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

Post by **Oleabhiele Joseph** » 06 Dec 2023, 11:31

[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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Many individuals don't experience the fortune of a love-at-first-sight moment when embarking on their quest for love. Some navigate the world of online dating, traversing a labyrinth of disastrous dates with promising beginnings, only to conclude with what can only be described as horrible. Unfortunately, this is the narrative for Poppy Mortimer, an attractive English girl with high hopes of finding love in her twenties. Diving headfirst into numerous dates across several continents, she undoubtedly hopes to fulfil this dream. In the captivating novel 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humorous Memoir by Poppy Mortimer, she recounts the most disastrous dates she's ever encountered, and to be honest, it's a ride you won't want to miss. From aspiring contenders for the Guinness World Record for the largest appendage to a ninety-year-old yacht captain, Poppy captivates readers with her brilliant, incredibly funny narrations, ensuring no dull moments throughout the book.

This book proved to be a rollercoaster of fun, and every moment spent reading it was thoroughly enjoyable. It's a one-sit read, compelling you to continue as each chapter unveils a spectrum of what the next date entails. Memoirs usually give the impression of a potentially dull story about someone's life, but this one defied expectations. I even questioned whether some dates or their stories had a touch of fiction, as they seemed otherworldly and hilariously so. Reading this book was a thrilling experience, and I'm definitely gearing up for a second ride, perhaps more.

Poppy Mortimer is a master entertainer, and the glimpses between dates reveal a side that endears readers to her, making the read even more worthwhile. Her character is delightful, and despite my observation that she exudes confidence, bordering on overconfidence, it was a joy to read about dates that kept getting more interesting with each chapter. Undoubtedly, she is a great writer, and this book is likely to resonate with many readers who have faced their own share of disastrous dates, finding comfort and humour in her tales. Additionally, the book imparts numerous lessons, with the author providing insightful takeaways at the end of each chapter. It manages to be both educational and entertaining—a delightful combination.

Honestly speaking, the only aspect I found less positive in this book is that, as previously mentioned, some parts felt interwoven with fiction. One or two stories had predictable elements that didn't feel entirely authentic. However, I acknowledge that reality can sometimes be as strange as fiction, and considering the title states "mostly real," this doesn't fully qualify as a negative aspect.

The author skillfully obscured profanity in the book with "bleep," given the colourful vocabulary of many dates. However, a few instances of profanity still found their way into the narrative. While there wasn't explicit, detailed sexual content, there were some nude appearances, making the book best suited for a mature audience.

Remarkably, this book was exceptionally well edited. I admire authors whose books contain no grammatical errors whatsoever, and Poppy Mortimer deserves my applause for her excellent work. Having found nothing to significantly diminish my admiration for this publication, I confidently rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's a near-perfect read with minimal flaws, certain to deliver humour and valuable lessons across all mature age groups.

That being said, if you've battled through your fair share of cringe-worthy dates or just love a good dose of humour with a side of life wisdom, I’m absolutely certain that this book will be a great fit for you. Get your copy of this book, and thank me later.

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28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
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Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 18 Dec 2023, 09:16

Hi, Oleabhiele, you did a thorough review of this book. The author of this book must be hilarious in person. It is clear that you enjoyed the book and that the author is a superb writer and story-teller. I hope she found someone to share her life with. It is always a pleasure to read your well-written reviews. Have a great day.

Post by **Oleabhiele Joseph** » 20 Dec 2023, 15:22

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑18 Dec 2023, 09:16 Hi, Oleabhiele, you did a thorough review of this book. The author of this book must be hilarious in person. It is clear that you enjoyed the book and that the author is a superb writer and story-teller. I hope she found someone to share her life with. It is always a pleasure to read your well-written reviews. Have a great day.

Well, according to her, she’s still in the market lol. Still going through many dates looking for him. Hopefully one day, all her efforts will be rewarded.