Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
Posted: 23 Jan 2024, 17:24
[Following is a volunteer review of "28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir" by Poppy Mortimer.]
Comedic expressions like "catfish," "coffin-dodger," "serial-swiper," "ghosting," and "hook-up hunter" are a part of today's dating scene and reflect the distinct culture and vocabulary associated with it. Everyone who wants to "play the field" must familiarize themselves with the rules, which have undergone a complete overhaul over the past two decades. It's not your parent's courtship. Welcome to the "Hunger Games" of dating!
In her laugh-out-loud book 28 Disastrous Dates, Poppy Mortimer gives a masterclass in what seems like pure fiction. The author narrates a side-splitting account of twenty-eight unforgettable dates that unfold across three continents and two decades. She embarks on a fresh chapter of her emotional and professional journey with every ridiculous story, frequently in different locations. Her work is a literary gem for those who appreciate the craft. Her choice of euphemisms instead of profanity adds a touch of civility to her writing. Through personification, she breathes life into her purse (Mary Poppins) and her car (Betty), adding a vibrant and engaging quality to the text. In addition, her clever wordplay and puns will whisk you away to the backdrop of a "Comedy Central" special.
I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. The book is outlandish, delectable, and astonishingly insightful. The author's witty and occasionally self-deprecating style makes her incredibly relatable, leaving you with an undeniable desire to be her friend. The chapters are titled after her dates, hinting at what lies ahead. My favorite dates included the man who requested to be locked in her kitchen cupboard, the guy who created his dating profile based on his future imagined self, and the "Roger Ram Jet" video call. I found myself mortified by her dead animal/dog poo story, impressed by the neuro-linguistic programming seduction, and having flashbacks of my own traumatic dates that I named in a similar fashion (Elf Hands, Mr. GQ, Mr. Animal House, and my own Mr. Protein). At one point, I wondered if she'd be better off donating blood to find her type! I patiently waited for her to embrace her emotionally feral self and go into "goblin mode." However, I'll have to wait for her teaser of a sequel.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how the author takes time to reflect on her personal growth and self-discovery after each chapter and at the end. She approached dating with a curious and introspective mindset, using it to explore her identity and desires. She is a professional dating prophet, inspiring readers to embrace a new approach and reenter the dating scene as a pyromaniac looking for a match. The editing was meticulous, and I could find nothing to dislike about this book; it deserves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for all these reasons.
If you're a single woman, this book is an absolute must! For single men who feel like their dating platforms are starting to resemble "OkStupid" and "Tinder Roulette," you may find some of these stories helpful in avoiding common pitfalls. Readers who don't appreciate sexual innuendo may want to swipe left!
******
28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Comedic expressions like "catfish," "coffin-dodger," "serial-swiper," "ghosting," and "hook-up hunter" are a part of today's dating scene and reflect the distinct culture and vocabulary associated with it. Everyone who wants to "play the field" must familiarize themselves with the rules, which have undergone a complete overhaul over the past two decades. It's not your parent's courtship. Welcome to the "Hunger Games" of dating!
In her laugh-out-loud book 28 Disastrous Dates, Poppy Mortimer gives a masterclass in what seems like pure fiction. The author narrates a side-splitting account of twenty-eight unforgettable dates that unfold across three continents and two decades. She embarks on a fresh chapter of her emotional and professional journey with every ridiculous story, frequently in different locations. Her work is a literary gem for those who appreciate the craft. Her choice of euphemisms instead of profanity adds a touch of civility to her writing. Through personification, she breathes life into her purse (Mary Poppins) and her car (Betty), adding a vibrant and engaging quality to the text. In addition, her clever wordplay and puns will whisk you away to the backdrop of a "Comedy Central" special.
I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. The book is outlandish, delectable, and astonishingly insightful. The author's witty and occasionally self-deprecating style makes her incredibly relatable, leaving you with an undeniable desire to be her friend. The chapters are titled after her dates, hinting at what lies ahead. My favorite dates included the man who requested to be locked in her kitchen cupboard, the guy who created his dating profile based on his future imagined self, and the "Roger Ram Jet" video call. I found myself mortified by her dead animal/dog poo story, impressed by the neuro-linguistic programming seduction, and having flashbacks of my own traumatic dates that I named in a similar fashion (Elf Hands, Mr. GQ, Mr. Animal House, and my own Mr. Protein). At one point, I wondered if she'd be better off donating blood to find her type! I patiently waited for her to embrace her emotionally feral self and go into "goblin mode." However, I'll have to wait for her teaser of a sequel.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how the author takes time to reflect on her personal growth and self-discovery after each chapter and at the end. She approached dating with a curious and introspective mindset, using it to explore her identity and desires. She is a professional dating prophet, inspiring readers to embrace a new approach and reenter the dating scene as a pyromaniac looking for a match. The editing was meticulous, and I could find nothing to dislike about this book; it deserves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for all these reasons.
If you're a single woman, this book is an absolute must! For single men who feel like their dating platforms are starting to resemble "OkStupid" and "Tinder Roulette," you may find some of these stories helpful in avoiding common pitfalls. Readers who don't appreciate sexual innuendo may want to swipe left!
******
28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I'm single but I don't want to date; I want to laugh at other people who date! 
I can tell from your enjoyment that this will be a fun read! Your review is spot-on perfection from beginning to end! Thank you!!!
The author taught me a few new words and phrases, and above all, she made me laugh harder and longer than I have in a long time! Her perspective was also particularly valuable to me because I have never encountered anyone who framed dating as a way of discovering oneself. I hope you do read this book, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review and leave a thoughtful comment! Until next time...
Probably, I have been a disastrous date myself too! 
Of course, the author had an inordinate amount of patience that more often resulted in kindness. Thank you for your exceptionally kind comments and for taking the time to read my reviews! Please tell me if you read this so that I can get your thoughts! Until next time...
Until next time...