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

[Jennifer Coxon]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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All of us have experienced bad dates in our lives. Some of us have experienced utterly disastrous dates. Thankfully, I don’t fall into the latter category myself, but I have friends that would say their dates have been disasters. However, I don’t think I have come across anyone with such truly disastrous luck in dating as Polly Mortimer. I still don’t understand how she has had so many bad dates. Polly has been good to all of us by sharing her experiences and the lessons that she has learned along the way in 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir.

Poppy sets out 28 of the most disastrous dates in her book with a chapter for each date. She explains for each date how old she was, where they met and how she was asked out. She then describes some context to her life at the time and provides details of the date itself with just the right touch of humour. Poppy finishes each date with her lessons learned, which comprise a mix of what she should and shouldn’t look for in a date and lessons about her self-improvement and worth.

There are so many things I loved about this book. From the witty introduction with her plea to others to not “do any of these things you are about to read. Pretty please. And if you are thinking about it, just stop. Like immediately.” to her appreciation of vocabulary where she doesn’t feel the need for profanity (although one word does sneak into the book). I loved that Poppy included bits about her life at the beginning of each of the chapters to provide context. For example, she had moved to a new location, was trying a new hobby or had set up a new business. They all either explained a bit about how she met her date or why they were going on that activity on the date. Speaking of which, I enjoyed that Poppy is not one for the standard coffee date. She enjoys going on adventurous and active dates, from trips to Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach to horse riding and yachting. I also appreciated that Poppy provided a warning ahead of any of the gross or potentially triggering dates.

There was nothing I disliked about this book, except for one particularly disgusting date. However, it deserved inclusion in the list of most disastrous dates.

I have rated 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir four out of four stars. The book was funny and witty throughout and tried to tamper down some of the offensive parts. There were very few errors, which suggests the book has been professionally edited. I would recommend this book to anyone currently dipping their toe in the dating pool. Although, anyone who has been through the dating pool and made it out to the other side would enjoy it also. However, I will forewarn you that some of these dates are not for the faint-hearted.

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28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
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