The Lifestyle: A Look at the Erotic Rites of Swingers

By Terry Gould

Book Overview

"The Lifestyle is a delight to read - a groundbreaking and honest work of journalism that thoroughly explains why millions of people are part of this little-known subculture called 'swinging ' Indeed, Mr Gould has accomplished something rare: his extensive research into the anthropology and sociobiology of spouse exchange has allowed him to broaden his descriptions of swing parties to include deeply significant explanations for what takes place at them Few journalists have gained permission to enter that world, and none have explained it in such depth 'The Lifestyle' is an entertaining, on-the-scene narrative, but it is also a serious work which should be read by all who want to understand what this growing phenomenon is all about "
- Josef P Skala, m d, ph d, frcp(c), Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

"It is clearly the most objective and well-researched work on the subject we have seen "
- a swinging couple interviewed for EXTRA

The lifestyle has grown so quickly in recent years that, wherever you live, you won't have trouble finding it It is not an underground movement or a cult It is a public, grass-roots, heterosexual orientation among mainstream couples who claim to have overcome the kind of loneliness, jealousy, and shame adulterous marrieds endure
(from The Lifestyle) )

"I hate when jerks call the lifestyle wife swapping," Jim averred "I hate that term and what it implies By that I mean a woman being forced into something because her husband says, 'Look honey, let's go ' To me that's abuse That's opposite to what the lifestyle is all about "
(from The Lifestyle)

What are millions of middle-class couples getting up to this weekend? Is it possible to experience sex with other partners while happily ensconced in an emotionally monogamous marriage? Is swinging merely an invention of sexually permissive modern times?

As award-winning journalist Terry Gould discovered, the phenomenon has roots that go back thousands of years and also seems to be motivated by a deeper biological urge: the drive to seek long-term partners and the equally powerful drive for sexual and genetic variety

Part expose and certainly a debunking of the 'wife-swapping' myth, The Lifestyle is a serious examination of a taboo subject, brought forward intelligently, compassionately, without sensationalism or judgment, and backed by extensive research across North America

It includes numerous interviews with the originators and leaders of the Lifestyle movement It is also a wide - ranging inquiry into the history and nature of monogamy, sexuality and erotic love

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1552094820
• ISBN13: 9781552094822
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

WOW!

If you've ever fantasized about threesomes, moresomes and swinging, this is a MUST Read Book, I think Terry did a faboulous job and as an Author myself I hope one day I can work with Terry :-)

Excellent intro to a misunderstood part of our culture

The Lifestyle is a well-written, fascinating, evenhanded look at swinging in North America today. If you've ever wondered, as I have, what makes these folks tick, this is the book to get. Very insightful, well-researched, and complete. Gould is remarkably objective for writing about such a sensitive subject. He is not an apologist for swinging, nor is he on a witch-hunt; rather, he seems intent on discovering the truth and communicating it clearly to the reader.

On The Mark...A must Read

We are a mid 30's couple that have been swinging since we met two years ago. This is an outstanding analysis of sociological, historical, biological and cultural implications of consensual sex between loving couples. It is a serious read that will live you informed and inspired. We just met the author whose presentation in person is inspiring. Terry Gould is becoming the spokesperson for an under represented and growing population. Excellent read!

Real Sex

This book gives an unbiased look at sexual ethics in the Americas. It looks at the high divorce rate and suggests that swingers may have a better life than most of us. Most "lifestyle couples" are in committed relationships but just feel that monogamy is unrealistic and that open and honest relationships are the best. The book also contains some very sexy descriptions of the house parties and conventions these folks have almost every week.

A serious look at swinging

The subject is, on the surface, swinging - sharing sexual partners. A closer look shows that the subject is the dynamics of close relationships. There is much written about the subject of relationships, so, you may ask why I think swingers have something to say? My answer is that swingers removed the taboos and discarded the 'already known facts' before examining the subject. The book is not, I say, a definitive work. It is more of an investigation. It is far more complete, accurate, unbiased, thoughtful, and provocative than anything else I have seen on the subject. It will be quite valuable to anybody who reads it. I do not mean that whoever reads this book will see that swinging is the way to go - not at all. You don't have to be a swinger to benefit from what swingers have learned just as you don't have to be an astronomer to benefit from what astronomers know.