Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
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Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
[Following is a volunteer review of "28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir" by Poppy Mortimer.]
"28 Disastrous Dates" by Poppy Mortimer is a humorous memoir that recounts the author's disastrous dating experiences over two decades and three continents. Each chapter details a different date, each more bizarre and outrageous than the last. The author provides hilarious anecdotes about her encounters with men exhibiting strange behaviors, including a man obsessed with having the world's “largest” penis, a man who panics in a haunted house, a man who rages at his car and a bus seat, and a man who attempts to fatten her up to make her less attractive to other men. Through these encounters, the author humorously reflects on dating dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth.
One positive aspect of the book, as you might have guessed, is its humor and wit. This was a source of levity that considerably helped in lighting the mood throughout the story. One that stuck with me was a disastrous date where they found themselves in an awkward situation at a fancy restaurant. The witty commentary and amusing anecdotes throughout the book kept me entertained and engaged, which only goes on to showcase the author's comedic talent.
Another positive aspect is the book's relatability, as seen in the author's reflections on navigating the complexities of modern dating. Her description of a comical misunderstanding during a virtual date resonates with readers who have experienced similar awkward moments in their own dating lives. The difficulty of navigating the digital dating space works well for fostering a sense of connection and empathy among the audience.
Even though the book was mostly humorous, I still find it compelling in the way it blends humor with introspection. By delving into deeper themes of compatibility and personal growth, the book offers not only laughs but also valuable insights into navigating the complexities of love and relationships. The author recounts a conversation where the person she was dating expressed admiration for her strong personality and independent nature but revealed that his ideal partner would be someone more traditional, focusing on homemaking and catering to his needs. Despite the initial attraction, she realized that their values were fundamentally different, leading to the realization that they did not want to compromise their own beliefs and aspirations for the sake of a relationship. This introspective moment highlighted the importance of compatibility in relationships and the significance of staying true to oneself, showcasing a journey of personal growth and self-discovery within the context of dating experiences.
As for the critical aspect, I did not appreciate the author's behavior in certain dating scenarios in the book. In one instance, the author aggressively claimed a table at a café, resulting in an embarrassing confrontation when it turned out to be reserved for another group. I perceived this kind of behavior as rude, which was something I did not fancy. Additionally, the author's reactions to uncomfortable situations, such as a date's panic at an amusement park ride, could be seen as lacking empathy or understanding. These aspects might be perceived negatively by readers looking for a more relatable or considerate protagonist in a memoir.
Thankfully, these negative aspects did not occur frequently; instead, they merely reflected human imperfections. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it was a properly written expression of the author’s experiences. The fact that I found no errors while reading shows the exceptional effort in editing, enhancing the overall reading experience. I think people with a sense of humor who also love a spark of romance would truly enjoy this book.
******
28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"28 Disastrous Dates" by Poppy Mortimer is a humorous memoir that recounts the author's disastrous dating experiences over two decades and three continents. Each chapter details a different date, each more bizarre and outrageous than the last. The author provides hilarious anecdotes about her encounters with men exhibiting strange behaviors, including a man obsessed with having the world's “largest” penis, a man who panics in a haunted house, a man who rages at his car and a bus seat, and a man who attempts to fatten her up to make her less attractive to other men. Through these encounters, the author humorously reflects on dating dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth.
One positive aspect of the book, as you might have guessed, is its humor and wit. This was a source of levity that considerably helped in lighting the mood throughout the story. One that stuck with me was a disastrous date where they found themselves in an awkward situation at a fancy restaurant. The witty commentary and amusing anecdotes throughout the book kept me entertained and engaged, which only goes on to showcase the author's comedic talent.
Another positive aspect is the book's relatability, as seen in the author's reflections on navigating the complexities of modern dating. Her description of a comical misunderstanding during a virtual date resonates with readers who have experienced similar awkward moments in their own dating lives. The difficulty of navigating the digital dating space works well for fostering a sense of connection and empathy among the audience.
Even though the book was mostly humorous, I still find it compelling in the way it blends humor with introspection. By delving into deeper themes of compatibility and personal growth, the book offers not only laughs but also valuable insights into navigating the complexities of love and relationships. The author recounts a conversation where the person she was dating expressed admiration for her strong personality and independent nature but revealed that his ideal partner would be someone more traditional, focusing on homemaking and catering to his needs. Despite the initial attraction, she realized that their values were fundamentally different, leading to the realization that they did not want to compromise their own beliefs and aspirations for the sake of a relationship. This introspective moment highlighted the importance of compatibility in relationships and the significance of staying true to oneself, showcasing a journey of personal growth and self-discovery within the context of dating experiences.
As for the critical aspect, I did not appreciate the author's behavior in certain dating scenarios in the book. In one instance, the author aggressively claimed a table at a café, resulting in an embarrassing confrontation when it turned out to be reserved for another group. I perceived this kind of behavior as rude, which was something I did not fancy. Additionally, the author's reactions to uncomfortable situations, such as a date's panic at an amusement park ride, could be seen as lacking empathy or understanding. These aspects might be perceived negatively by readers looking for a more relatable or considerate protagonist in a memoir.
Thankfully, these negative aspects did not occur frequently; instead, they merely reflected human imperfections. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it was a properly written expression of the author’s experiences. The fact that I found no errors while reading shows the exceptional effort in editing, enhancing the overall reading experience. I think people with a sense of humor who also love a spark of romance would truly enjoy this book.
******
28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
As long as there is a concept of victors, the vanquished will always exist.
~Uchiha M.
~Uchiha M.
Latest Review: Intoxicating Tango by Cherie Magnus
