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The Optimist
'Hilarious . . . Kipner writes beautifully, is emotionally intelligent and has a keen eye for detail - the more absurd the better. The result is a different, occasionally deranged and always very clever read. I loved every minute.' Daily Mail
Meet Tabitha Gray, a delusional girl from Topanga, California, who redefines what it means to be a truly hopeless romantic. Tabby suffers from an aggressive strain of cock-eyed optimism – no amount of failure, embarrassment or humiliation can dent her fierce belief that real, true, lasting love is just around the corner.
Where most people think, fantasize and dream, Tabby says, feels and does. Whether waiting in her lingerie for Harrison Ford to open the door of his hotel room; declaring her love, aged nine, for Ernesto the gardener; encountering Al Pacino in a Russian bathhouse; seeking passion with a blind man on the advice of a wise old woman with dementia at her grandmother’s home for the elderly; or sending intimate photos to a random sexter with an apparently charming dick, Tabby refuses to be crushed by her many misadventures. She has to keep believing, because if she gives up, what then? Ill-advisedly armed with the words of Dorothy Parker, Tabby knows that her own ferocious optimism is the only thing keeping her heart-sore, wine-swilling mother and cynical, single-mum sister from giving up on love altogether. She is their only hope. If Tabby can find love, then they too will believe…
In this warmly witty debut novel, Sophie Kipner takes a satirical look at the extremity of romantic desperation, and pays wry tribute to the deep human need to keep on heroically searching for love despite our manifold absurdities.
Meet Tabitha Gray, a delusional girl from Topanga, California, who redefines what it means to be a truly hopeless romantic. Tabby suffers from an aggressive strain of cock-eyed optimism – no amount of failure, embarrassment or humiliation can dent her fierce belief that real, true, lasting love is just around the corner.
Where most people think, fantasize and dream, Tabby says, feels and does. Whether waiting in her lingerie for Harrison Ford to open the door of his hotel room; declaring her love, aged nine, for Ernesto the gardener; encountering Al Pacino in a Russian bathhouse; seeking passion with a blind man on the advice of a wise old woman with dementia at her grandmother’s home for the elderly; or sending intimate photos to a random sexter with an apparently charming dick, Tabby refuses to be crushed by her many misadventures. She has to keep believing, because if she gives up, what then? Ill-advisedly armed with the words of Dorothy Parker, Tabby knows that her own ferocious optimism is the only thing keeping her heart-sore, wine-swilling mother and cynical, single-mum sister from giving up on love altogether. She is their only hope. If Tabby can find love, then they too will believe…
In this warmly witty debut novel, Sophie Kipner takes a satirical look at the extremity of romantic desperation, and pays wry tribute to the deep human need to keep on heroically searching for love despite our manifold absurdities.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 2017
14 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Kipner
1 book14 followersVisual artist and author Sophie Kipner grew up in Topanga, CA. A graduate of the University of Southern California, she writes and illustrates her own stories, which have appeared in Kugelmass: A Journal of Literary Humor, Amy Ephron’s One for the Table, FORTH Magazine and The Big Jewel, and her artwork, most recently her series of blind contour portraits, DONTLIFTUPDONTLOOKDOWN, has been shown and sold internationally. She lives in Los Angeles, and The Optimist is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 23, 2018
Unique, quirky, and outrageously funny!
The Optimist is an exceptionally charming, highly entertaining story that takes us on a journey with the positive, determined Tabitha Gray as she sets out to find true love and ultimately "the one."
The writing is witty and light. The characters are affable, self-reflective, and genuine. And the plot is a humorous, clever, flirty mix of embarrassing moments, awkward situations, laughs, romps, familial dynamics, friendship, entertaining hijinks, and a touch of tenderness.
Overall, I would have to say that The Optimist is an adorably romantic tale with a lot of humour and heart that does a beautiful job of highlighting that even in a world that often seems pessimistic we still have an innate desire for companionship, intimacy, and love.
Thank you to Unbound and Random Things Tours for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
The Optimist is an exceptionally charming, highly entertaining story that takes us on a journey with the positive, determined Tabitha Gray as she sets out to find true love and ultimately "the one."
The writing is witty and light. The characters are affable, self-reflective, and genuine. And the plot is a humorous, clever, flirty mix of embarrassing moments, awkward situations, laughs, romps, familial dynamics, friendship, entertaining hijinks, and a touch of tenderness.
Overall, I would have to say that The Optimist is an adorably romantic tale with a lot of humour and heart that does a beautiful job of highlighting that even in a world that often seems pessimistic we still have an innate desire for companionship, intimacy, and love.
Thank you to Unbound and Random Things Tours for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
May 31, 2018
Possible the most tedious main character ever written in the most obvious plot ever written. I do not get these rave reviews but maybe it's because I grew up with a girl very much like this (mentally ill super-religious mother) who manufactured her life like a sitcom as a coping mechanism. She'd put herself in bizarre situations for the story and then the attention (her meth addicted neighbour was a regular 'character,' as was a 15 year old pregnant teen she 'took in' and paid for with the proviso the girl 'give her the baby' but it all had a RL laughter track to her and studio audience 'aws').
What I'm trying to say is, this book gave me PTSD flashbacks from living in the orbit of this character in real life and it's just not that funny. It's pretty horrific actually. I quit after she attempted to rape that old guy in the showers and broke his nose (and if that isn't a perfect snapshot of this hot mess, I don't know what is).
What I'm trying to say is, this book gave me PTSD flashbacks from living in the orbit of this character in real life and it's just not that funny. It's pretty horrific actually. I quit after she attempted to rape that old guy in the showers and broke his nose (and if that isn't a perfect snapshot of this hot mess, I don't know what is).
July 3, 2017
Laugh out loud hilarious. I covered my mouth with embarrassed amusement the entire time, especially when reading in public areas. Highly recommended. Telling my book club friends to include it...
July 25, 2017
I loved this book, laughing out loud is one of my favourite things when I am reading a book. I feel as though I have had many Tabatha's and Tabatha's mother in my life.
Could not put it down, and now disappointed it is finished.
Hopefully Sophie Kipner will write another and let us know what happens between Tabatha and MIlk!!
Could not put it down, and now disappointed it is finished.
Hopefully Sophie Kipner will write another and let us know what happens between Tabatha and MIlk!!
June 14, 2020
I tried my best to finish this one but it ended up in my DNF pile. It seems like not all the chapters really go together and I was struggling with the lack of character development. It definitely wasn’t my normal style, so maybe someone else might like it better.
*I received a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review this book*
*I received a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review this book*
July 4, 2017
What a great read! This was a fun, exciting and hilarious read - It's an awesome Summer read - get it now, it will make your day.
July 29, 2024
perfect for girls who are starved for love and have turbulent relationships with their mothers
August 10, 2019
Really funny! Made me cringe and laugh out loud.
November 5, 2017
The Optimist is Sophie Kipners’ debut novel. Meet Tabitha Gray, a vibrant, deluded, young optimistic girl from California whose quest for love knows no boundaries.
Tabith’s journey in search for true love begins from a very age young of 9. There are no limits to Tabitha’s mishaps whether it is finding hersef in the back of the gardners' truck, sat in a hotel room wearing sexy lingerie in wait for Harrison Ford or a Russian bathhouse to declare her love for Al Pacino.
Where most of us would not dream of saying out loud embarrassing thoughts, embarrassing does not exist in Tabitha’s dictinary. She finds herself in very compromising and awkward situations but proceeds to carry out acts and thoughts until it could not get any worse.
I have not been able to put this book down and have laughed out loud at work or when amongst friends and colleagues. This book is one that undoubtedly will leave you hysterical and full of laughter and giggles. It has been the talk amongst my friends and has had plenty of them in stitches.
Best book i have read this year! Highly recommend and a must for all 😍
Tabith’s journey in search for true love begins from a very age young of 9. There are no limits to Tabitha’s mishaps whether it is finding hersef in the back of the gardners' truck, sat in a hotel room wearing sexy lingerie in wait for Harrison Ford or a Russian bathhouse to declare her love for Al Pacino.
Where most of us would not dream of saying out loud embarrassing thoughts, embarrassing does not exist in Tabitha’s dictinary. She finds herself in very compromising and awkward situations but proceeds to carry out acts and thoughts until it could not get any worse.
I have not been able to put this book down and have laughed out loud at work or when amongst friends and colleagues. This book is one that undoubtedly will leave you hysterical and full of laughter and giggles. It has been the talk amongst my friends and has had plenty of them in stitches.
Best book i have read this year! Highly recommend and a must for all 😍
May 26, 2022
Sophie Kipner is a beautiful writer and artist full of spunk and spontaneity. In The Optimist, she offers her sharp observation of human nature in the form of one woman’s endless search for love. I don’t know a theme more universal than that.
Take this novel to the beach, read it after a break up, and be prepared to laugh-cry the whole way through as you follow Tabitha through the absurdities of life and love.
- Lauren
Take this novel to the beach, read it after a break up, and be prepared to laugh-cry the whole way through as you follow Tabitha through the absurdities of life and love.
- Lauren
May 23, 2017
MUST READ! It is one of those books that makes you laugh out loud in public. I was sad when it ended and I had to leave Tabitha's world. She is the best friend you never knew that you needed.
The Optimist is a bold and hilarious book unlike anything I have ever read before. Highly recommended. Easily 5 stars.
The Optimist is a bold and hilarious book unlike anything I have ever read before. Highly recommended. Easily 5 stars.
January 13, 2018
The Optimist is clever, capricious and beautifully written. Sophie's protagonist,Tabitha, reminds us that it is okay to be ourselves, even in all of our self doubts and complexities. I loved the chapter where she looks for love by sexting. She's so determined in her efforts, I actually wanted that plan to work out for her. I'm envisioning her offbeat romance seeking escapades on the big screen!
September 19, 2017
Such incredible talent written by Sophie Kipner!!! Loved the book, love her writing, love her expressions and way of telling the story !!! I highly recommend it !!!! Great fun, intelligent and unique!!
October 18, 2017
Favorite book of the summer. The story will make you cry, cringe and laugh. A delightful balance of humor and substance.
March 23, 2021
was in 1st person (not my vibe at all), struggled to finish it
October 3, 2020
This book is one of the most ridiculous I’ve ever read and I’m all here for it! The book is so out there that it almost becomes a parody of itself. If you do read this novel, then it’s important to not take it seriously. I read this book in less than a day as it was an easy read that kept you interested.
Tabitha, our main character, is on the search for love. Her VERY active imagination though sometimes gets in the way of her finding her prince charming. She’s energetic, vibrant, and, of course, optimistic. She was a fun character that sometimes has trouble living in the real world. Sometimes while reading it was hard to tell what was really going on and what was reality as it’s a novel where anything is possible, even if it’s improbable.
Our story starts when Tabitha is five years old and she begins her “search” for love. Her romantic interests though don’t always align with real-world possibilities as she has a “love affair” with her mother’s older gardener – although it was very one-sided. This doesn’t deter her search for fulfilling her dream of finding a man worthy of her romantic dreams. Every reader probably knows, or has known, a Tabitha in their life so she was a very realistic character. There were times that I honestly couldn’t believe this woman hasn’t been killed or arrested as she gets herself into some pretty crazy situations.
The chapters can sometimes feel very disjointed as we move through her journey. It does, however, his it’s stride about half-way through. The characters are what make this book come to life as you have the free-spirited mother, the male best friend next door neighbor, and a soundboard niece. Everyone in this story complement each other as they are all different personalities that work together to make a relatable story. There wasn’t a ton of character development, but it didn’t seem to bother me as much as thought.
The writing is humorous and wild. It made me roll my eyes while giggling in many places as I just couldn’t believe what I was reading, but it worked so well! The author definitely has a talent for writing what could be considered nonsense in some places and making it a charming story. The scene in the airplane bathroom alone is one of the most out there moments that is embarrassing and entertaining. The novel is filled with moments that just continue the story’s light-hearted theme of being you and things will find its way to work itself out.
Overall, this novel is worth a read for any person! It has some character and plot development that is lacking, but its theme rings true throughout. One thing that bothered me was that there were no consequences for Tabitha’s antics (especially the Russian bath house moment). I believe in staying true to yourself as much as the next person where you don’t conform to people’s expectations, but I also think that there is a limit when your actions can have some negative consequences on others. The novel does show though that we can all use a little less pessimism in our lives and be more optimistic.
**Thank you to Edelweiss and Unbound for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Feel free to check out my other reviews at Chonky Books Review
Tabitha, our main character, is on the search for love. Her VERY active imagination though sometimes gets in the way of her finding her prince charming. She’s energetic, vibrant, and, of course, optimistic. She was a fun character that sometimes has trouble living in the real world. Sometimes while reading it was hard to tell what was really going on and what was reality as it’s a novel where anything is possible, even if it’s improbable.
Our story starts when Tabitha is five years old and she begins her “search” for love. Her romantic interests though don’t always align with real-world possibilities as she has a “love affair” with her mother’s older gardener – although it was very one-sided. This doesn’t deter her search for fulfilling her dream of finding a man worthy of her romantic dreams. Every reader probably knows, or has known, a Tabitha in their life so she was a very realistic character. There were times that I honestly couldn’t believe this woman hasn’t been killed or arrested as she gets herself into some pretty crazy situations.
The chapters can sometimes feel very disjointed as we move through her journey. It does, however, his it’s stride about half-way through. The characters are what make this book come to life as you have the free-spirited mother, the male best friend next door neighbor, and a soundboard niece. Everyone in this story complement each other as they are all different personalities that work together to make a relatable story. There wasn’t a ton of character development, but it didn’t seem to bother me as much as thought.
The writing is humorous and wild. It made me roll my eyes while giggling in many places as I just couldn’t believe what I was reading, but it worked so well! The author definitely has a talent for writing what could be considered nonsense in some places and making it a charming story. The scene in the airplane bathroom alone is one of the most out there moments that is embarrassing and entertaining. The novel is filled with moments that just continue the story’s light-hearted theme of being you and things will find its way to work itself out.
Overall, this novel is worth a read for any person! It has some character and plot development that is lacking, but its theme rings true throughout. One thing that bothered me was that there were no consequences for Tabitha’s antics (especially the Russian bath house moment). I believe in staying true to yourself as much as the next person where you don’t conform to people’s expectations, but I also think that there is a limit when your actions can have some negative consequences on others. The novel does show though that we can all use a little less pessimism in our lives and be more optimistic.
**Thank you to Edelweiss and Unbound for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Feel free to check out my other reviews at Chonky Books Review
June 15, 2018
If you are looking for a book that makes you laugh out loud and squirm with embarrassment, then this is the book for you! I have adored spending time in the company of Tabitha as she spends her life searching for love and no matter how many frogs she ends up kissing, she is convinced her prince charming is out there - and probably in the guise of a hollywood superstar... they just don't know it yet!
Tabitha is such a fabulous and quirky character! She is down to earth, with her head in the clouds, living in her bubble world of seeing the positive in almost every situation and this book is her recollection of what she learns about herself from the dating situations she finds herself in on her quest for true love! She isn't afraid of negative experiences, and I think that comes from her growing up in a slightly messed up family and she is obsessed with happy endings, and she is just biding her time until she gets the fairytale ending she remembers reading about in her childhood.
There are a lot of uncompromising positions she finds herself in, and often a little crude at times - but very funny crude! I found myself laughing so much, and often in shock at some of the embarrassing situations she finds herself in. But I just loved her frankness throughout! She is happy being HER - she doesn't want to be someone else and I think this book had the great message that life can be fun if you are YOU! Don't follow the crowd, don't comform and do what makes you happy!
All the dating disasters she experiences are a great learning experience for her and helps her to clarify in her mind what she wants from her life and she isn't afraid to take her time in finding out what is right for her!
I loved this fabulously funny debut from Sophie Kipner and will be eagerly awaiting more from this author as I loved her style of writing and the sense of humour!!
April 13, 2018
Sophie Kipner is an author to watch!!! I’m dying to read another book from her. I’ve never been so blown away, spellbound and delighted with an actual book before. I’m not the biggest reader and yet I couldn’t put this down from start to finish. I’m literally inspired to seek out other comic novels like this one and dive right in! My favorite chapters could easily stand alone as delectable short stories and so I recommend this as a gift for anyone you love. It’s super uplifting and FUNNY. It’s the equivalent of inhaling your favorite favorite dessert and staying up chatting with your best friend until dawn. So fun. Please read and then recommend other authors like her. I’m OBSESSED!! Oh, and thank me later!
-a lonesome DJ, new to the whole Reading Party, but will be the last to leave, yo!!!
-a lonesome DJ, new to the whole Reading Party, but will be the last to leave, yo!!!
April 14, 2025
I don’t want to be too harsh but I’m really not understanding all of the good reviews about this book. Tabitha is described as delusional but I think she is written as more of a downright messed up person… forcing herself onto men etc. It is not too easy to offend me, but what really turned me off about this book was how Tabitha spoke about other races/cultures. I can only hope it is not a reflection of the author herself, because it was straight up ignorant and distastefully off color.
This book had me hooked for the first few chapters but as soon as the story took off I was turned off and it just kept getting worse from there. Unfortunately I am left with a bad taste in my mouth and will be removing this book from my collection.
This book had me hooked for the first few chapters but as soon as the story took off I was turned off and it just kept getting worse from there. Unfortunately I am left with a bad taste in my mouth and will be removing this book from my collection.
December 29, 2019
A friend turned me on to Kipner having seen her art- knowing nothing about the book- she sucked me in immediately. The story follows Tabitha, an energetic, free spirit with a heart of gold looking desperately to be loved and acting out our most ridiculous impulses to make her way. She darts from one hilarious sexual encounter to another. She’s wild and sharp as a dagger; a total kook. You just want to squeeze her and tell her everything’s going to be all right. It’s light, young, hilarious, super awkward, heart breaking and above all incredibly insightful. It’s bawdy, but I’d want my teens to read it. I just loved it. It aught to be a Netflix series or something. 10/10 would binge.
May 30, 2020
Oh my god this is my favorite book ever!! Tabitha is such a hilarious, relatable- if you’re a tiny bit nuts- and wonderful character. I read constantly and loved this witty, laugh out loud, and charming novel. I couldn’t recommend it more. This is not at all all typical chick lit- it’s a beautiful, hilarious yet complicated story about a mother and daughter relationship told from the perspective of someone I wish I could know in real life. I’ve gifted this to some guy friends who also got a big kick out of it. Can’t wait for the film version!! I love Milk ;)!!
October 13, 2022
I thought at the start - oh, too weird, intense, too much detail. It’s like someone sharing every embarrassing thing that’s they’ve done or that’s happened to them. Tabitha, somewhat delusional, who seems to have no inhibitions or boundaries, is desperately looking for real, true, lasting love. Despite continually getting involved in bizarre situations - and she gives a running commentary with full details- she stays hopelessly optimistic. It’s grim in parts, funny too - you can’t help liking her.
October 3, 2017
This book made laugh, cry, and smile the whole time I was reading. It's a deliciously fast read, but I deliberately took my time, feeling a ever-present tinge of sadness that it would ever end. If you're a romantic at heart or you just love to laugh, you'll fall in love with the main character and her quixotic quest for love will fly by way too fast!
The only hope is that this author cranks out another book. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
The only hope is that this author cranks out another book. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
November 27, 2020
Thanks to Edelweiss, publisher and author for a free copy of this book so I can review it. This book started promising, fun and hilarious. I was excited thinking I would have a blast reading and laughing as I read more pages. As I continued to read, I was confused and lost. Unfortunately I did not connect with the story or the characters. It had funny moments but it also had lots of confusing moments.
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August 15, 2022Probably gonna keep this one in the DNF pile. I liked the flow and the writer's wit a whole hell of a lot. But, I just didn't feel comfy reading this. I understand that the early portions of the book are telling the story from the POV of an innocent, vulnerable child. But I just don't think I need to read about a 9-year-old girl trying to seduce her mother's gardner. Ya know? Just feels like a place I shouldn't be. The fetishizing of ethnicities was a little awkward too.
September 18, 2023
as I was reading this book, I kept thinking oh my god should I put it down? Should I continue? Glad I finished it. It’s chaotic, it’s vulnerable it’s a little culturally insensitive but it’s kinda how it feels like being a single girl in your mid to late 20s (exaggerated at some points) but there’s so many things as women that we are taught to factor in when it comes to love and I think she makes a crazy case for it.
June 1, 2018
I LOVE this book! Such a hilarious and fun ride. Sophie has a unique and endearing voice. And Tabitha is a lovable if insane main character to follow as she does all the things I think a lot of us imagine doing but none of us have the courage (or craziness) to do. I laughed out loud in public places while reading this. I highly recommend this book!
July 4, 2018
This book is truly delightful. I enjoy the bubbly language and hilarious point of view of Tabitha. Seeing the world through her eyes gives a completely new and refreshing lease on life. I am so happy a friend turned me on to this author and I can't wait for her next work to come out. Must read and I truly never wanted it to end.
March 3, 2020
It was okay....not my cup of tea if I'm honest. I think the character in this story was just a little too wacky to be relatable for me, which meant I struggled to bond with her, or care what happened to her. The writing is clever, I just think it could have been toned-down slightly. Maybe I missed the point...
May 28, 2020
I’m not usually one to say I had so much fun reading a book, but I had SO MUCH FUN reading this book! You won’t want to put it down as Sophie vividly and brilliantly describes wild stories that will have you laughing out loud, cringing, and needing to know what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone. Can not wait to read the next book from Sophie Kipner!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews