Rinella, Jack. Partners in Power: Living in Kinky Relationships. Oakland, CA: Greenery Press, 2003.

Whether already a reader of Jack Rinella, The Master’s Manual: A Handbook of Erotic Dominance, The Compleat Slave: Creating and Living an Erotic Dominant/submissive Lifestyle, or new in your readership, this text is an essential read in examining kinky relationships. Requisite reading for its topical coverage, Partners in Power, presents a readable exploration of leather culture in its exploration of the relationships formed and found within.  

Written in Rinella’s measured and clear writing style and supported by his personal experiences and examinations, often times in compounding detail with a slight dry wit, Partners in Power offers an informative read. Complete with coverage and close analysis of relationship topics spanning values, structures and depths, Rinella rarely deviates from his emphasized point of self-awareness.

Exploring relationship aspects from a starting point of self-awareness and self-acceptance allows for psychologically healthy relationships, according to Rinella. Fundamental considerations of self-image, expectations and momentum in kinky relationships are presented with close attention to the importance of honesty and openness. 

As a title that champions self-knowledge and encourages personal methodology, Partners in Power encourages the reader to seek out complete and reliable sources: Preferably dependable sources providing relevant information with a focus on the entirety of their kinky relationship(s). Throughout the text the reader is reminded that these relationship constructs and dynamics are above all else about being human, expressly, “leather is first and foremost an exploration of self.” (58)

An authoritative, informative, and sensible reading recommendation. Enjoy. 

Erin Payton Baker, MLIS

pronouns: she/her

(206) 229-2185

Head Librarian

Pan Eros Foundation

library@pan-eros.org

Between the Covers

“Between the Covers” is an online book discussion group covering a range of sexy topics. Join sexy Head Librarian, Erin, and the Pan Eros Executive Director, Sophia Sky (who identifies as a Shenaniganarian & uses she/her pronouns), from 7:00 - 8:30 on the third Thursday of the month. They choose the topic, you choose whatever related resource turns you on. For more information and tickets, follow the link:

Between the Covers Tickets | online via Zoom | Seattle, WA | Thu, Jul 16 from 7pm - 8:30pm