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Dating No Guts No Glory
For Louisa Barker, recent graduate of Whitney High School, a good man is hard to find. And over the next few years, her adventures take her into no-manâ s land, literally. This hilarious, touching, and true to life portrayal of a young woman searching for Mr. Right follows Louisa on her exciting journey through dating. As it turns out, this young lady of high standards and even higher expectations is happily ambushed by the love of an incredible, but unlikely, young man.
184 pages, Audio Cassette
First published July 28, 1989
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Joni Hilton
36 books35 followersJoni Hilton is an award-winning playwright, the author of 20 books, and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing from USC. She is frequently published in major magazines and contributes columns to MeridianMagazine.com. She hosts a call-in radio advice show on Saturday mornings on AM-1380 KTKZ (streaming live)at 9 a.m. Pacific Time.
Hilton is a former TV talk show host and TV spokeswoman for various corporations, and lives in Sacramento, California, with her husband, Bob, a former game show announcer. They are the parents of four children. Read more at jonihilton.com. Or, check out her Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joni-Hi...
Her three new Kindle books are available for just $2.99 at amazon.com/author/jonihilton and in paperback form at Createspace.com.
Hilton is a former TV talk show host and TV spokeswoman for various corporations, and lives in Sacramento, California, with her husband, Bob, a former game show announcer. They are the parents of four children. Read more at jonihilton.com. Or, check out her Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joni-Hi...
Her three new Kindle books are available for just $2.99 at amazon.com/author/jonihilton and in paperback form at Createspace.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 19, 2009
I’m in pre-spring cleaning mode . . . and part of that is trying to declutter my book collection. I have many books that I bought when I was a teenager that I’m not likely to really read again. And since they have a “previously enjoyed” section at our local LDS bookstore, I’m trundling off a few to places where they will be enjoyed again! :)
Part of this decluttering process involves me re-reading all of the books that I’m considering giving up . . . just to make ABSOLUTELY sure that I want to part with them! :lol:
Last month I read 2 such books:
“Braces, Gymsuits and Early-Morning Seminary” (Joni Winn) and “Dating: No Guts, No Glory” (Joni Winn Hilton)
The first one uses a fictional character, Louisa, to give advice to teens (especially teen girls). Some of the myths she debunks are “everybody’s looking at me”, and “if it isn’t easy, forget it”.
Using the vehicle of a fictional character to present life lessons is a good one . . . the book doesn’t come off as overly preachy. That said, it lacks a certain cohesiveness because there’s no story line. I’m not sure whether or not to call this fiction or not!
The second book is the continuing story of Louisa, though this time told through an actual storyline which made it easier to follow. Yet, it still takes the premise of being an advise book . . . this time on how to know true love from infatuation and the like.
All in all, I liked the books. “Dating” was by far the better of the 2 in my opinion, and not just because of the fact that it was easier to follow. I did not agree with some of the inferences (well and right out statements) she made with regards to the Word of Wisdom. But I have to bite my tongue and remember that this is her opinion, not doctrine! ;)
Part of this decluttering process involves me re-reading all of the books that I’m considering giving up . . . just to make ABSOLUTELY sure that I want to part with them! :lol:
Last month I read 2 such books:
“Braces, Gymsuits and Early-Morning Seminary” (Joni Winn) and “Dating: No Guts, No Glory” (Joni Winn Hilton)
The first one uses a fictional character, Louisa, to give advice to teens (especially teen girls). Some of the myths she debunks are “everybody’s looking at me”, and “if it isn’t easy, forget it”.
Using the vehicle of a fictional character to present life lessons is a good one . . . the book doesn’t come off as overly preachy. That said, it lacks a certain cohesiveness because there’s no story line. I’m not sure whether or not to call this fiction or not!
The second book is the continuing story of Louisa, though this time told through an actual storyline which made it easier to follow. Yet, it still takes the premise of being an advise book . . . this time on how to know true love from infatuation and the like.
All in all, I liked the books. “Dating” was by far the better of the 2 in my opinion, and not just because of the fact that it was easier to follow. I did not agree with some of the inferences (well and right out statements) she made with regards to the Word of Wisdom. But I have to bite my tongue and remember that this is her opinion, not doctrine! ;)
March 18, 2008
This was SUCH A GOOD BOOK! It is actually the sequel to "Braces, Gym Suits, and early morning seminary". It gets spiritual at times, but it also covers all sorts of guy/dating issues. (and it makes you rethink that crush that seems "perfect") Although it is aimed toward older teens, it was good, I say I will probably read it again when I turn 16, and again when I am in college. EVERYONE HAS TO READ THESE BOOKS THEY ARE SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!
March 30, 2017
I laughed out loud several times but the subtitle says, "a novel". It's not a novel really. It's more of a manual.
July 30, 2009
Even though this book is fiction, I really think it should be shelved/classified more as "self-help" ... along the lines of He's Just Not Into You.
Yes, Hilton's made a fictional account of how dating should work. Yes, I would probably have my daughter read this. however, reading it after I'm married? As much as I love Joni Hilton (Seriously? Her talks on tape? Are HILARIOUS!!), I felt that this was rather preachy and would have been better implemented as a non-fiction manual with the fictional stories given as examples (I know that I've read some books where they've done this! And it's pretty decent!).
I also wasn't wild about her protagonist. She came across as rather snobbish and judgemental ... a little self-righteous. Her role was written as a bit of an LDS Elizabeth Bennet ... but she felt (at times) much more like Lady de Bourgh. I just couldn't relate to her all the time.
It wasn't terrible. It just took me a while to plod though some parts. There were also some parts that were very enjoyable.
The end, though, seemed a bit rushed.
I wonder how the condensed book on tape compares.
This book does, though, have some very god points and ideas. I just think they could be better implemented.
Yes, Hilton's made a fictional account of how dating should work. Yes, I would probably have my daughter read this. however, reading it after I'm married? As much as I love Joni Hilton (Seriously? Her talks on tape? Are HILARIOUS!!), I felt that this was rather preachy and would have been better implemented as a non-fiction manual with the fictional stories given as examples (I know that I've read some books where they've done this! And it's pretty decent!).
I also wasn't wild about her protagonist. She came across as rather snobbish and judgemental ... a little self-righteous. Her role was written as a bit of an LDS Elizabeth Bennet ... but she felt (at times) much more like Lady de Bourgh. I just couldn't relate to her all the time.
It wasn't terrible. It just took me a while to plod though some parts. There were also some parts that were very enjoyable.
The end, though, seemed a bit rushed.
I wonder how the condensed book on tape compares.
This book does, though, have some very god points and ideas. I just think they could be better implemented.
August 25, 2014
I picked up this book at my family's, missing the "a novel" part and expecting how-to sections and the like. But rather than advice and ideas presented with supporting stories, it's more a series of stories told with advice integrated throughout. Although I'm happily married and no longer in the dating game, I'm a romantic at heart and the stories caught my attention.
I would totally encourage my teenagers to read this (when, you know, I actually have teenagers). Her stories and advice are fun and, in my opinion, often portrayed realistically. There were many moments where I thought, "Oh yeah, that's just how guys are" and "Every girl should hear this."
Near the end it got more "preachy," as some people have said, being more advice-driven (and focusing on spiritual aspects, which is a must for LDS young adults) rather than story-driven. That was mostly "been there, done that" stuff for me so I skimmed it. I also felt like there was a truckload of metaphors, but I wouldn't have minded them if I'd read this book while I was dating. Many were spot on about how some of those awkward dating moments feel. Overall, a useful and humorous piece of fiction for the dating individual.
I would totally encourage my teenagers to read this (when, you know, I actually have teenagers). Her stories and advice are fun and, in my opinion, often portrayed realistically. There were many moments where I thought, "Oh yeah, that's just how guys are" and "Every girl should hear this."
Near the end it got more "preachy," as some people have said, being more advice-driven (and focusing on spiritual aspects, which is a must for LDS young adults) rather than story-driven. That was mostly "been there, done that" stuff for me so I skimmed it. I also felt like there was a truckload of metaphors, but I wouldn't have minded them if I'd read this book while I was dating. Many were spot on about how some of those awkward dating moments feel. Overall, a useful and humorous piece of fiction for the dating individual.
September 3, 2011
If I read this book for the first time right now I'm fairly sure it would get a three. However, I loved this book so much as a teenager that I can't give it less than a four. I read this book over and over again getting laughs with every reading. I'm sure it would still get a few chuckles at this stage but I doubt it would stand the test of time. I would recommend this to teenage girls.
I went through a phase where I read all of Hilton's books even though her RS related ones didn't really apply to me at the time they WERE very entertaining. I DO remember them being a little hard to believe in (a woman building her own house with a glue gun in hand and decorating solely with crocheted items?!?!?!?) which is why I am giving a lower rating 10+ years after having read them. When I need a nice light read I may give them a second look.
I went through a phase where I read all of Hilton's books even though her RS related ones didn't really apply to me at the time they WERE very entertaining. I DO remember them being a little hard to believe in (a woman building her own house with a glue gun in hand and decorating solely with crocheted items?!?!?!?) which is why I am giving a lower rating 10+ years after having read them. When I need a nice light read I may give them a second look.
August 19, 2008
This book has TONS of great advice about dating. It is a great read for boy or girl. Joni Hilton clearly defines love verses infatuation and teaches one how to build self-esteem so that there is no need to rely on the attention of the opposite sex to give us that false sense of worth. All this following the main character through her hilariously life-like experiences of dating--and yes, she does eventually find true love.
July 19, 2013
My brother and sister-in-law gave me this book on my 16th birthday (seeing how I was now old enough to date.)
The story was cute, but it was nearly lost in the preachy nature of the book. I found myself thinking "OK get off the soap box already so we can get back to the story!"
I'd classify it more as an "LDS Dating: How-To" book with a smattering of romantic comedy - just to keep it interesting...
The story was cute, but it was nearly lost in the preachy nature of the book. I found myself thinking "OK get off the soap box already so we can get back to the story!"
I'd classify it more as an "LDS Dating: How-To" book with a smattering of romantic comedy - just to keep it interesting...
June 24, 2015
I first read this book as a newly dating teenager. I loved it, and pondered on it frequently, and even quoted the quirky Louisa Barker. Now that I have a 16 year old daughter, I want her to read the same wise advise, mingled with good humor and fun stories. This book is part self-help and part novel, and is written to inspire, make you laugh, and give good sound dating advise.
February 19, 2008
The title is deceiving. When I got this book (in high school) I thought it was a "self-help" book (I NEEDED it!) No, it's actually a very humorous look at one girl and the various things she learns from different people she dates -- the ups and downs while looking for Mr. Right. Very fun book.
February 19, 2009
Wow, can we say LDS guide to dating that is put in a "romantic comedy" type way. Though, I do have to admit that I liked it a lot more than I thought I would have. But I felt a little silly telling people what I was reading.
November 15, 2011
I enjoyed the fictional story and the humor. It did get a little too preachy at times(especially near the end) but is something I would want my kids to read. Good advice but reading it as a mom, I got a little tired of reading that part. A bit predictable at times but a fun read.
June 15, 2013
I can't remember if I first read this in high school or college. I love this author's sense of humor and didn't mind the honesty with which she shared her opinion of dating and the dilemmas that come. It was just right for the time I read it. The many times I read it.
February 19, 2008
An extremely funny book about dating in the Mormon world. I laugh and laugh every time I read this. (which has been several times.)
February 25, 2008
I havent read this book since i was in High School, but at the time it was hilarious! If the title isnt enough to get you to read it, i dont know what is!
March 17, 2008
This book makes me laugh. Okay, so it's one of those silly LDS teenager books... but I like it.
April 3, 2008
I have read this book so many times. It is such an easy read. Her humor is why I constantly read it. It's a fun one.
April 4, 2008
Another all-time teenager favorite of mine. Wore my copy clean out. :)
April 24, 2008
This book makes me crack up every time I read it. Has some nice insights, too.
June 3, 2008
Such a funny, good book!!! I love it!!
July 23, 2008
such a cute book! Nothing too deep, and a quick read. I LOVE Joni Hilton. She has written some wonderful non-fiction as well!
September 21, 2008
Great dating advice in a non-preachy, fun novel. I still remember what I learned here....
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October 5, 2008I just saw this on someone's review and remember reading it when I was beginning to date. I liked it a lot as far as I can remember.
April 28, 2009
Funny book, an easy read and very entertaining!!!
May 30, 2009
Read this book in high school and loved it!
January 6, 2011
this was a secret guilty pleasure for me back in high school. Now I think I'm old enough to admit I enjoyed it :)
August 24, 2013
I just love this book! I love LDS love stories. It has helpful tips for dating and it a fun book.
March 30, 2011
Loved this book as a teen!
April 7, 2011
This is a really good teen book for girls. They will love identifying with the main girl character as she goes along the path to find her eternal companion.
August 25, 2011
This was a cute book. I think I read this before when I was in high school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews