What do you think?
Rate this book
Getting Personal
'Her witty take on life and love hits the mark once again' - Buzz
'Manby will have you in fits once again' - OK! Why is it that your best friend always seems to end up with men who treat her badly? Why is that your best male friend seems intent on dating the kind of girl who thinks that Nietzche is an STD? Why is it that your own little black book looks more and more like the non-celeb client list of the Priory? Why can't any of you find someone quite right? Ruby, Martin and Lou are three old friends who have spent too much time talking about the ones that got away. Facing another summer without love, they decide to approach the dating dilemma in the way they approached finding flatmates. They're going to place personal ads. For one another.
'Manby will have you in fits once again' - OK! Why is it that your best friend always seems to end up with men who treat her badly? Why is that your best male friend seems intent on dating the kind of girl who thinks that Nietzche is an STD? Why is it that your own little black book looks more and more like the non-celeb client list of the Priory? Why can't any of you find someone quite right? Ruby, Martin and Lou are three old friends who have spent too much time talking about the ones that got away. Facing another summer without love, they decide to approach the dating dilemma in the way they approached finding flatmates. They're going to place personal ads. For one another.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
12 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Chris Manby
38 books122 followersThis author has also released books under the name Chrissie Manby.
Encouraged my by English teacher, Mrs. Pocock, I published my first short story in Just Seventeen when I was fourteen years old. The story was called ‘Whatever happened to the wonderful boy I fell in love with’ and I published it under the pseudonym ‘Carolyn Lane’ because it largely consisted of a transcript of an argument I’d had with my boyfriend. I bought a black denim jacket from C & A with the proceeds.
I continued to contribute short stories to Just Seventeen to help pay my way through university. I studied Experimental Psychology at St Edmund Hall in Oxford. Alas, I devoted rather too much time to my social life and staggered away with an unimpressive 2:2. In retrospect, that 2:2 saved my life. It meant that none of the graduate training schemes I had hoped to join would have me. I wouldn’t become an accountant after all. I moved to London and took a series of temp jobs to support myself. It was while I was working at Prelude Audio Books, a company which took erotic ‘classics’ and put them on tape, that I met my first real novelist: David Garnett.
David is a very well respected science fiction writer, who once dabbled with writing erotica under the name Angelique. Prelude was recording the Angelique novels. One afternoon, David spent a couple of hours sitting on my desk, waiting for my boss to come back from a very long publishing lunch to discuss some unpaid royalties. I told David I’d always wanted to be a writer. He dared me to write a novella like Angelique’s. A few weeks later, I handed him my first full-length manuscript. David cast his experienced eye over my scribblings, helped me tweak it and then passed it on to his editor at Little Brown. Incredibly, she made an offer on it. My dream of becoming a proper writer was reborn.
That first book was called ‘Inspiration’. It centred on the sexual shenanigans of a group of artists in St Ives. Wary of embarrassing my parents, I published ‘Inspiration’ as Stephanie Ash. Four more Stephanie Ash novellas followed, helping me to pay my rent and attract the attention of a literary agent. In 1997, I published my first Chris Manby novel, ‘Flatmates’…
Thirteen novels on the single life as Chris Manby later, I’ve just published ‘Getting Over Mr. Right’ as ‘Chrissie Manby’ (apparently too many people are under the impression that I am a bloke!).
I live in London and when I’m not writing (in fact, even when I’m supposed to be writing) I spend an awful lot of time on Twitter. Follow me on @chrissiemanby.
Encouraged my by English teacher, Mrs. Pocock, I published my first short story in Just Seventeen when I was fourteen years old. The story was called ‘Whatever happened to the wonderful boy I fell in love with’ and I published it under the pseudonym ‘Carolyn Lane’ because it largely consisted of a transcript of an argument I’d had with my boyfriend. I bought a black denim jacket from C & A with the proceeds.
I continued to contribute short stories to Just Seventeen to help pay my way through university. I studied Experimental Psychology at St Edmund Hall in Oxford. Alas, I devoted rather too much time to my social life and staggered away with an unimpressive 2:2. In retrospect, that 2:2 saved my life. It meant that none of the graduate training schemes I had hoped to join would have me. I wouldn’t become an accountant after all. I moved to London and took a series of temp jobs to support myself. It was while I was working at Prelude Audio Books, a company which took erotic ‘classics’ and put them on tape, that I met my first real novelist: David Garnett.
David is a very well respected science fiction writer, who once dabbled with writing erotica under the name Angelique. Prelude was recording the Angelique novels. One afternoon, David spent a couple of hours sitting on my desk, waiting for my boss to come back from a very long publishing lunch to discuss some unpaid royalties. I told David I’d always wanted to be a writer. He dared me to write a novella like Angelique’s. A few weeks later, I handed him my first full-length manuscript. David cast his experienced eye over my scribblings, helped me tweak it and then passed it on to his editor at Little Brown. Incredibly, she made an offer on it. My dream of becoming a proper writer was reborn.
That first book was called ‘Inspiration’. It centred on the sexual shenanigans of a group of artists in St Ives. Wary of embarrassing my parents, I published ‘Inspiration’ as Stephanie Ash. Four more Stephanie Ash novellas followed, helping me to pay my rent and attract the attention of a literary agent. In 1997, I published my first Chris Manby novel, ‘Flatmates’…
Thirteen novels on the single life as Chris Manby later, I’ve just published ‘Getting Over Mr. Right’ as ‘Chrissie Manby’ (apparently too many people are under the impression that I am a bloke!).
I live in London and when I’m not writing (in fact, even when I’m supposed to be writing) I spend an awful lot of time on Twitter. Follow me on @chrissiemanby.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 12, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
To be honest, I was not blown away by this read. It was quite predictable and I felt a little let down by the obvious direction that the plot took. That being said, it was delightfully easy to dip in and out of and I appreciated the cunning twist that Manby threw in at the end.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
To be honest, I was not blown away by this read. It was quite predictable and I felt a little let down by the obvious direction that the plot took. That being said, it was delightfully easy to dip in and out of and I appreciated the cunning twist that Manby threw in at the end.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
July 28, 2013
Finally.
Finally!
So in the end, it was okay. Not certainly worth reading though. I was quite disappointed because I've read Chris Manby latest books and they were hilarious and funny. But this early book was so-so. Maybe years of experiences had given the author some gist on how to write well. Practice do makes perfect for Chris Manby :)
Finally!
So in the end, it was okay. Not certainly worth reading though. I was quite disappointed because I've read Chris Manby latest books and they were hilarious and funny. But this early book was so-so. Maybe years of experiences had given the author some gist on how to write well. Practice do makes perfect for Chris Manby :)
January 21, 2021
Have been re-reading some of my favourite authors. This is the book from Chris Manby that has stayed in my mind as the years have passed by and it never failed to disappoint when re-reading.
As I could recall the small twist at the end, I was able to appreciate the way the text was written.
As I could recall the small twist at the end, I was able to appreciate the way the text was written.
May 18, 2011
This is Chris Manby's fourth book to be published. I've been meaning to read it for a while, but kept putting it off. I bit the bullet today and sat down to read it.
Lou, Ruby, and Martin are best friends. They meet up once a week for quiz night, and are very close. They're all single and Ruby's coming off a brutal breakup with someone she works with. At a wedding of a distant friend, they find out the married couple met through personal ads and decide to write ads for each other to help sort out the riff-raff. Anything that can go wrong will, and I enjoyed reading it, even though I winced more than I laughed.
While the book could have been completely predictable, it wasn't always and I liked the twists as they came. I felt eager and on edge to find out what was happening next. It could just be me, but even though all three are very good friends, it seemed Ruby got more "air time" than Lou and Martin. All in all, I enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading more of Chris Manby's books.
Lou, Ruby, and Martin are best friends. They meet up once a week for quiz night, and are very close. They're all single and Ruby's coming off a brutal breakup with someone she works with. At a wedding of a distant friend, they find out the married couple met through personal ads and decide to write ads for each other to help sort out the riff-raff. Anything that can go wrong will, and I enjoyed reading it, even though I winced more than I laughed.
While the book could have been completely predictable, it wasn't always and I liked the twists as they came. I felt eager and on edge to find out what was happening next. It could just be me, but even though all three are very good friends, it seemed Ruby got more "air time" than Lou and Martin. All in all, I enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading more of Chris Manby's books.
July 18, 2008
very sweet story, i didn't expect the character's stories to go where they did, and was pleased with just how well you got to know each character and really see the whole journey to each one finding their soulmate.
also a very positive and realistic look at the personals or even online dating which often is just seen in a negative light.
and lastly i just enjoyed another good contemporary british romance, it made me realize how much i missed bridget jones.
also a very positive and realistic look at the personals or even online dating which often is just seen in a negative light.
and lastly i just enjoyed another good contemporary british romance, it made me realize how much i missed bridget jones.
April 23, 2024
Hold on your bookmarks because Getting Personal is a mixed bag of emotions but not necessarily in a good way. After sinking hours into this lengthy book it’s with a heavy heart, I have to give it 2 out of 5 stars. Brace yourself, because this review is about to get personal…
Let's dive into the not-so-charming bits, shall we? Brace yourselves, because we're wading into fatphobia territory with Martin's ex, Rebecca, being described as "pudgy" among other things and her lisp being used as a reason for disgust, even if she does turn out to be a psycho! I mean yikes, talk about hitting below the literary belt! And speaking of psycho, then there's Ruby, who takes the prize for desperation levels that rival a desert in a drought. I mean, I've never encountered a character (or any real life woman either) so thirsty for a man or ones affections. From unironically asking whether her tits are better than her “best friend's”, to downright rude behavior throughout the book (seriously, who steals their friend's full beer at the pub and hands it to their shitty boyfriend that turned up late, without even asking??), she was a trainwreck waiting to happen from the start.
Let’s not forget the cringe-worthy instances of drunken rendezvous where names are barely remembered. Call it a "sign of the times" if you must, but EWWWW, count me out of that scene! We call taking advantage of severely drunken girls something else these days. 🤮
As for the plot, well, it's as thrilling as watching paint dry for about two-thirds of the book. I found myself yawning and checking the page count, wondering when something exciting might happen. And to add insult to injury, the dinner table scene with Martin and a bunch of famous women fondling him under the table? Utterly ridiculous. Seriously, was that scene even necessary, or did the author just want to see how far they could stretch our suspension of disbelief?
But amidst the chaos, there’s Lou. The group's agony aunt, who seems to be the only beacon of light in this murky mess. She shines as the saving grace of the story throughout. Her journey, the big “reveal” and ultimate happy ending warmed my heart and saved this sinking ship from total despair. My stars are for Lou alone!!
In the end, the conclusion was as predictable as it gets, wrapping everything up in a neat, warm, fuzzy bow. But let's be real, this book could've been half its size and achieved the same result. Too many words, too little substance. So, if you're in the mood for a forgettable read with a few redeeming moments, "Getting Personal" might just fit the bill. But don't say I didn't warn you about the cringe-worthy moments and the draggy middle.
P.s, I read this book as a teen and somehow didn’t realise until halfway through. Just in case you were questioning the forgetability of this book.
Let's dive into the not-so-charming bits, shall we? Brace yourselves, because we're wading into fatphobia territory with Martin's ex, Rebecca, being described as "pudgy" among other things and her lisp being used as a reason for disgust, even if she does turn out to be a psycho! I mean yikes, talk about hitting below the literary belt! And speaking of psycho, then there's Ruby, who takes the prize for desperation levels that rival a desert in a drought. I mean, I've never encountered a character (or any real life woman either) so thirsty for a man or ones affections. From unironically asking whether her tits are better than her “best friend's”, to downright rude behavior throughout the book (seriously, who steals their friend's full beer at the pub and hands it to their shitty boyfriend that turned up late, without even asking??), she was a trainwreck waiting to happen from the start.
Let’s not forget the cringe-worthy instances of drunken rendezvous where names are barely remembered. Call it a "sign of the times" if you must, but EWWWW, count me out of that scene! We call taking advantage of severely drunken girls something else these days. 🤮
As for the plot, well, it's as thrilling as watching paint dry for about two-thirds of the book. I found myself yawning and checking the page count, wondering when something exciting might happen. And to add insult to injury, the dinner table scene with Martin and a bunch of famous women fondling him under the table? Utterly ridiculous. Seriously, was that scene even necessary, or did the author just want to see how far they could stretch our suspension of disbelief?
But amidst the chaos, there’s Lou. The group's agony aunt, who seems to be the only beacon of light in this murky mess. She shines as the saving grace of the story throughout. Her journey, the big “reveal” and ultimate happy ending warmed my heart and saved this sinking ship from total despair. My stars are for Lou alone!!
In the end, the conclusion was as predictable as it gets, wrapping everything up in a neat, warm, fuzzy bow. But let's be real, this book could've been half its size and achieved the same result. Too many words, too little substance. So, if you're in the mood for a forgettable read with a few redeeming moments, "Getting Personal" might just fit the bill. But don't say I didn't warn you about the cringe-worthy moments and the draggy middle.
P.s, I read this book as a teen and somehow didn’t realise until halfway through. Just in case you were questioning the forgetability of this book.
July 15, 2019
This was a fun book
July 6, 2021
Have read this again its a lovely story of friendship and love.......the only downside is the ending is rushed to me....will read it again though in the future
January 1, 2023
Loved this ! Very funny rom com, and it reminds me of something my friends and I would do
January 5, 2008
I find the punnish title of this book to be just clever enough to be cute and not annoying.
"This is a really good book, for chick lit," I said, not meaning to deride the entire genre backhandedly. "I merely wish to point out that this particular genre does tend to always have the same themes, no matter the characters or settings, and quite frankly, some of its books are just tripe. So the story is miraculously original in spite of its genre (genrical?) limitations."
Also, there was one major plot point that I didn't predict, hooray!
It's 6 AM again. Why does it never go away?
"This is a really good book, for chick lit," I said, not meaning to deride the entire genre backhandedly. "I merely wish to point out that this particular genre does tend to always have the same themes, no matter the characters or settings, and quite frankly, some of its books are just tripe. So the story is miraculously original in spite of its genre (genrical?) limitations."
Also, there was one major plot point that I didn't predict, hooray!
It's 6 AM again. Why does it never go away?
January 7, 2010
seems like a funny idea.... three friends put personal ads in the news paper to find dates for eachother. just another cute easy read.
ok after reading it i recommend it. i thought it was going to be a cute story about british people dating. but it really kept my attention, and i really got invovled in the emotions of the character (at times yell at them so they could just easily see what i can see!)
it is definately chick-lit, but i like reading it. it is alittle sappy, but it also has some surprises that you just don's see coming.
ok after reading it i recommend it. i thought it was going to be a cute story about british people dating. but it really kept my attention, and i really got invovled in the emotions of the character (at times yell at them so they could just easily see what i can see!)
it is definately chick-lit, but i like reading it. it is alittle sappy, but it also has some surprises that you just don's see coming.
May 12, 2012
just gave it 5 stars! hahaha! sorry but I have to. this is my first book I mean a book dude?! I know I'm a bit exaggerated but I was just so hooked and this is the book that made me love books. get it? I've read it maybe 3 years ago but damn! I never expect that it would give this much impact on me. LMAO! I love the twist and the giggling factor is so effective! wohoo! I love the male protagonist here. heckk YEAH!
September 16, 2016
Ok, so the book is 10 years old. Still, when I think back to my own 'youth' around 2000 no one looked at ads in the papers if s/he wanted to find a love interest. Internet was already big back then.
Anyway, personal ads in the papers are the weapons of choice in this novel to find true love for 3 friends. Each of them makes (mildly) interesting experiences, and at the end... Well, I don't want to spoil anything, but you'll find out pretty soon into the novel how the book has to end!
Anyway, personal ads in the papers are the weapons of choice in this novel to find true love for 3 friends. Each of them makes (mildly) interesting experiences, and at the end... Well, I don't want to spoil anything, but you'll find out pretty soon into the novel how the book has to end!
January 11, 2013
The first half of the book was rather tedious read for me. I don't really feel the chemistry between the three if them. It's so surprising that they ever be pals.
Martin was lame. To me he felt like he is afraid of his own shadow.
Among the three I like Lou the best. At least she knows what she wanted.
Lucky for me the second half of the book was better with more twists added.
Martin was lame. To me he felt like he is afraid of his own shadow.
Among the three I like Lou the best. At least she knows what she wanted.
Lucky for me the second half of the book was better with more twists added.
April 21, 2013
Dos amigas y un amigo buscan pareja en los anuncios por palabras. Tras diversas peripecias el chico y una de las chicas del grupo acaban juntos y la otra chica descubre(vaya sorpresa!) que es lesbiana.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2015
It took me a while to get into this book, but i'm pleased i continued and finished it. Three friends all looking for love via personal ads, having disaster blind dates but eventually finding love where they least expected it.
August 9, 2024
easy read
This book was enjoyable, easy to pick up and put down. Didn’t give it 5 stars as wasn’t the sort of book that you just couldn’t put down. Storyline was a bit predictable in places but a few surprises and a few bits that made me laugh
This book was enjoyable, easy to pick up and put down. Didn’t give it 5 stars as wasn’t the sort of book that you just couldn’t put down. Storyline was a bit predictable in places but a few surprises and a few bits that made me laugh
June 13, 2007
A great story about friends placing personal ads for each other to get dates. Very cute premise. Love Manby's style.
June 14, 2007
A good holiday read and funny.
It'll lighten your spirits as decent chick-lit writing
It'll lighten your spirits as decent chick-lit writing
Read
July 7, 2008Sounded cute, but after a few chapters I found that I didn't care about the characters and the writing just wasn't that good.
September 10, 2008
This was a fun book.
September 3, 2011
A cute story with a good ending and a twist
January 19, 2013
Classic case of best friends realizing that they're in love. Enjoyable story.
June 18, 2013
was predictable a bit but I liked it very much,altrough nothing special.
July 10, 2014
Not a bad read.thought the character of Lou was a bit sketchy and I didn't really care much for the other two.The ending was a bit obvious except for Lou whose happy ending I loved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
Enjoyable, although someone should tell the author that the Pina Colada song was *not* by Mr B Manilow ...!
June 8, 2015
I thought this was a better than average book. I enjoyed reading it. It was funny and well written. The ending was a little expected; however, there was still a slight twist. I would recommend it.
December 11, 2012
hmm... ok je..
February 5, 2014
love this author
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews