No Place Like Home: Relationships and Family Life among Lesbians and Gay Men

Rating:
Summary: Idea of kinkeeper new to me
Review: I bought this book entirely on the fact that I spotted the discussion of "kinkeeper" when I skimmed through this book. This idea, though not original to the author of this book, was a real revelation to me when I first saw it in this book. It really blew me away, though in hindsight it seems so obvious. There is a gay couple in my family tree and I always wondered why the half who was my blood kin wasn't the same one who kept in touch with me, rather, it's his other half who regularly does. My other relatives, it's usually the half I'm related to by blood who keeps in touch with me. The instant I saw in this book the concept of "kinkeeper," all of a sudden I realized, my cuz wasn't the kinkeeper, rather, it was his life partner who had assumed that role in their communications with me! I had wondered previously if, on some level, something was wrong re my connection with my cuz. But in fact, all I needed to do in my own mind was, at least for this particular couple, to separate out the role of "kinkeeper" from my other usual expectations of blood kin. As a result of this book, therefore, I feel better now about my connection with my cuz. [Truth in reporting: This is the only part of this book that I've read so far. My rating does not apply to any other part of this book.]

Rating:
Summary: Idea of kinkeeper new to me
Review: This book offers an concise, realistic look into the everyday lives of gays and lesbians. The dynamics of "our" relationships and how we choose to make our homes, lives and create our families are revealed thru the tales of different couples. I found this book especially fascinating and useful in my situation. My partner and I have an extended chosen family as we live with another couple. We can relate to so many issues faced by some of the couples the book. This is a definite MUST READ for any gay couple!

Rating:
Summary: An absolutely fascinating book!
Review: This book offers an concise, realistic look into the everyday lives of gays and lesbians. The dynamics of "our" relationships and how we choose to make our homes, lives and create our families are revealed thru the tales of different couples. I found this book especially fascinating and useful in my situation. My partner and I have an extended chosen family as we live with another couple. We can relate to so many issues faced by some of the couples the book. This is a definite MUST READ for any gay couple!