Abundant Paths: Beyond Either/Or Thinking to Fulfilling Same-Sex Relationships That Last

by Karl W. Beckstrand

“Engaging…thoughtful.” – The BookLife Prize (Publisher’s Weekly)
Karl Beckstrand went from frustrating relationships to profound lasting ties. Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, every person has legitimate needs for love and true union, including with those of one’s own sex. There are more kinds of connection, deeper than we know. When real needs are met generous feelings can replace discouragement, isolation, infidelity, even addiction. Beckstrand shares keys for healing relationships and creating deep lasting same-sex bonds, whether you’re gay, straight, married, or single. 40,000 words, 190 pages, hard cover/ebook/audio

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

Also writes as: Karl Beckstrand

Reviews

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so interesting. It is an enlightening guide that challenges traditional views on relationships and offers new perspectives on love and connection. The author, with a rich background in journalism, conflict resolution, and experiences from different professional and personal environments, leverages his insights to address relationship dynamics within the LGBTQIA community, though his teachings are universally applicable. I think this book exposes that real love is about wanting the best for someone rather than possessing them, a notion that permeates through discussions on authentic identity, sexual fluidity, and the complexities of attraction. In this book you will explore themes like the importance of understanding one's own sex attractions, the healthfulness of competing desires, and achieving happiness through being true to oneself

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not long ago, my friend told me that she was not having a good time with her partner, that's why I decided to give her a book. On the recommendation of another friend, I gave her this reading. Obviously, what I liked most about this reading is how author Beckstrand helps people create lasting human relationships. A point to note is that this book is inclusive and that the author includes definitions related to the LGBTQIA identity.
Certainly, all human relationships are all different and complex, but in this book the author helps us navigate them and create lasting bonds. I recommend this reading to all those who are looking for refuge, who are looking for the best for someone and who are undoubtedly looking for the best for themselves.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Build a strong relationship.

This is a comforting read that will show the path to stability in its relationships. ''Abundant Paths'' is a book centered on the LGBTQIA community, but I found it applies to everyone. The message and advice you will find here are very useful for everyone. The author talks about different issues that will touch you concerning relationships, as if in a relationship everything is sex, how to be authentic, attraction, or even limits. This book has a very interesting point of view that will make you reflect on the type of relationship you have and how to improve for you. You will enjoy this book; it will help you to build your relationship.

[Sweet-Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is "abundant paths". It was an interesting read exploring sexuality. If you wish to dive deeper into this kind of topic, it may be the book for you. Chapter 11 "authentic identity—the key to happiness" was a good chapter. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karl]

I wrote Abundant Paths: Beyond Either/Or Thinking to Fulfilling Same-Sex Relationships that Last to dispel the myth that there are only two ways to be gay (repressed or hedonistic). Discussing many options opens opportunities for growth—though not every path is equally valuable! Publisher's Weekly called this book “Honest...engaging and thoughtful." Relating bliss can be elusive. Regardless of marital status/sexual orientation, each person has real need for love and union, including with those of one’s own sex. Early indoctrination into sex distracted me from real connection for many years; when emotional needs are met generous loving feelings can replace discouragement, isolation, infidelity, even addiction—and I share keys to healing relationships and creating lasting bonds. I hope all who feel attraction to their own sex—or any potentially isolating distinction—can learn its positive purpose and most fulfilling expressions, that each person can feel self-love, God’s love, and profound love with others.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abundant Paths is a wonderful book that I not only recommend but I will also take as a tool for improvement of my everyday life as a teacher and a human. This fantastic book by Karl W is not only thought out for members of the LGBTQIA community, but for everyone of us that is around them. Along the pages, I read about the vicissitudes in relationships of all kinds. Thanks to the book, I can understand better what they go through daily, and better yet, I can lend support to them. The author skilfully enquires details of relationships with a sensible approach. Another positive point is the writing style of the author; it is strong and straightforward, making complex concepts available to readers. Highly recommendable book for everyone.