Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir

Marissa Maniaci · Post by **Marissa Maniaci** » 07 Jul 2023, 18:15

[Following is a volunteer review of "28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir" by Poppy Mortimer.]

5 out of 5 stars

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28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir is the author’s account of her notable dating experiences between the ages of 20 and 40 and how they shaped her priorities in romantic relationships. The author highlights differences in dating culture in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, and provides commentary about an assortment of modalities to meet new dates: in person, through dating apps and websites, or speed dating and events.

28 Disastrous Dates was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. The dates were an absurd amalgamation of emotional instability, manipulation and lies, and poor hygiene. There were a truly astounding number of injuries or medical emergencies, dramatic outbursts, and genital faux pas. I found myself laughing out loud, gasping, and feeling nauseated – sometimes all on the same page. I can’t even count how many times my jaw dropped in shock, horror, or disgust as I read through the undeniably disastrous dates. This author has an incredible sense of humor, and an ability to keep the retellings light-hearted even if the date itself needed to come with a warning label. The writing was filled with sarcastic humor, pop culture references, imaginative similes and metaphors, and creative innuendos and euphemisms, making for an amusing reading experience.

I really enjoyed the format of 28 Disastrous Dates. Each new chapter represented a different date, with a clever nickname to represent the man, the author’s age and location at the time of the date, and a brief description of where they met and how he asked her out. We were then provided with enough background information and relevant anecdotes about the author’s childhood and upbringing to understand where she was in her personal and professional life at the time of the date, what her current goals and interests were regarding dating, and how the date came to be. I often found that this context clarified how the author could end up in some of the ludicrous scenarios that transpired. The next section of each chapter included a detailed description of the date and how it inevitably went awry. Finally, each chapter ended with the author reflecting on what she learned from the date. I enjoyed seeing how the author refined her perspective on what she needed from a future partner and how she managed to remain hopeful after some truly horrendous dating experiences.

Summary: I would give 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I think this book appeals to any woman who has had the pleasure (or misfortune) of dating men. We can commiserate with the author’s disastrous dating, see it as a cautionary tale and learn from her mistakes and misfortunes, or take joy in the fact that our dating horrors pale in comparison.

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28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
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OTrain Disene · Post by **OTrain Disene** » 24 Jul 2023, 17:36

Whoo! The cover is so attractive. I love the colour used in the background. Your review is amazing. I enjoyed reading it. Great job.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 24 Jul 2023, 17:57

This really sounds like my dating life. Even though mine all happened before dating apps or speed dating, they were equally horrible. It’s amazing how little thought some put into dating.