What do you think?
Rate this book
Strange Relationships: There's No Such Thing As Normal
Hopeless Romantics, Sociopathic Lovers, and Kinky Weirdos There's No Such Thing as Normal
In Strange Relationships, Cary Tennis returns with another Since You Asked collection, this time focusing on the messy, surprising world of love, marriage, and dating. Through letters from hopeless romantics, bewildered spouses, and unconventional lovers, Cary explores the there's no such thing as a "normal" relationship.
With his signature empathy, humor, and honesty, Cary dives into the strange pull of romance and the complex desires that drive us together-and sometimes tear us apart. From star-crossed lovers to open marriages and secret obsessions, Strange Relationships offers a candid look at the weirdness of human connection.
Perfect for anyone questioning their own love life or fascinated by the quirks of others, this book is a reminder that when it comes to relationships, we're all a little strange-and that's what makes love worth it.
In Strange Relationships, Cary Tennis returns with another Since You Asked collection, this time focusing on the messy, surprising world of love, marriage, and dating. Through letters from hopeless romantics, bewildered spouses, and unconventional lovers, Cary explores the there's no such thing as a "normal" relationship.
With his signature empathy, humor, and honesty, Cary dives into the strange pull of romance and the complex desires that drive us together-and sometimes tear us apart. From star-crossed lovers to open marriages and secret obsessions, Strange Relationships offers a candid look at the weirdness of human connection.
Perfect for anyone questioning their own love life or fascinated by the quirks of others, this book is a reminder that when it comes to relationships, we're all a little strange-and that's what makes love worth it.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
4 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 24, 2024
I received an EARC of this book from Netgalley and the Book whisperer and had no preconceived notions or even anything about the author. Cary Tennis is an advice columnist for Salon magazine and the book is made of letters and his answers, mainly about relationships.
People certainly get themselves into strange relationships, hence the title. Cary answers with honesty and never denigrates the questioner, which I consider a major feat. If I had answered some of these questions, I don't think I could be quite so kind.
It was interesting reading a book I might never have picked myself, which is a reason I am in 10 bookclubs and belong to Netgalley. Sometimes I am quite surprised by how much I like a book that others do not, but also I frequently do not like books others rave about. That is also why I like to read reviews on Goodreads and hope that my reviews help others.
People certainly get themselves into strange relationships, hence the title. Cary answers with honesty and never denigrates the questioner, which I consider a major feat. If I had answered some of these questions, I don't think I could be quite so kind.
It was interesting reading a book I might never have picked myself, which is a reason I am in 10 bookclubs and belong to Netgalley. Sometimes I am quite surprised by how much I like a book that others do not, but also I frequently do not like books others rave about. That is also why I like to read reviews on Goodreads and hope that my reviews help others.
March 10, 2025
Disclaimer--He's my uncle and I enjoy his writing.
Written in typical Cary Tennis fashion, the content of "Strange Relationships" is exactly that--an examination of the many ways we connect and don't connect with each other.
There are over 8 billion people on this planet and we're not meant to get along with them all. This book helps show just how varied, unique, and dare I say strange these interactions are.
Took me longer than I expected to finish but I would highly recommend.
Written in typical Cary Tennis fashion, the content of "Strange Relationships" is exactly that--an examination of the many ways we connect and don't connect with each other.
There are over 8 billion people on this planet and we're not meant to get along with them all. This book helps show just how varied, unique, and dare I say strange these interactions are.
Took me longer than I expected to finish but I would highly recommend.
May 17, 2025
Such was my excitement at finding another Cary Tennis book that I didn't even register the title. I was five entries in before I realized the letters spanned 15 years and focused on fairly hairy romantic entanglements.
My life is pretty vanilla compared to those in this book, but I have had friends over the years who talked to me about their non-Hallmark-movie sexual arrangements. To myself, I wondered what in hell they were thinking, but out loud I tried to be supportive, worldly and a good friend. I figured it was an education in human nature. I definitely could have used another perspective on these confidences.
Although he gets a little snippy and calls bullshit on a few of the letter-writers, Mr. Tennis is mostly as non-judgemental as I could imagine anyone being. His replies often go into our culture's influence on us and our inner lives, for a bigger-picture view of how our thoughts and assumptions have been shaped. It's a nice change from the usual you're-the-diot/they're-the-idiot blaming game.
One entry really did not fit -- a teenaged girl being harassed by a mentally unsound in-law -- and better advice was needed regarding her safety.
I read the book over a few nights and came away grateful for my boring life, and at the same time in awe of the Who-Gives-A-Shit-Why-Not-Let's-Do-It!!! choices people make.
My life is pretty vanilla compared to those in this book, but I have had friends over the years who talked to me about their non-Hallmark-movie sexual arrangements. To myself, I wondered what in hell they were thinking, but out loud I tried to be supportive, worldly and a good friend. I figured it was an education in human nature. I definitely could have used another perspective on these confidences.
Although he gets a little snippy and calls bullshit on a few of the letter-writers, Mr. Tennis is mostly as non-judgemental as I could imagine anyone being. His replies often go into our culture's influence on us and our inner lives, for a bigger-picture view of how our thoughts and assumptions have been shaped. It's a nice change from the usual you're-the-diot/they're-the-idiot blaming game.
One entry really did not fit -- a teenaged girl being harassed by a mentally unsound in-law -- and better advice was needed regarding her safety.
I read the book over a few nights and came away grateful for my boring life, and at the same time in awe of the Who-Gives-A-Shit-Why-Not-Let's-Do-It!!! choices people make.
February 15, 2025
Strange Relationships: There's No Such Thing As Normal is like Dear Abby on steroids. I grew up with the Dear Abby column and this is my first time reading Cary Tennis, so the reflection is my first take. With Tennis's sharp wit, conversational style, and fearless attitude, there were nary a dull moment in this book.
Cary Tennis serves up wild, over-the-top questions, and the occasional delphinophile (oh god, did I just invent a thing?) lifestyle advice with surprisingly heartfelt and insightful wisdom.
It’s a quick, easy read, and full of (mostly) useful life advice. It reminds me of a self-help book for weirdos and is much better than The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**—* because here, plenty of f***s are given. Honestly, I wish there were an audiobook or a podcast version because this is Paul Harvey meets Dee Snider, and the world needs more of that energy.
If you love advice columns, quick life lessons, or ummm...dolphins....this is definitely your book. As my good friend Flipper said, 'Eee Eee Eeee, squawk-click-triple snap!' (which translates into: I received an ARC of this for an honest review, oh and please stop touching me in the blowhole...)
Cary Tennis serves up wild, over-the-top questions, and the occasional delphinophile (oh god, did I just invent a thing?) lifestyle advice with surprisingly heartfelt and insightful wisdom.
It’s a quick, easy read, and full of (mostly) useful life advice. It reminds me of a self-help book for weirdos and is much better than The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**—* because here, plenty of f***s are given. Honestly, I wish there were an audiobook or a podcast version because this is Paul Harvey meets Dee Snider, and the world needs more of that energy.
If you love advice columns, quick life lessons, or ummm...dolphins....this is definitely your book. As my good friend Flipper said, 'Eee Eee Eeee, squawk-click-triple snap!' (which translates into: I received an ARC of this for an honest review, oh and please stop touching me in the blowhole...)
December 6, 2024
I have been a fan of advice columns since I was a child, reading Miss Manners, Dear Abby, and Ann Landers faithfully every day. I had never heard of Cary Tennis prior to seeing his ebook, Strange Relationships, a collection of his online Since You Asked columns. The 59 letters from readers are answered by the author, with each letter having its own chapter in the book.
The subject of the letters is love and relationships, be it familial, friendship, and/or romantic. The author responds to each letter with a long explanation and backstory, gently guiding the letter-writer to an empathetic solution. Whereas the newspaper columnists of old had restricted word counts, Tennis is able to write as much as he wants. I found his advice to be both helpful and compassionate, and the book overall to be simultaneously entertaining and enlightening.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Book Whisperer for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The subject of the letters is love and relationships, be it familial, friendship, and/or romantic. The author responds to each letter with a long explanation and backstory, gently guiding the letter-writer to an empathetic solution. Whereas the newspaper columnists of old had restricted word counts, Tennis is able to write as much as he wants. I found his advice to be both helpful and compassionate, and the book overall to be simultaneously entertaining and enlightening.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Book Whisperer for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2024
I really liked reading about modern angst. There are questions about everyday problems, and then there are the really deep ones. I compared my thoughts with the advice given and Boy! I need to upgrade my understanding. And this is the book to do it! Highly entertaining and educational in a good way. Recommend reading it.
November 25, 2024
This a book about strange, weird, and creepy people speaking of their sexual relationships. I did not like it. I don't recommend it.
November 26, 2024
Thank you for the e arc. I was kinda enjoying this book somewhat until it just kept going. It could have been half the amount of pages it was. I do think it was a neat concept.
December 20, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Fascinating & Educational☆
This was my first time reading advice columns, and I really enjoyed it. It was kinda fun getting insights on different real-life problems people are facing. The author did a wonderful job with his replies to each situation. I can't express enough how truly intriguing this read was. If you're looking to read some advice columns that touch on the conflicts in different relationships, this is perfect! It touches on open marriages, secret obsessions, and more!
Thanks so much to the author and Book Whisperer for the ARC!
☆Fascinating & Educational☆
This was my first time reading advice columns, and I really enjoyed it. It was kinda fun getting insights on different real-life problems people are facing. The author did a wonderful job with his replies to each situation. I can't express enough how truly intriguing this read was. If you're looking to read some advice columns that touch on the conflicts in different relationships, this is perfect! It touches on open marriages, secret obsessions, and more!
Thanks so much to the author and Book Whisperer for the ARC!
January 7, 2025
Admittedly, I didn't know who Cary Tennis was until I read his bio in the back of the book. I think he was before my time. (When people were writing into magazines and newspaper columns, I was alive but just not old enough to be aware of or reading them) But I am baffled as to how THIS MANY people continued to write to Cary when his advice and answers were mind-boggling and so painstakingly off-the-mark that I couldn't even keep up with his nonsensical rambling. There were times where he was rude in his response. There were other times where he didn't even answer the question. And there were the few times where what needed to be said was so obvious that he'd be jobless had he not answered the way he did/should have (ex: leave the prostitute and go back to your wife and never mention this to anyone, ever!)
The stories written to Cary, told by others were very captivating and interesting (and also sad and depressing). But those stories were the real stars of this book. Cary's responses, well, you either find them comical, cringeworthy, or simply not worth reading.
All-in-all, this is a good "in between" book. When you read something heavy and are about to move onto your next heavy read, but just need a quick book in between to shake things up. This is a real page-turner.
The stories written to Cary, told by others were very captivating and interesting (and also sad and depressing). But those stories were the real stars of this book. Cary's responses, well, you either find them comical, cringeworthy, or simply not worth reading.
All-in-all, this is a good "in between" book. When you read something heavy and are about to move onto your next heavy read, but just need a quick book in between to shake things up. This is a real page-turner.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews