Laura Kipnis`s self-described polemic about the horrors of monogamy and the benefits of adultery includes an examination of the contradictions between the human needs for romantic closeness and for personal freedom, as well as a half-humorous query into why, already so overworked on the job, we need to work at our relationships, too. Kipnis also looks at the most pious of family-values fans--adulterous politicians in particular--and their inability to live up to the ideals they preach.