Eightysixed: A Memoir about Unforgettable Men, Mistakes, and Meals

by Emily Belden

Emily Belden has no idea what to do with her twenty-something life (particularly as it pertains to love), which is a tough problem for a hopeless romantic who's fresh out a failed relationship. Never one to admit defeat, Emily vows to get back in the dating ring. But the more she tires to get the most out of her Match.com subscription, the deeper down the rabbit hole she goes. While recovering the pieces of her broken heart, Emily's dating pool soon fills with a classic mix of drug addicts, embezzlers, perverts, and (spoiler alert!) pimps. But just as she begins to believe that a bottle of wine might be her only shot at lifelong happiness, a chance encounter with a man whose path impossibly crosses hers changes the game in a big, big way.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2018

About the author

Emily Belden is a food journalist, social media marketer, and storyteller. She is the author of the novels Hot Mess and Husband Material, and of Eightysixed: A Memoir about Unforgettable Men, Mistakes, and Meals. After she tiled her bedroom floor in over 60,000 pennies – all heads up for good luck – she was a guest on The Today Show and her story was covered by media outlets across the country. A Chicago native, Emily lives with her rescue dog in the West Loop, conveniently close to many of the city’s best restaurants.

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had author Emily Belden at our book club meeting last night. We love supporting a local woman from Elmhurst, IL Awesome right? She is as amazing as her book Eightsixed. A great read for any age 20 somethings and beyond. Many book club members shared stories that related to Emily's memoir. Don't want to give to much away but a must read for anyone looking for an amazing read. Can't wait for her new book coming out in September 2019 Husband Material.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading Emily Belden’s memoir, Eightysixed, which I learned means “item is no longer available” in the restaurant world.

This book took me right back to my early twenties when I dated some loser/bad boys and I recalled the insecurities, frustrations and sleepless nights due to ex-boyfriend relationship drama. I especially appreciated the epilogue in which Belden simply states “[Relationships] are only hard when things aren’t aligned” How true of a statement!

Where was this book when I was dealing with that mess in the early to mid 2000’s?!

Couple things I loved about Belden’s story:

1.) Her humor and wittiness! She’s hilarious and sarcastic! She’s totally someone I’d love to grab drinks with on a Friday night in Chicago.

2.) How relatable her story was. I can think of a few girlfriends who can also relate!

3.) Her experiences in the wonderful culinary world of Chicago! She totally convinced me to splurge a bit and visit Alinea & some of the other Logan Square restaurants she mentioned in her book! Can’t wait!!!

My favorite quotes
* To cut the balloon on whatever you’re worrying about and let it fly.
* God, where was Jillian Michaels to call you a fat ass loser when you needed her?

Overall, loved it. Plan to send to a single girlfriend who I know would love her funny story!

[Megan Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a book to make you laugh. This is it. Whether you just had a bad break up, had a long week at work, or had your baby wake up 34 times last night-this book will bring levity to your day. Love the characters and chicago dating life circa 2009. Oof. Those were the days-most I’m leaving gladly behind!