Polywise: a deeper dive into navigating open relationships Paperback – Big Book, 14 September 2023

If you are exploring polyamory or are or have experience under your belt, this book is for you. In this book you’ll learn some really good practices for navigating conflict in polyamory as well as how to setup agreements. What makes this book really helpful is that it explores how monogamous thinking and beliefs can get in the way of functional and effective polyamory and shows you how to deconstruct your monogamous perspectives. Working through this book helped me become more independent and secure in myself and in the relationships I am in.

Her previous works (most notably Polysecure) were in every sense ground-breaking and now the latest, Polywise, stands poised to be the best of the bunch! Brimming with insights, optimism and humor, this book is a little gem. The author skillfully expands on the basic theoretical premise begun in Polysecure to create a manual of sorts for those trying to navigate the intricacies of Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM). The inclusion of the voice and perspective of co-author David Cooley (especially notable in the audio book) adds yet another layer of intimacy and joyousness seldom found in books on the subject. Polywise manages to accomplish what few books on relationships ever achieve: an engaging and compelling read that never feels too technical to be easily accessible by a wide audience. I have little doubt that, in the future, the publication of Polywise will be seen as a watershed moment in both relationship studies and psycho-therapeutics. Suffice to say, I could not recommend it more highly!

Another great book by Jessica Fern. I recommend starting with her book before this one, Polysecure. Polywise I feel could help you understand it easier by reading Polysecure and then following up with Polywise. I really enjoyed chapters 1&2.

Not really a "deeper dive" and only good for one type of reader. Not as advertised.

Jessica Fern and David Cooley's Polywise is smart and vulnerable. They put all of the joys and struggles of CNM into a context that goes deep. Beyond a simple, "it's a monogamous hangover", they use personal experience, research, and theory to help readers understand the possible whys of their CNM relationship challenges and conflict. Practical considerations and steps are described to make sense of, and work through, issues without alienating yourself or partners. This is definitely a resource that I will chew and digest throughout my relationship journeys. Thank you for this insightful and validating book!!