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Open

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Member Reviews

I don't even know where to start.

This book was simply brilliant! I am so excited to get a physical copy of this and also feature on my blog.

What I think this book does that no other poly book does is bring down non monogamy through the lens of power dynamics specifically focusing on race, gender, and kink.

Rachel Krantz lays herself bare for us to see her and follow her along on her journey. We are there for each messy, unpredictable step and though its hard to read sometimes (all the trigger warnings for gaslight and relationship abuse) it is also brutally honest in a way that makes this book so engaging to read.

I am delighted that this book can be added as a resource for those practicing nonmonogamy/polyamory and I am really excited to see the reception and conversations that come out about this book.

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Raw open brutally honest Rachel Krantz shares her experience in a non monogamy relationship.Told in her voice you can feel her emotions her doubts her reactions to being in an open relationship.Rachel Krantz holds nothing back and following her experience is so real you can feel her emotions.So well written will be recommending.#netgalley#open

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A little redundant in its storytelling, yet a peak inside non-monogamous relationships. Recommended for those looking for psychological implications of relationships with uneven power dynamics.

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Right off the bat I was impressed with this book because I was expecting a memoir type read and while that is what I was given it was written in many different journal entries instead of one large novel. I think that this was the best way to do it because it really gives the reader a strong connection to the author on what could be a difficult subject to relate to.. This book is all about our author as she explores the boundaries of her relationships and exploring the new world of a truly open relationship. This story was all about how she got into
that life style and the stories and personal experiences that went along with it. This was a fascinating read and I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it. It wasn't to graphic but it isn't for the faint of heart. One of the things I liked about this book was our main character goes into the situation a little hesitant like I think anyone would but she comes to really see things differently and it is her decision, she isn't pressured or anything like that. Very compelling read and I'm so glad that I got the chance to check it out, however with some graphic parts this book won't be for everyone so take what you read with a grain of salt. This book talks about the good things that she dealt with along with some of the unpleasant things that came along with being in an open relationship, I really liked how she talked about both because it is more realistic. Very great read and I'm so glad that I was given the opportunity to read it.

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This book sits in a category all by itself. It's not a how-to or a purely journalistic observation about people in the non-monogamous lifestyle. The author writes about her own deeply personal and brutally honest experience about jumping into an open relationship. She expresses her fears and insecurities, fantasies and turn-ons, and provides an up-close look into the world of ethical non-monogamy and all of the different forms it can take.

The stories she tells are graphic and vulnerable. She doesn't try to depict her own experience as one that represents the whole but remains relatable to many who have had similar encounters. Rather than paint non-monogamy in a rosy light, she exposes many of its pitfalls. She writes about the manipulation, gaslighting, and abuse that can take place. Despite these challenges, she does not write off non-monogamy and is able to see it from an objective stance. It can be done in a respectful and mutually beneficial way or it can be used as a weapon in an unhealthy relationship.

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I’m not sure what I expected going into Rachel Krantz’ memoir. I suppose I expected the story of a poly relationship that worked, almost like a sales pitch for a no monogamous lifestyle. Instead what I got was a complex exploration of Krantz’ first non monogamous partnership interwoven with a sociological and psychological exploration of her self and her lifestyle. It was fantastic. Four and a half stars.

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I expected to be challenged by this book, perhaps. But, honestly, I was just uninterested at about 25% and did not finish. The topic could be interesting, but the memoir aspect was too in the weeds navel gazing IMO

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This book didn't really work for me. I found the author irritatingly self obsessed, and not really worth writing a memoir about.

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A propulsive and fascinating look at sex, desire, and intimacy, OPEN investigates what we hope for from our romantic partners and how eschewing conventions might help us attain those things—and the pitfalls we might face if we choose a less traditional path. Krantz writes with insight and humor about her personal introduction to non-monogamy, using reportage to broaden the scope to others’ experiences with trying to balance sexual and romantic freedom and commitment. A page-turner that explores the urgent question of what it means to try to understand and then to express our desires, OPEN was a true pleasure to read.

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