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The U-Haul Diary
What do you get if you add twelve ex-girlfriends, four overly involved friends, glow-in-the-dark body paint, a lesbian nemesis, a stripper pole, a casino surveillance tape, a three-legged cat, the restroom at the Astrodome, the restroom at the local lesbian bar, the restroom at the sheriff’s department, Jesus’s gay boyfriend, Bigfoot, and a near-death experience with an appropriately attached life-changing lesson? The U-Haul Diary – aka the story of my dating life.
The U-Haul Diary is a comedic retelling of my unsuccessful, dysfunctional, sometimes unbelievable life of dating a wide and varying array of women who moved in and out of my life (and house).
I hope you learn a little and laugh A LOT!
The U-Haul Diary is a comedic retelling of my unsuccessful, dysfunctional, sometimes unbelievable life of dating a wide and varying array of women who moved in and out of my life (and house).
I hope you learn a little and laugh A LOT!
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
24 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Draper
9 books80 followersIn 2008, K.B. Draper discovered a talent for storytelling after drinking a bottle of cheap wine at a Christmas party. One of her equally intoxicated friends said, “You are so freak’n *burp* funny. You should write a book.” The idea stuck and so did a cocktail napkin (in an inappropriate place) but that’s a totally different story. After that, K.B. Draper taught herself to write; which was challenging because she was a bad student and an even worse teacher -- but words started to make sentences, sentences made paragraphs and paragraphs eventually made a story, which came to be her first book, The U-Haul Diary.
The U-Haul Diary is a comedic, loose interpretation (okay, completely one-sided view) of the women she dated who moved in and out of her life (and house). Writing was cheaper than therapy so she continued to tell stories in her stylized rambling humor-- but her second book Close-Up is more of a modern day, will they-won’t they, oh no they didn’t, fantasy series, featuring Kanyon and Daylen, two heroines out to save the world from sin-infused articles and the supernatural bad guys. If you are looking for something a little darker then check out the Demons Series, book 1 Demons Shemons.
K.B. Draper is not a classically trained writer but she fakes it pretty okay and hopefully inspires a few chuckles along the way.
The U-Haul Diary is a comedic, loose interpretation (okay, completely one-sided view) of the women she dated who moved in and out of her life (and house). Writing was cheaper than therapy so she continued to tell stories in her stylized rambling humor-- but her second book Close-Up is more of a modern day, will they-won’t they, oh no they didn’t, fantasy series, featuring Kanyon and Daylen, two heroines out to save the world from sin-infused articles and the supernatural bad guys. If you are looking for something a little darker then check out the Demons Series, book 1 Demons Shemons.
K.B. Draper is not a classically trained writer but she fakes it pretty okay and hopefully inspires a few chuckles along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 15, 2019
3.5 stars, I've read this author's fiction series. This is a semi autobiographical look back at her dating life. This is written in chapters based on the girl/time period of her life.
November 30, 2018
While I can understand some of it humor and found parts of it funny. The comedy just wasn't my type of humor.
The story follows our protagonist, honestly, I can't remember her name as the entire book is written like a type of diary or memoir from her POV. We get to meet a series of girlfriend and her misadventures with them, the problem I encountered with it is that it became a bit too repetitive and to fast paced. I would have liked a reduction of girlfriend and a longer part with her final partner the ending felt a bit too rushed.
The ebook version does not have a chapter index but we do have headers for each girlfriend... I read while commuting and the time estimate on chapters help me decide if I have the time to start a new chapter. it really annoys me if books have the format for chapters already there but then don't make a chapter index.
The story follows our protagonist, honestly, I can't remember her name as the entire book is written like a type of diary or memoir from her POV. We get to meet a series of girlfriend and her misadventures with them, the problem I encountered with it is that it became a bit too repetitive and to fast paced. I would have liked a reduction of girlfriend and a longer part with her final partner the ending felt a bit too rushed.
The ebook version does not have a chapter index but we do have headers for each girlfriend... I read while commuting and the time estimate on chapters help me decide if I have the time to start a new chapter. it really annoys me if books have the format for chapters already there but then don't make a chapter index.
April 30, 2022
This book reminded me of How I Met Your Mother, the lesbian version. Although the show was not half as good as this book.
The format of the story is very unique, it could easily become a sitcom.
The main character is a regular woman, with many flaws and problems, but that's what makes her so relatable.
The writing is so good and funny, I was smiling the whole time and even laughing sometimes (which is pretty rare for me). The side characters and girlfriends were all interesting. The MC's experiences change her, you can feel it through the story and it makes her feel real.
I enjoyed every second of this book.
The format of the story is very unique, it could easily become a sitcom.
The main character is a regular woman, with many flaws and problems, but that's what makes her so relatable.
The writing is so good and funny, I was smiling the whole time and even laughing sometimes (which is pretty rare for me). The side characters and girlfriends were all interesting. The MC's experiences change her, you can feel it through the story and it makes her feel real.
I enjoyed every second of this book.
June 13, 2019
The U-Haul Diary by K. B. Draper is a semifictional, autobiographical story of the author’s dating life. It spans from 1991, when she was a 20-year old college student, to 2008. Each chapter deals with a girlfriend and the exact time the relationship lasted.
Draper promises us a lot of humor and I did think some of the situations were hilarious. It was certainly entertaining although I had to break the book up in various reading sessions because of the length and the way she chose to tell the story. We move through time in a brisk pace (unavoidable if you want to cram 17 years of relationships into 265 pages). So what you get is a mostly tell style writing with scenes where we slow down to get more detail and dialogue. Some readers might not find that very satisfying but let’s not forget this is diary style.
With so many players (Sabrina, Stacy, Maggie, Loren, Lindsey, Loren, Jordyn, Loren, Carly, Loren, Alicia, Abby, Kellie, Nicole and lastly ‘the one’ (who isn’t named) it is sometimes hard to keep them all apart. I admit I lost track a few times. Overall it was an entertaining experience but you have to take into consideration that the author’s ADD leaks into her writing. So there will be quite some meandering and I thought at certain places the author tried a bit too hard to be funny. But… this being her first publication I don’t make too much of a fuss ;-) The author did, however, do a fair bit of body-shaming which readers might find offensive.
f/f non explicit
Themes: how to be a lesbian told through the dating experiences with 12 girlfriends, OMG! what was the deal with Loren, the author is not very pc.
3.4 Stars
Draper promises us a lot of humor and I did think some of the situations were hilarious. It was certainly entertaining although I had to break the book up in various reading sessions because of the length and the way she chose to tell the story. We move through time in a brisk pace (unavoidable if you want to cram 17 years of relationships into 265 pages). So what you get is a mostly tell style writing with scenes where we slow down to get more detail and dialogue. Some readers might not find that very satisfying but let’s not forget this is diary style.
With so many players (Sabrina, Stacy, Maggie, Loren, Lindsey, Loren, Jordyn, Loren, Carly, Loren, Alicia, Abby, Kellie, Nicole and lastly ‘the one’ (who isn’t named) it is sometimes hard to keep them all apart. I admit I lost track a few times. Overall it was an entertaining experience but you have to take into consideration that the author’s ADD leaks into her writing. So there will be quite some meandering and I thought at certain places the author tried a bit too hard to be funny. But… this being her first publication I don’t make too much of a fuss ;-) The author did, however, do a fair bit of body-shaming which readers might find offensive.
f/f non explicit
Themes: how to be a lesbian told through the dating experiences with 12 girlfriends, OMG! what was the deal with Loren, the author is not very pc.
3.4 Stars
November 30, 2016
Well... It depends how much you can ignore subtexts and just enjoy light reading...
I mean, as a light reading it's a nice little life-story of a lesbian, told through a series of ex-girlfriends.
It's an easy read - not very deep, somewhat entertaining and funny, usually well written (except a few times the author got stuck on the same point for ages).
It's a collection of short stories, weaving together a normal(ish) life story, and it delivers on this promise.
On the other hand, at times it was hard for me to ignore the fact that this book is the "how to be a good lesbian" handbook. The main character and her friends are mostly-"good lesbians" (with almost every stereotype affirmed, except for the cats). On the other hand, any deviation from the "norm" is either frowned upon or laughed upon (and sometimes both) - be it bisexuality, butchness (is that a word?), being the wrong height or the wrong race, being sex-positive etc...
The endless parade of exes gives us plenty of opportunity to see what is right and what is wrong.
It wasn't a very big part of my reading experience. I was able to usually ignore it and enjoy me reading. Bet every 1-2 chapters, the main character said/thought something that made me cringe.
So between the 4 stars it deserves as a light-reading, and the 1-2 stars it deserves on a bit more critical-reading, I would give this book a solid 3.
I mean, as a light reading it's a nice little life-story of a lesbian, told through a series of ex-girlfriends.
It's an easy read - not very deep, somewhat entertaining and funny, usually well written (except a few times the author got stuck on the same point for ages).
It's a collection of short stories, weaving together a normal(ish) life story, and it delivers on this promise.
On the other hand, at times it was hard for me to ignore the fact that this book is the "how to be a good lesbian" handbook. The main character and her friends are mostly-"good lesbians" (with almost every stereotype affirmed, except for the cats). On the other hand, any deviation from the "norm" is either frowned upon or laughed upon (and sometimes both) - be it bisexuality, butchness (is that a word?), being the wrong height or the wrong race, being sex-positive etc...
The endless parade of exes gives us plenty of opportunity to see what is right and what is wrong.
It wasn't a very big part of my reading experience. I was able to usually ignore it and enjoy me reading. Bet every 1-2 chapters, the main character said/thought something that made me cringe.
So between the 4 stars it deserves as a light-reading, and the 1-2 stars it deserves on a bit more critical-reading, I would give this book a solid 3.
March 8, 2015
This book was hilarious! I could so relate to what the author went through. Great read!
May 14, 2023
I read the crime-mystery novel first, and I liked it, so I reached out for this one as well. Needless to say, second impression wasn't perfect. I did laughed a few (or more) times, and I do have some understanding of the growing pains process. Some parts I could even relate to! However, more times than I'd like for a good book, I asked myself one of those unbelievable-voice questions "say whaaaat?" Many actions of the main characters struck me as judgmental towards other girls, in need to emotional support when she gets roped in drama against her better judgment, and just plain stupid. And the relationships... For most of them it felt as she was an unattached passer-by - of course it might be just the writing, but that's what I got. We all have our fair share of stupid, but after one of the "next girl" it's time to grow up, re-evaluate, and apply changes.
February 27, 2020
Hilarious Book about Lesbian Dating
This was a hilarious, laugh out loud book about the trials and tribulations of lesbian dating. I enjoyed the progression of her dating life from college up until she found true happiness in the last relationship she mentioned. I loved the angel and devil voices of Dolly Parton and Little Richard, respectively, that played in her head through the early parts of the book. A good capture of their personalities.
This was a hilarious, laugh out loud book about the trials and tribulations of lesbian dating. I enjoyed the progression of her dating life from college up until she found true happiness in the last relationship she mentioned. I loved the angel and devil voices of Dolly Parton and Little Richard, respectively, that played in her head through the early parts of the book. A good capture of their personalities.
July 4, 2025
This was between a 2 and 3 star book for me. There are some interesting, even funny sections... but ultimately there's no actual point to it. It's literally just a list (in book form) of the author's exes, no overall arc, no learning or conclusions. Even within the individual chapters, the author often undermines the flow of her narrative to go for the easy joke. Not great or satisfying.
February 13, 2018
The best thing about this book - other than quite a few laugh out loud moments - is that I feel completely justified in never going to another gay bar: after reading this, I feel like I logged the last of my bar time and can stay home with my wife and sit in boring splendor on my couch.
Seriously - this reminded me of why I’m glad I’m well out of my twenties...and my thirties. And married. A fun read and a great way to kill an afternoon or two.
Seriously - this reminded me of why I’m glad I’m well out of my twenties...and my thirties. And married. A fun read and a great way to kill an afternoon or two.
June 8, 2019
I liked everything about this book. The humor was off the charts and had me laughing so he’d at times I had to stop reading. KB is a wonderful story teller an I can’t wait to read the rest of her books
April 7, 2023
Hilarious
I don't know if this is true or not, but it is hilarious. It's full of lesbian drama and tales of youth. It had me reminiscing as I read some of the stories. Thankfully, we survived those days!
I don't know if this is true or not, but it is hilarious. It's full of lesbian drama and tales of youth. It had me reminiscing as I read some of the stories. Thankfully, we survived those days!
April 20, 2018
Very funny
I think any lesbian will be able to relate to this book, in some way. Hilarious writing. Very fitting title also.
I think any lesbian will be able to relate to this book, in some way. Hilarious writing. Very fitting title also.
August 17, 2019
This book is laugh out loud funny. If you’re looking for a light, fun read, this is your book.
November 8, 2022
The mistakes made in relationships with Carly being the one neither recovered from. Funny but not, more sad.
July 6, 2025
i thought this book was super good and funny! definitely something fun to read
October 16, 2014
So funny and so relatable. A humorous and heartfelt account of the author's experience in the lesbian dating world. The reader is compelled to root for the author because she is so endearing. There are moments you desperately want to intervene on her behalf and steer her clear of certain ladies. You want to protect her, set her up with your best friend, and beat the hell out of the people who mess with her. You want her to be happy and to find her person because she deserves it. You also laugh at loud in airports, coffee shops, wherever you happen to be reading because her descriptive train of thought is completely hysterical. I think KB Draper is a talented storyteller whose work I look forward to seeing more of in the future. Well done!
January 3, 2016
Funny book, well-written
Unless you're lucky enough to meet your life-long love right off, most of us go through a series of dating partners. If you're a lesbian, two additional factors come into play: 1. A limited dating pool that means that you're eventually sharing exes with your friends (who may themselves be exes). And 2. Women often want to move in together fairly quickly. Hence-the U-Haul effect. The author captures all this with humor and humanity. I recommend this book without reservation (although, having recently discovered I live in the same city as she does, I wonder how we've never dated & wonder if we have any exes in common).
Unless you're lucky enough to meet your life-long love right off, most of us go through a series of dating partners. If you're a lesbian, two additional factors come into play: 1. A limited dating pool that means that you're eventually sharing exes with your friends (who may themselves be exes). And 2. Women often want to move in together fairly quickly. Hence-the U-Haul effect. The author captures all this with humor and humanity. I recommend this book without reservation (although, having recently discovered I live in the same city as she does, I wonder how we've never dated & wonder if we have any exes in common).
January 2, 2015
This was a pretty cute story, lots of humor. It has a few of the lesbian clichés everyone has heard about: hence the title, but they are springboards to really funny stories, with some thoughtful introspection throughout. Her descriptions are really rich and vivid--maybe a little TOO accurate, as I joked with a friend that I recognized her and then was informed that she's actually one of the exes. Oooops! But, it made for a hilarious night of teasing her. I'd definitely recommend this book if you want a laugh. It's easy to read, and can be appreciated by a variety of readers!
October 28, 2015
Stereotypical lesbian book with transmisogyny, body shamming and racism. This book tried to hard to be funny but just made it feel the author was rambling. Rather then trying to push how important communication in relationship this book is a basically how not to date someone. Short and quick read.I gave it three stars because the writing is not bad but the author put to much of herself in the book and it shows. I do appreciate some of the jokes, and I liked that this was a story about an older lesbian.
September 12, 2014
Finally! A witty and honest story of real dating experiences by someone who just happens to be a lesbian. She views her life with a comedic twist that is relatable across gender and orientation. You and your friends are going to use this book to quote and reference people you've dated. Guaranteed!
May 5, 2015
I very much enjoyed reading this wonderful authors debut novel, with a variety of interesting characters and humorous, witty narration. We get a brief, but extremely satisfying glimpse into KB Drapers fantastic mind. I literally laughed out loud, many times. A must read!!!
December 19, 2014
Witty, heartbreaking and so very funny.
February 21, 2015
love, love, loved it
February 25, 2015
Oh yes!!
A wonderful, laugh- out loud, snort to yourself book. Relatable, well written, easy to read book. You will not be disappointed!!
A wonderful, laugh- out loud, snort to yourself book. Relatable, well written, easy to read book. You will not be disappointed!!
March 11, 2015
Sweet and funny
I laughed a lot. Absolutely couldn't put it down. For anyone tired of the dating game an absolutely must read.
I laughed a lot. Absolutely couldn't put it down. For anyone tired of the dating game an absolutely must read.
April 4, 2015
Great read
Cute and realistic, believable. Good character development...feel in love with some, some were nemesis. Summed up well in the end.
Cute and realistic, believable. Good character development...feel in love with some, some were nemesis. Summed up well in the end.
November 21, 2015
Not good. The series of girlfriends felt like a parade of 2-dimensional people, simply set-ups for strained jokes.
July 8, 2016
Quite funny
Given that the author is about my age, I absolutely related to many of these stories. They were really truly funny!
Given that the author is about my age, I absolutely related to many of these stories. They were really truly funny!
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January 6, 2017Didn't finish, got to 40%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews