Date Expectations

by P.Z. Reizin

This one-man odyssey through the lonely hearts columns is the hilarious and true story of some of the most disastrous dates in history as the author sets out on his quest to leave singledom behind. It includes the date with the psycho weirdo; the world’s shortest date; and the date with a face-lift like a bag of tools.

329 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2005

Reviews

[Tara van Beurden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my shelf for at least fifteen years, purchased at the discount table at a book store in the CBD when I worked at a bank while at uni. I finally decided to read it, wondering why I'd even purchased it, only to find that past me has made a good choice. It's a little dated and there is some descriptions etc of women that probably wouldn't fly now (lots of mention of body weight) but overall its very readable and very entertaining. Paul puts a lonely hearts ad in the paper (I guess, nowadays, he'd have put a profile up on tinder or something) and relays the stories of his various dates, including meeting his eventual wife. It's funny, romantic, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable. A nice book to finish off the year.

[Rosie Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Date Expectations is one of those true stories where every detail has been changed to safeguard the identity of those that appear therein, despite what I'm sure is the occasional exaggeration the book still has that awkward ring of truth about it that keeps you hooked, hoping for that happy ending. I wouldn't have said that Date Expectations was 'un-putdownable' and yet I stayed up most of the night reading it. Reizin has an easy writing style that does draw you in; a keen eye for observational comedy that perhaps veers towards being too sharp on occasion, the book is a definite 'easy read'.

Reizin certainly has a way with words and the book was undoubtedly amusing, however, the conclusion seemed altogether too rushed and the plot (such as it is) fizzled out towards the end. I'm unsure exactly what we're supposed to take away from Reizin's experiences but the book provided a few hours of entertainment nevertheless.

Date Expectations is an easy, humorous read with a happy ending and there's not much more that you can ask for. Reizin's account of his voyage through the lonely hearts is a read I'd recommended, especially if you're just after a light book with a few laughs.

Review originally appeared at Rosie Reads Romance

[Bird Enthusiast · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was alright. i was in it so i guess that deserves some extra stars.