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lillimoore's review
3.0
This book is full of interesting concepts and ideas about how to medicalize relationships and treat them in a clinical setting, many of which I agreed with. It is written mostly in engaging terms, but at times, it has a tendency to drag, and sometimes the reader/listener is left to do mental gymnastics to connect concepts across chapters—in other words, there is little fluidity between chapters and sometimes it feels as though the main points become diluted. I also have a hard time believing the authors are passionate enough about their beliefs and hopes for changes in the scientific and medical community to write a powerful book that could incite change or more open-mindedness towards the ideas of using MDMA in a scientific setting and otherwise administering chemical therapy to aid our relationships with others. I would be more interested in seeing their other work in the academic world.
bootman's review
5.0
This book is the perfect blend of psychology, philosophy, and biology, and I don't feel like I can do a review of it justice. The book discusses so many topics about love and relationships that I haven't heard mentioned in any other books I've read. As a recovering drug addict, I'm always wary of how an author will talk about the use of psychedelic and traditional medications because some tout them as a cure-all and don't think about the ethics, but these authors surprised me with their views. They did a great job diving into a wide range of topics from heteronormative relationships, to homosexuality, to BDSM and polyamory. They did so in a professional, well-thought-out way as well, and I think everyone should read this book.
alexherder's review against another edition
3.0
This could have been a 2,000 word article, and it probably should be. In fact, if you can find an article by these authors on the subject or a long-form interview podcast, you should check it out. The idea is fascinating: that love is subject to both psychosocial and biological factors and that we are now starting to understand and successfully intervene in the biological side in a way that seems to be far more powerful and effective than traditional therapy.
The title and synopsis reads like it will be a pop science Michael Pollan-esque exploration of relationship/love pharmacology. Maybe something like [b:How to Change Your Mind|36613747|How to Change Your Mind What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence|Michael Pollan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545030338l/36613747._SY75_.jpg|58370652]. But it's not that. It's much more of a philosophy text, with much more time dedicated to thoroughly establishing the ethical frontier of this movement and (in my opinion) far too much hand wringing. I did finish it, and I am intrigued by the implications, but most of the "on the other hands" probably could have been cut without much loss.
The title and synopsis reads like it will be a pop science Michael Pollan-esque exploration of relationship/love pharmacology. Maybe something like [b:How to Change Your Mind|36613747|How to Change Your Mind What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence|Michael Pollan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545030338l/36613747._SY75_.jpg|58370652]. But it's not that. It's much more of a philosophy text, with much more time dedicated to thoroughly establishing the ethical frontier of this movement and (in my opinion) far too much hand wringing. I did finish it, and I am intrigued by the implications, but most of the "on the other hands" probably could have been cut without much loss.
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