle provides practical advice for polyamory, and as you can see from the title, addresses the socioeconomic implications of adhering to a monogamous relationship style under capitalism. Her words are realistic and straight-forward, asking those who seek further enmeshment to consider the harsh realities and drawbacks of combining households. She writes about how it *isn't* easy, because the more people you add to an arrangement, the more other's whims and desires must be held into consideration. This book also comes from the heels of her survey, which she discusses. This book almost acts as a research dissertation, for which Boyle's survey was the primary study. I enjoy how practical it is, but the book itself is a bit haphazard in structure. I almost wish that the issues of entering polyamorous or alternative relationship styles was discussed first, but I understand that the housing structures were discussed because it's a practical consideration in polyamory.

I do think that Boyle's book fills a gap in non-monogamous literature, especially because there's no guidebook for doing this. Boyle's book fills that gap, and allows us to consider the economic practicalities of non-traditional structures. I enjoyed this book but 4/5 because the writing style and structure of the book left more to be desired, but I think this is a good book to add to the literary canon of non-monogamy. Excellent!

I appreciate this non-fiction book where the author, who has lived experience with polyamory and conducted a survey and research on it. discusses polyamory with many of its facts and offers advice to those in polyamory/polyamorous relationships/commitments.

The foreword and the common questions about polyamory were interesting,
Although I was interested in the economic aspects of monogamy and polyamory, this book is mostly about living situations of those in polyamory.

3.5 stars rounded up because it is sad to know that those who are not in traditionally accepted relationships are not always accepted in society, and their rights and living situations are not always protected by law. It is nice to know that the kids are fine.

"How do we build healthy and fulfilling relationships despite the current economic challenges?"
This central question drives the heart of this insightful book. After reading it, I can confidently say that it has deepened my understanding of how economic factors influence romantic relationships and provided a comprehensive view of how polyamorous relationships function. My thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!
As the first book I've read about polyamorous relationships, it successfully contextualizes modern relationships within the economic realities of the United States (all the interviewees are from/live in the states). The author weaves together the intertwined needs for love and financial stability with societal perceptions of polyamory, delivering their insights in a humorous and accessible manner.
The book is relatable, addressing common anxieties and insecurities that people face in their romantic lives, as well as the day-to-day stresses and economic pressures that can strain relationships. The structure is well-organized, with a logical progression through the chapters that naturally guides the reader through what a potential polyamorous relationship could look like.
Something I was really happy to see is the non-judgmental tone - it was refreshing and, dare I say, necessary in this economy. Polyamory is a potentially polarizing topic and the author makes a good point regarding those who view it negatively, namely that they may do so out of a lack of understanding rather than malice.
While I did expect the book to delve a bit more into the figures and interviews that shaped it (as well as maybe the technical aspects of economic theory affecting relationships), and I would've liked to see some of the limitations of these interviews. For example, it's only representative polyamorous relationships in the United States. This minor shortcoming, however, did not detract significantly from the overall experience. The book's strength lies in its ability to make complex ideas accessible and relatable, bridging the gap between polyamorous relationships, economic theory and everyday life.

"Monogamy? In This Economy?" is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of modern relationships in the context of economic uncertainty. Authored by Laura Boyle, this insightful book challenges conventional wisdom about love and monogamy, offering a refreshing perspective that is both entertaining and enlightening.

At its core, the book delves into the intersection of love, money, and societal expectations, posing provocative questions about the feasibility of traditional monogamous relationships in today's economy. Through a combination of witty anecdotes, astute observations, and clever commentary, the author navigates through the complexities of romantic partnerships with humor and candor.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is its relatability. By tapping into the anxieties and insecurities that many individuals face in their romantic lives, the author creates a sense of camaraderie with readers, reassuring them that they are not alone in their struggles to navigate the turbulent waters of love and commitment.

Moreover, "Monogamy? In This Economy?" offers valuable insights into the ways in which economic factors can impact romantic relationships. From the stress of financial instability to the pressures of maintaining a dual-income household, the book sheds light on the hidden challenges that couples face in today's uncertain economic climate.

Throughout the narrative, the author skillfully blends humor with wisdom, offering practical advice and thought-provoking reflections on how to build healthy and fulfilling relationships in spite of economic challenges. Whether discussing the pitfalls of financial infidelity or the importance of open communication about money, the book provides readers with valuable tools for navigating the complexities of modern love.

In conclusion, "Monogamy? In This Economy?" is a delightful and insightful read that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of love and money. With its witty humor, astute observations, and practical advice, this book offers a fresh perspective on the age-old question of monogamy in the modern world. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, this book is sure to spark lively conversations and inspire readers to rethink their assumptions about love and commitment.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest review.

This was my first non fiction type book surrounding polyamorous relationships and polyamory, and this book was truly amazing.

First, as a person who has read fictional novels related to polyamory but not nonfiction, this book was EASY to read and understand. I love the way the author broke the chapters up and organized the chapters in general, the order made sense and served as a natural progression through what a potential polyamorous relationship could look like.

Also, there was not an ounce of judgment throughout this book and I feel that is important especially surrounding this topic. I think it would be easy for an individual who identifies as polyamorous to judge those who view it harshly, but this author understands that polyamory is not for everyone and that more individuals with a negative view are not fully aware of polyamory (they just know it as "taboo").

This book came to me at a pivotal moment in my own life and my own relationship as polyamory is something I have been thinking about. However, anyone could read this book and be able to easily learn more about polyamory and the nuances within it.

Full 5 star read and I will be pre-ordering/ordering my own copy when it comes out.

This book is written brilliantly, with a clear Table of Contents so you can read specific sections that relate to your current situation, while also having a narrative flow that allows reading it from start to finish to be equally enjoyable. This is one I will refer back to and recommend to people. It is a good reference for people interested in the lifestyle as well as those who are just curious about it.