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Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater
Travel writer Sydney Alexander is ready for one particular journey to end: her frustrating search for a Mr. Right. But things are looking up: Just after landing her dream job, she meets an eligible round of bachelors. Now Sydney will discover just how far she's willing to compromise to land her dream guy.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
19 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Christa Banister
3 books99 followersWhile growing up in a no-stoplight town in a land of perpetual winter in northwest Wisconsin, books were author Christa Banister’s constant companion during hundreds of freezing days spent indoors.
Reading was Christa’s window to a world she was dying to explore. She didn’t travel much until after college, so those frequent trips to the library took on special meaning because it allowed her to escape to the English countryside. The bustling streets of New York City. Or the far-flung islands in Greece.
Surrounding by a veritable sea of books, Christa had an important epiphany as a pre-teen re-reading Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. When she figured out that Judy’s job—her actual paying gig—involved making up stories for a living (!!!), well, Christa knew that’s what she wanted to do.
Christa majored in journalism at North Central University in Minneapolis and worked as a reporter at a medium-sized newspaper an hour away during her junior year. After covering a couple of horrific events she couldn’t unsee, she realized that being His Girl Friday wasn’t in the cards. After graduation, she moved to Nashville where she wrote about singers because no one would ever mistake her for having musical talent.
Nashville is where Christa’s professional writing career took off. She wrote about music and books for a number of print and online publications. One of the best writing gigs she snagged involved reviewing movies for 15 years. Good, bad, really bad, and everything in between, she screened 60-70 films a year and acquired a PhD in the Marvel/DC universe. Celebrity profiles were also a favorite part of her job.
As much as Christa loved her work in the entertainment industry, writing a novel was never far from her mind. When one of her editors passed along a contact at a publishing house he wrote for in Colorado Springs, she pitched what became her first novel, Around the World in 80 Dates. A year later, Blessed Are the Meddlers followed, a modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma.
As her print clients dwindled with the changing of the guard and many online outlets no longer wanted to pay for content, her beat changed in 2018. The bulk of her freelance work centers around mental health, addiction, and recovery these days, which has been incredibly rewarding.
When Christa wasn’t ticking assignments off her to-do list, she wrote The Honorary Italians. The idea sparked by stirring a homemade Bolognese sauce with a complete stranger at a pasta-making class in St. Paul, she says she never had more fun writing and researching anything in my life.
“It’s the book I always wanted to write,” she says.
Christa is represented by Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group.
She and her husband Will ditched the snow for the blazing heat in DFW and love to travel, watch old movies, cheer for their respective NFL teams, and are always on the lookout for a new restaurant, bookstore, or watching their favorite bands when they come to town.
Reading was Christa’s window to a world she was dying to explore. She didn’t travel much until after college, so those frequent trips to the library took on special meaning because it allowed her to escape to the English countryside. The bustling streets of New York City. Or the far-flung islands in Greece.
Surrounding by a veritable sea of books, Christa had an important epiphany as a pre-teen re-reading Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. When she figured out that Judy’s job—her actual paying gig—involved making up stories for a living (!!!), well, Christa knew that’s what she wanted to do.
Christa majored in journalism at North Central University in Minneapolis and worked as a reporter at a medium-sized newspaper an hour away during her junior year. After covering a couple of horrific events she couldn’t unsee, she realized that being His Girl Friday wasn’t in the cards. After graduation, she moved to Nashville where she wrote about singers because no one would ever mistake her for having musical talent.
Nashville is where Christa’s professional writing career took off. She wrote about music and books for a number of print and online publications. One of the best writing gigs she snagged involved reviewing movies for 15 years. Good, bad, really bad, and everything in between, she screened 60-70 films a year and acquired a PhD in the Marvel/DC universe. Celebrity profiles were also a favorite part of her job.
As much as Christa loved her work in the entertainment industry, writing a novel was never far from her mind. When one of her editors passed along a contact at a publishing house he wrote for in Colorado Springs, she pitched what became her first novel, Around the World in 80 Dates. A year later, Blessed Are the Meddlers followed, a modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma.
As her print clients dwindled with the changing of the guard and many online outlets no longer wanted to pay for content, her beat changed in 2018. The bulk of her freelance work centers around mental health, addiction, and recovery these days, which has been incredibly rewarding.
When Christa wasn’t ticking assignments off her to-do list, she wrote The Honorary Italians. The idea sparked by stirring a homemade Bolognese sauce with a complete stranger at a pasta-making class in St. Paul, she says she never had more fun writing and researching anything in my life.
“It’s the book I always wanted to write,” she says.
Christa is represented by Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group.
She and her husband Will ditched the snow for the blazing heat in DFW and love to travel, watch old movies, cheer for their respective NFL teams, and are always on the lookout for a new restaurant, bookstore, or watching their favorite bands when they come to town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 21, 2012
Superficial fluff. This was another free kindle book, and I was hoping it would be a good summer beach-read, which it would have been, but a few things bothered me. Written with a sideways focus on Christian dating, I felt this book was extremeley shallow in it's view of the characters, dating, and Christianity as a whole. The main character was a privileged, spoiled, 20 something who's main priorities were getting enough foam on her latte and making sure people think her clothing labels are designer. Even after losing her job, her remedy for the blues includes putting a couple hundred more dollors worth of clothes, books, and jewelry on her credit cards....not responsible or respectable behavior. The main character makes fun of her quirky vegan friend (a conscious consumer), which I was hoping would lead to an eventual discussion and revelation of the main character's bad behavior, but it never did. Perhaps because I am an unabashed Christian, I expect more from Christian literature, and this didn't do it for me.
I won't even complain about the constant free advertising of the author's favorite name-brands, or the frequent references to MySpace.
I won't even complain about the constant free advertising of the author's favorite name-brands, or the frequent references to MySpace.
April 27, 2011
This is the first book in the chicklit series featuring Sydney Alexander. The book cover is great; the picture reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. Title (and subtitle)—creative, appealing. Judging by the title and book cover, I expected an enjoyable, slightly satirical read, which would poke some harmless (but pointed) fun at Christians and the whole dating scene. I thought that sort of book would be a refreshing change from the usual mushy love story.
But preachy dialogue and moral-of-the-story narratives made the story development take a backseat. It hampered my being sucked into the fictional world of Sydney and relating to her and her friends. I was reading her romantic forays, but wasn’t at all empathizing with her love quest.
It didn’t help, at least for me, that Sydney wasn’t all that interesting. I’ve read one or two of the shopaholic books, and there’s a reason readers latch on to the series. I’m not a fan, but I can understand why people are hooked on it. I think it’s got a lot to do with the main character: she’s got to be interesting, funny, quirky; so much so that readers will join her through the whining, the excitement, the catastrophes, till the ultimate happy ending.
But preachy dialogue and moral-of-the-story narratives made the story development take a backseat. It hampered my being sucked into the fictional world of Sydney and relating to her and her friends. I was reading her romantic forays, but wasn’t at all empathizing with her love quest.
It didn’t help, at least for me, that Sydney wasn’t all that interesting. I’ve read one or two of the shopaholic books, and there’s a reason readers latch on to the series. I’m not a fan, but I can understand why people are hooked on it. I think it’s got a lot to do with the main character: she’s got to be interesting, funny, quirky; so much so that readers will join her through the whining, the excitement, the catastrophes, till the ultimate happy ending.
August 22, 2012
I was very disappointed by the name brand dropping on seemingly every page. Are Christians identified by not drinking, sleeping around, and occasionally remembering to pray? Otherwise, let's shop and eat as much as we want and God will drop a man in your lap!
November 24, 2007
I started this book Thanksgiving night and couldn't put it down. It was so funny! Any girl who has ever dated someone or liked someone and it didn't work out will relate to this girl in the book.
February 14, 2008
Incredible witty really enjoying this one.
March 10, 2008
Christian serial dater. Not terribly memorable.
March 22, 2008
Loved it! Written by a local author who gives a light and witty account of her adventures in dating while also keeping her values in check. Not at all preachy...appealing to all readers!
June 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this story of love and travel!
July 5, 2019
Sydney is a dater. It's not that she doesn't want to settle down with the perfect guy, the one God has planned for her, it's that she seems to keep meeting nice guys who just aren't the right fit. There was Daniel, who wasn't ready to make a serious commitment; Liam, who cared more about his music career than her; Justin, who doesn't share the same beliefs as her and is more interested in her best friend Kristin; Gareth who starts contemplating marriage hours after meeting her; and the list goes on. While trying to find her future husband she's also busy as a journalist for a popular travel magazine. She barely has time to keep track of who she's dating and writing about, she definitely doesn't have time for working on her novel. How hard can it be to find Mr. Right and not Mr. Right Now?
To be honest I was expecting a lot more out of this book. I read the blurb in the back and it made it sound like a comedy, but while it kept me engaged I don't think I even came close to laughing. The book was mostly in the first person, but it randomly jumps to other people's storylines. There was bolded text at the beginning to symbolize it, but it seemed to get placed at really random spots so it was almost interrupting Sydney's thoughts. It was slightly dated too, everyone was using Myspace and I don't think I know anyone who still has an active account, but it was written in 2007 so I know she can't have predicted things like Instagram and Pinterest.
To be honest I was expecting a lot more out of this book. I read the blurb in the back and it made it sound like a comedy, but while it kept me engaged I don't think I even came close to laughing. The book was mostly in the first person, but it randomly jumps to other people's storylines. There was bolded text at the beginning to symbolize it, but it seemed to get placed at really random spots so it was almost interrupting Sydney's thoughts. It was slightly dated too, everyone was using Myspace and I don't think I know anyone who still has an active account, but it was written in 2007 so I know she can't have predicted things like Instagram and Pinterest.
April 2, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! Recommend for women that relate to the discouraging dating scene, especially Christian women frustrated with dating.
December 24, 2007
More like 4.5 stars...
About the book:
Travel writer Sydney Alexander is ready for one particular journey to end: her frustrating search for a Mr. Right. As a Christian twentysomething navigating the weird world of dating, she's encountered more than her share of frogs. From men who can't keep a job to self-centered professionals, her lackluster dates leave Sydney wondering where the good guys are hiding.
But things are looking way up. Just after landing her dream job, she meets an eligible round of bachelors, including a dashing European, a promising blind date, and a charming coffee-shop wordsmith. Now Sydney will discover just how far she's willing to compromise to land her dream guy.
Around the World in 80 Dates shares a woman's humorous take on being single. Filled with wit, real issues, and quirky characters, Sydney's story will encourage female readers to never settle for less than God's best.
My review:
Around the World in 80 Dates was a fun read. I loved the characterization and the quirky events like Rain and Stinky Nate's wedding. Truly original. I also enjoyed traveling with Sydney and eating at so many cool places. I liked not being sure of Sydney's future and who she would end up with. I felt her elation and relief when she seemed to meet the right guy (finally.) Nothing is better than the freedom you feel when you can enjoy someone's company and be yourself at the same time. Especially when you share the same faith. That's a clear message in this story and one that singles need to read.
Many of the scenarios are pretty typical of the dating scene. (I'm so glad those days are over.) For women not married yet this is sure to be a fun ride. In fact, I'd encourage everyone to read it, married or not. The only weaknesses I saw in this book was the many points of view--some of which didn't seem necessary--and the occasional head hop within a scene. Despite those issues it was still a very enjoyable story. I hope there is a future book in the works starring her sister Samantha or I'll be really bummed since I got to know her so well. I want to know what happened in her love life since there was no real resolution. Otherwise this chick lit novel was perfect! I truly enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. The fact that I finished it says a lot, since many of the books I begin I never complete, let alone post a review.
Around the World in 80 Dates was published by NavPress and released in October 2007.
About the book:
Travel writer Sydney Alexander is ready for one particular journey to end: her frustrating search for a Mr. Right. As a Christian twentysomething navigating the weird world of dating, she's encountered more than her share of frogs. From men who can't keep a job to self-centered professionals, her lackluster dates leave Sydney wondering where the good guys are hiding.
But things are looking way up. Just after landing her dream job, she meets an eligible round of bachelors, including a dashing European, a promising blind date, and a charming coffee-shop wordsmith. Now Sydney will discover just how far she's willing to compromise to land her dream guy.
Around the World in 80 Dates shares a woman's humorous take on being single. Filled with wit, real issues, and quirky characters, Sydney's story will encourage female readers to never settle for less than God's best.
My review:
Around the World in 80 Dates was a fun read. I loved the characterization and the quirky events like Rain and Stinky Nate's wedding. Truly original. I also enjoyed traveling with Sydney and eating at so many cool places. I liked not being sure of Sydney's future and who she would end up with. I felt her elation and relief when she seemed to meet the right guy (finally.) Nothing is better than the freedom you feel when you can enjoy someone's company and be yourself at the same time. Especially when you share the same faith. That's a clear message in this story and one that singles need to read.
Many of the scenarios are pretty typical of the dating scene. (I'm so glad those days are over.) For women not married yet this is sure to be a fun ride. In fact, I'd encourage everyone to read it, married or not. The only weaknesses I saw in this book was the many points of view--some of which didn't seem necessary--and the occasional head hop within a scene. Despite those issues it was still a very enjoyable story. I hope there is a future book in the works starring her sister Samantha or I'll be really bummed since I got to know her so well. I want to know what happened in her love life since there was no real resolution. Otherwise this chick lit novel was perfect! I truly enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. The fact that I finished it says a lot, since many of the books I begin I never complete, let alone post a review.
Around the World in 80 Dates was published by NavPress and released in October 2007.
August 7, 2012
This one hooked me from beginning to end. It definitely was not what I was expecting and that was a good thing. When I first saw the title I thought, oh great, another guide to dating. However, this is definitely not what this book is. I found the heroine, Sydney Alexander to be very, very entertaining. The quirky travel writer is addicted to shopping and drowns her sorrows in ice cream. Sydney is looking for her dream guy, yet all she keeps getting are bad dates. So what is she doing wrong?
The author has managed to develop a character that you instantly fall in love with whilst still maintaining certain truths and bringing out an important Christian message. Of course, Sydney's excursions reminded me of a few of my own interesting dating circumstances so that helped me get into the book even more.
I recommend this for every girl who's ever been on a date, every girl who ever intends to date and every person who is or ever plans to be in a relationship. It's one of those books that reminds of the stuff that you should already know but have forgotten. This was an excellent find for me!
The author has managed to develop a character that you instantly fall in love with whilst still maintaining certain truths and bringing out an important Christian message. Of course, Sydney's excursions reminded me of a few of my own interesting dating circumstances so that helped me get into the book even more.
I recommend this for every girl who's ever been on a date, every girl who ever intends to date and every person who is or ever plans to be in a relationship. It's one of those books that reminds of the stuff that you should already know but have forgotten. This was an excellent find for me!
June 4, 2012
I loved the main character's voice. Sydney was fabulous and always off to a new destination. Quite fun!
However, I wish the author had delved deeper into Sydney's character. Insted she filled half the book with head-hopping, 3rd person POV scenes that jarred me--since Sydney's POV is in first person. It was quite confusing.
After awhile, I got used to it. And I really wanted to know what would happen to Sydney. But I had to wade through extended flashbacks and 92% of the book (according to my Kindle) to get to the guy she actually ended up with. And the it was completely glossed over!
Needless to say, despite the heroine's fabulous voice, this book was a letdown. I think it could've been on par with Kristin Billerbeck if the author had stayed with Sydney's POV for the whole book.
However, I wish the author had delved deeper into Sydney's character. Insted she filled half the book with head-hopping, 3rd person POV scenes that jarred me--since Sydney's POV is in first person. It was quite confusing.
After awhile, I got used to it. And I really wanted to know what would happen to Sydney. But I had to wade through extended flashbacks and 92% of the book (according to my Kindle) to get to the guy she actually ended up with. And the it was completely glossed over!
Needless to say, despite the heroine's fabulous voice, this book was a letdown. I think it could've been on par with Kristin Billerbeck if the author had stayed with Sydney's POV for the whole book.
February 3, 2022
Loved this book
"People area always telling me that change is good. But all that means is that something you didn't want to happen has happened."
"Life has to be a little nuts sometimes. Otherwise it's just a bunch of Thursdays strung together."
"Guys grow up six years later than girls."
"Every mans personality corresponds with a certain kind of Campbells."
"A chicken noodle man would be pleasant enough, nicely broken in like an old shoe. He'd lack the excitement of, say, a tomato basil or lemongrass chicken, but he'd be more stable in the long run."
When you don't have anything, you don't have anything to lose, right?"
"People area always telling me that change is good. But all that means is that something you didn't want to happen has happened."
"Life has to be a little nuts sometimes. Otherwise it's just a bunch of Thursdays strung together."
"Guys grow up six years later than girls."
"Every mans personality corresponds with a certain kind of Campbells."
"A chicken noodle man would be pleasant enough, nicely broken in like an old shoe. He'd lack the excitement of, say, a tomato basil or lemongrass chicken, but he'd be more stable in the long run."
When you don't have anything, you don't have anything to lose, right?"
August 31, 2018
I was excited when I saw this book in a not so local Christian book store. I thought it sounded soooo funny. I liked this book ok, but there are several things that bothered me. I don't mind it when a book tells from several people's POV, but I found myself liking to read more about what was happening to Sydney's younger sister, Samantha, than I did her or the other characters. I also didn't like that the person she ends up with is really introduced or mention a developing relationships until the last 30 pages. I really, really wanted to like this book, but it was just ok for me.
March 8, 2014
For the first half of this book it was very distracting to read all of these brand names. Regular adjectives would have been better. I felt like this book should have been paid for all the product placement. The story was okay but the main character needed more depth.
The last third of the book when the author gave up using product names and focused on the characters was much easier to read and enjoyable.
The last third of the book when the author gave up using product names and focused on the characters was much easier to read and enjoyable.
March 3, 2015
Funny and heartwarming
I loved this book. At first I thought it was a real autobiography instead of just fiction! It was funny. Sometimes the narrative is hard to follow since you switch between points of view. It can be confusing to remember which girl you're reading. The ending is also a little rushed. I would have liked more time getting to know the man she ends up with. Even so, I definitely recommend this book.
I loved this book. At first I thought it was a real autobiography instead of just fiction! It was funny. Sometimes the narrative is hard to follow since you switch between points of view. It can be confusing to remember which girl you're reading. The ending is also a little rushed. I would have liked more time getting to know the man she ends up with. Even so, I definitely recommend this book.
August 15, 2012
It's quirky, lighthearted, humorous, and definitely falls under the category of 'fluff' reading. I plowed through this in about 2 days flat and enjoyed it for what it was- a way to keep me occupied during a day of traveling. Nothing more.
September 18, 2008
It was a decent book, but I think I had different expectations for it than what it delivered, otherwise it might have gotten rated higher?
April 23, 2020
Christian fiction. Light and fun chick-lit.
April 17, 2012
If you are a nice single gal...read this book!!! It will make you laugh and thankful that you are single. LOL!
August 12, 2015
I didn't finish this book because I wasn't enjoying it & felt like I was having to force myself to read it. I just don't really like the author's writing style.
July 18, 2012
I loved this book!! Must get the next one in the series!!
July 21, 2012
and more fun 'cause it was set in MPLS :)
July 22, 2012
Put it in your beach bag this summer
August 2, 2012
slow read at first but it's refreshing to read a modern fiction book about a successful Christian female in today's society.
August 29, 2012
Fluffy read. Not too much depth, and sometimes hard to keep track of the very many characters. I might read the sequel, though. Sydney was a good heroine.
August 31, 2012
Just OK, a little quirky.
September 25, 2012
This book was pretty good. I actually enjoyed the story. It was charming and yet not something that would take a lot of brain power.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews