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138 Dates
Gripping, authentic and inspiring, Rebekah Campbell's quest to find love and happiness is packed with hilarious mistakes and insights that can help us all become better at relationships.
What will it take to follow your dream?
On the outside, Rebekah Campbell has an enviable life. She is founder of hot Sydney startup Posse.com, writes a popular blog and gives inspirational talks at conferences for female entrepreneurs.
But when she turns off the light each night, she is alone and terrified of the future. She knows that what's important to her isn't money or startup glory or social media followers. She wants love. She wants a family.
And she is stuck. She hasn't been on a date in ten years. She's too embarrassed to list herself on the internet and can't bear the risk of getting rejected.
She decides to act. She'll take the tactics she's learnt building companies and apply them to finding a man. Her epic journey will take her on dates with 138 different men in Sydney, New York and San Francisco, while at the same time confronting the immense challenges of launching a business.
She'll face exhaustion, humiliation and heartbreak; she'll meet some strange and dangerous characters. And she will strip herself of the ego and expectations that have been holding her back. She will not stop.
138 Dates proves that the end is always worth the effort.
What will it take to follow your dream?
On the outside, Rebekah Campbell has an enviable life. She is founder of hot Sydney startup Posse.com, writes a popular blog and gives inspirational talks at conferences for female entrepreneurs.
But when she turns off the light each night, she is alone and terrified of the future. She knows that what's important to her isn't money or startup glory or social media followers. She wants love. She wants a family.
And she is stuck. She hasn't been on a date in ten years. She's too embarrassed to list herself on the internet and can't bear the risk of getting rejected.
She decides to act. She'll take the tactics she's learnt building companies and apply them to finding a man. Her epic journey will take her on dates with 138 different men in Sydney, New York and San Francisco, while at the same time confronting the immense challenges of launching a business.
She'll face exhaustion, humiliation and heartbreak; she'll meet some strange and dangerous characters. And she will strip herself of the ego and expectations that have been holding her back. She will not stop.
138 Dates proves that the end is always worth the effort.
414 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2021
30 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Campbell
1 book15 followersMy early memories are of Dad fossicking around in his study writing stories. I was 13 when he entered the New Zealand Sunday newspaper's shorty story competition. I noticed there was a 'high school' category and I mustn't have had anything to do that weekend so I decided to try my hand at crafting an entry. It was a descriptive piece about a young nurse visiting an elderly psychiatric patient with a twist at the end (heavily influenced by Roald Dahl).
I was shocked when a man called up a month later to tell me I'd won! They published my funny little story in the newspaper and sent a cheque for $500 to my school.
I fell in love writing then. First, when I wrote the story and felt completely emerged in something I'd created in my head. And then when I got up at assembly to collect my certificate. Maybe this was something I could be good at.
At university I discovered new loves. I studied politics and Maori Language and I organised a huge concert to raise awareness of youth mental health in Wellington. Later, I moved to Sydney to take up a job with Neil Finn's manager who I'd met when I organised the concert.
For the next eight years I built one of Australia's largest independent music companies, representing Evermore, Matt Corby, Lisa Mitchell, george and several others. And for eight years after that, I built two technology businesses, Posse.com and Hey You.
At age 35 I felt very lost. I wasn't sure where to point my career next but I was certain that I longed for love and a family of my own. So I set myself a resolution: one date every week for an entire year.
What followed is in my book ‘138 Dates: one woman’s search for everything’ There's lots of heartbreak and humiliation and hard-won lessons. With ultimately a very happy ending meeting wonderful Rod and making our two babies, Eve and Bobby.
Now I'm in my forties, I'm finding my attention is returning to my early passions. Rod, the kids and I have recently moved back to Wellington (the best city in the world), we spend our weekends hiking in New Zealand's national parks and I've begun to re-learn Te Reo Maori.
I'm currently working on an idea for my next book.
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my Good Reads page. Please send me any questions about 138 Dates and let's stay in touch as we charge forward into the next phase.
xox Rebekah
I was shocked when a man called up a month later to tell me I'd won! They published my funny little story in the newspaper and sent a cheque for $500 to my school.
I fell in love writing then. First, when I wrote the story and felt completely emerged in something I'd created in my head. And then when I got up at assembly to collect my certificate. Maybe this was something I could be good at.
At university I discovered new loves. I studied politics and Maori Language and I organised a huge concert to raise awareness of youth mental health in Wellington. Later, I moved to Sydney to take up a job with Neil Finn's manager who I'd met when I organised the concert.
For the next eight years I built one of Australia's largest independent music companies, representing Evermore, Matt Corby, Lisa Mitchell, george and several others. And for eight years after that, I built two technology businesses, Posse.com and Hey You.
At age 35 I felt very lost. I wasn't sure where to point my career next but I was certain that I longed for love and a family of my own. So I set myself a resolution: one date every week for an entire year.
What followed is in my book ‘138 Dates: one woman’s search for everything’ There's lots of heartbreak and humiliation and hard-won lessons. With ultimately a very happy ending meeting wonderful Rod and making our two babies, Eve and Bobby.
Now I'm in my forties, I'm finding my attention is returning to my early passions. Rod, the kids and I have recently moved back to Wellington (the best city in the world), we spend our weekends hiking in New Zealand's national parks and I've begun to re-learn Te Reo Maori.
I'm currently working on an idea for my next book.
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my Good Reads page. Please send me any questions about 138 Dates and let's stay in touch as we charge forward into the next phase.
xox Rebekah
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 15, 2021
My full review of 138 Dates is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
138 Dates wasn’t a difficult read, I chewed through it in one sitting, but something about the particular strain of girlboss feminism running through it didn’t sit right with me. At times, it felt like Campbell was cloaking an advertorial about her business in a memoir about “love”. If you’re looking for a memoir about how to find your soulmate, this probably ain’t it, but it’s got business advice and Tinder nightmare stories aplenty.
138 Dates wasn’t a difficult read, I chewed through it in one sitting, but something about the particular strain of girlboss feminism running through it didn’t sit right with me. At times, it felt like Campbell was cloaking an advertorial about her business in a memoir about “love”. If you’re looking for a memoir about how to find your soulmate, this probably ain’t it, but it’s got business advice and Tinder nightmare stories aplenty.
January 9, 2022
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Not being the target audience and all.
If you follow Rebekah on social media you know how this turns out but this little spoiler didn't affect my reading pleasure.
Rebekah is open and honest as she takes on finding love as she would a business venture, organising do's and don'ts lists and practically interviewing her dates.
I did find her quite judgemental and not very warm when she was on the dates. She was all business.
I admire her tenacity as she goes on 138 different dates and I enjoyed all the descriptions of the different restaurants and meals she had.
As she combines looking for love with the stress of running a start-up, Rebekah talks a lot about her business and work although I still feel she played down how stressful and time consuming starting your own business is.
I really enjoyed this candid and entertaining look at dating in your mid thirties and the call out not to give up on your dreams. However, I feel the real take out was Rebekah's acceptance of herself. It's hard to find love when you don't love yourself.
*I received a copy from the publisher
If you follow Rebekah on social media you know how this turns out but this little spoiler didn't affect my reading pleasure.
Rebekah is open and honest as she takes on finding love as she would a business venture, organising do's and don'ts lists and practically interviewing her dates.
I did find her quite judgemental and not very warm when she was on the dates. She was all business.
I admire her tenacity as she goes on 138 different dates and I enjoyed all the descriptions of the different restaurants and meals she had.
As she combines looking for love with the stress of running a start-up, Rebekah talks a lot about her business and work although I still feel she played down how stressful and time consuming starting your own business is.
I really enjoyed this candid and entertaining look at dating in your mid thirties and the call out not to give up on your dreams. However, I feel the real take out was Rebekah's acceptance of herself. It's hard to find love when you don't love yourself.
*I received a copy from the publisher
January 22, 2022
Not everyone needs to write a memoir. Not one so long and with so many decisions that infuriated me as an intelligent woman. Someone definitely girlbossed too close to the sun
February 14, 2023
Mixed feelings about this one. I liked Campbell’s honesty and her descriptions of all the different men she dated. Her writing was clear and vivid, and a breeze to read. I admired her vulnerability and her “warts and all” approach to storytelling. She was brave enough to present aspects of herself that were not too flattering. I wasn’t so interested in the story of her tech startup company… it just isn’t my cup of tea at all… I have no interest in that stuff, so it felt like I was tricked into reading a memoir about her career…. I also found her pretty shallow at times… for example, when she acted like it was a miracle that she met a fat woman who had a “hot” boyfriend. I thought it came across as condescending, the way she acted like the woman had achieved something amazing for being fat and finding love. It just seemed so shallow. I also cringed A LOT when she dated the Liberal senator and pretended to eat meat so he wouldn’t know she was a vegetarian. She was so starstruck with him, and I just found that very alienating, and kind of depressing, really… I guess it showed a side of human nature that I prefer not to think about… people who have that “groupie” mentality for powerful people and actually believe that they are prizes to be won. Ugh. No. It just rubbed me the wrong way. I guess we’re all on our own life paths, and I’m not perfect, either. I guess we’re just really different people… and she wants love, just like we all do. Yeah, so I had mixed feelings. I almost gave the book four stars, but I settled on a generous three.
September 10, 2021
138 Dates by Rebekah Campbell
Synopsis /
On the outside, Rebekah Campbell has an enviable life. She is founder of hot Sydney start-up Posse.com, writes a popular blog and gives inspirational talks at conferences for female entrepreneurs. But when she turns off the light each night, she is alone and terrified of the future. She knows that what's important to her isn't money or start-up glory or social media followers. She wants love. She wants a family.
And she is stuck. She hasn't been on a date in ten years. She's too embarrassed to list herself on the internet and can't bear the risk of getting rejected. She decides to act. She'll take the tactics she's learnt building companies and apply them to finding a man. Her epic journey will take her on dates with 138 different men in Sydney, New York and San Francisco, while at the same time confronting the immense challenges of launching a business.
She'll face exhaustion, humiliation and heartbreak; she'll meet some strange and dangerous characters. And she will strip herself of the ego and expectations that have been holding her back. She will not stop.
My Thoughts /
I treated online dating like a start-up and found a husband.
Rebekah Campbell - July 17, 2021 — 7.00pm
There is (obviously) more than one path for a woman to take to become successful and achieve her life ambitions. Rebekah Campbell is one woman who has taken the time to tell her story in a very personal way.
This is the story of Rebekah Campbell, an entrepreneur business woman, who also happens to be looking for love. [Disclaimer: Names have been changed to protect the innocent!] Rebekah’s dating experiences and career progressions are cleverly interweaved in this light-hearted real life story. At the age of 35, and after spending her life focusing on her career Rebekah decides she wants to find a husband and start a family – this is her story. For outsiders looking in, it appears that Rebekah has it all, a successful company called Posse.com and a very popular blog. However, appearances can be deceiving, and the truth is that Rebekah, at age 35, is so very lonely. So utilising what she is good at, Rebekah uses her business experience and knowledge, to help her find ‘the one’. What ensues is a roller-coaster ride of emotions that explore the dating world! With a goal of at least one date a week, what follows is a staggering 138 dates with different men from one of the globe to the other.
Campbell opens up to us about her first love, the one who will forever be the benchmark for what she wants in a relationship and how she deserves to be treated. She chronicles her story in a detailed timeline with absolute honesty, and her journey flowed effortlessly across the pages. I found myself at different times throughout the book questioning how someone could be so smart (in business) and yet so unlucky in their personal life?
In a newspaper article, a male fertility specialist was quoted as saying “Women over 35 should stop being so fussy”. My answer to that would be to say “Well, why can’t we be fussy?” It’s my life to live however I choose. It was Benjamin Franklin who said ‘there is no right time there is just time and what you choose to do with it’.
138 Dates is the debut novel by Australian author, Rebekah Campbell.
When it comes to life, we spin our own yarn, and where we end up is really, in fact, where we always intended to be. Personally, I cannot imagine going on 138 dates, but if you put as much work into dating as you would most other aspects of your life you’ve got to come out a winner eventually, right?
What will it take to follow your dream?
Synopsis /
On the outside, Rebekah Campbell has an enviable life. She is founder of hot Sydney start-up Posse.com, writes a popular blog and gives inspirational talks at conferences for female entrepreneurs. But when she turns off the light each night, she is alone and terrified of the future. She knows that what's important to her isn't money or start-up glory or social media followers. She wants love. She wants a family.
And she is stuck. She hasn't been on a date in ten years. She's too embarrassed to list herself on the internet and can't bear the risk of getting rejected. She decides to act. She'll take the tactics she's learnt building companies and apply them to finding a man. Her epic journey will take her on dates with 138 different men in Sydney, New York and San Francisco, while at the same time confronting the immense challenges of launching a business.
She'll face exhaustion, humiliation and heartbreak; she'll meet some strange and dangerous characters. And she will strip herself of the ego and expectations that have been holding her back. She will not stop.
My Thoughts /
I treated online dating like a start-up and found a husband.
Rebekah Campbell - July 17, 2021 — 7.00pm
There is (obviously) more than one path for a woman to take to become successful and achieve her life ambitions. Rebekah Campbell is one woman who has taken the time to tell her story in a very personal way.
This is the story of Rebekah Campbell, an entrepreneur business woman, who also happens to be looking for love. [Disclaimer: Names have been changed to protect the innocent!] Rebekah’s dating experiences and career progressions are cleverly interweaved in this light-hearted real life story. At the age of 35, and after spending her life focusing on her career Rebekah decides she wants to find a husband and start a family – this is her story. For outsiders looking in, it appears that Rebekah has it all, a successful company called Posse.com and a very popular blog. However, appearances can be deceiving, and the truth is that Rebekah, at age 35, is so very lonely. So utilising what she is good at, Rebekah uses her business experience and knowledge, to help her find ‘the one’. What ensues is a roller-coaster ride of emotions that explore the dating world! With a goal of at least one date a week, what follows is a staggering 138 dates with different men from one of the globe to the other.
Campbell opens up to us about her first love, the one who will forever be the benchmark for what she wants in a relationship and how she deserves to be treated. She chronicles her story in a detailed timeline with absolute honesty, and her journey flowed effortlessly across the pages. I found myself at different times throughout the book questioning how someone could be so smart (in business) and yet so unlucky in their personal life?
In a newspaper article, a male fertility specialist was quoted as saying “Women over 35 should stop being so fussy”. My answer to that would be to say “Well, why can’t we be fussy?” It’s my life to live however I choose. It was Benjamin Franklin who said ‘there is no right time there is just time and what you choose to do with it’.
138 Dates is the debut novel by Australian author, Rebekah Campbell.
When it comes to life, we spin our own yarn, and where we end up is really, in fact, where we always intended to be. Personally, I cannot imagine going on 138 dates, but if you put as much work into dating as you would most other aspects of your life you’ve got to come out a winner eventually, right?
What will it take to follow your dream?
August 8, 2021
Rebekah tells her story of finding love and life as a female entrepreneur. I liked the writing style of this book, it felt very personal yet light hearted. Some of the dates were hilarious to read about.
I was however disappointed with Cameron not being a real character! I found their relationship to be the most intriguing. I also felt the book slumped a little in the middle, I felt like I was waiting around for that final date, and when it did come it was a bit of a let down.
I think women in their mid to late 30s would thoroughly enjoy this book!
Thank you Allen & Unwin for this gifted copy!
I was however disappointed with Cameron not being a real character! I found their relationship to be the most intriguing. I also felt the book slumped a little in the middle, I felt like I was waiting around for that final date, and when it did come it was a bit of a let down.
I think women in their mid to late 30s would thoroughly enjoy this book!
Thank you Allen & Unwin for this gifted copy!
July 24, 2021
I am grateful to have been given a copy of Rebekah’s new book. This true story reads a little like Bridget Jones Diary.
Rebekah weaves her experiences in dating with her career progression.
Whilst we are of similar age, Rebekahs story couldn’t be more different that my own having met my husband at age 20 and married at 23. It was interesting reading her experiences in dating and building her own start up tech company.
It would be a great little self help style book for women who find themselves in Rebekahs position, late 30s realising they have yet to achieve some of their personal goals whilst succeeding professionally.
3.5/5
Many thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review.
Rebekah weaves her experiences in dating with her career progression.
Whilst we are of similar age, Rebekahs story couldn’t be more different that my own having met my husband at age 20 and married at 23. It was interesting reading her experiences in dating and building her own start up tech company.
It would be a great little self help style book for women who find themselves in Rebekahs position, late 30s realising they have yet to achieve some of their personal goals whilst succeeding professionally.
3.5/5
Many thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review.
November 22, 2021
The journey to finding love can definitely feel like an endless rollercoaster, knowing that you can’t get off, but have to be home by a certain time. (Sorry I know my metaphors are weird😂)
For Rebekah the journey to finding love wasn’t short, it took 138 weird and wonderful dates! And in the end she had discovered so much more then love.
I really appreciated and enjoyed this truly honest non fiction novel by Rebekah Campell. I felt completely captivated by Rebekah’s openness in all aspects of this novel, it made the book heart warming and quite funny as she describes dating in your thirties. Her journey to love was forever changing as she created lists of do’s and don’ts, what she’s looking for in a partner and what is acceptable to say on a first date.
Rebekah writes straight from the heart, as she tells stories from her past that have led her to the place she is now, and why she is looking for love. I appreciate her being so open with her experiences, it makes the novel all the more relatable. The only fault I could give is I wish the novel talked about her dating a bit more. I really enjoyed hearing about the dates themselves, and found she spoke a lot about her business(which I appreciate is very important, but I was there for love and some crazy dating experiences).
Although I can not say I have been on 138 dates, nor do I really remember how to date (thanks bf - for putting up with my weird first date four years ago), but if I ever need dating advice I definitely know where to go! 💛
Overall I thought this novel was really interesting and different, I think even if you aren’t in the dating game you can still take a lot from this novel about personal growth.
For Rebekah the journey to finding love wasn’t short, it took 138 weird and wonderful dates! And in the end she had discovered so much more then love.
I really appreciated and enjoyed this truly honest non fiction novel by Rebekah Campell. I felt completely captivated by Rebekah’s openness in all aspects of this novel, it made the book heart warming and quite funny as she describes dating in your thirties. Her journey to love was forever changing as she created lists of do’s and don’ts, what she’s looking for in a partner and what is acceptable to say on a first date.
Rebekah writes straight from the heart, as she tells stories from her past that have led her to the place she is now, and why she is looking for love. I appreciate her being so open with her experiences, it makes the novel all the more relatable. The only fault I could give is I wish the novel talked about her dating a bit more. I really enjoyed hearing about the dates themselves, and found she spoke a lot about her business(which I appreciate is very important, but I was there for love and some crazy dating experiences).
Although I can not say I have been on 138 dates, nor do I really remember how to date (thanks bf - for putting up with my weird first date four years ago), but if I ever need dating advice I definitely know where to go! 💛
Overall I thought this novel was really interesting and different, I think even if you aren’t in the dating game you can still take a lot from this novel about personal growth.
August 4, 2021
I picked up '138 Dates' looking forward to the read but couldn’t have known the profound effect it would have on me. I’m in my early 20s and could think of nothing worse than going on 138 dates, this book probably won’t appeal to me right? Wrong.
In her book, Rebekah Campbell paints a beautiful, raw, and relatable picture of what it means to be a working women stuck between her career and starting a family. Not only do we hear about Rebekah’s often tumultuous (albeit juicy) dating life, we also hear about her journey as a female entrepreneur in Australia. Stories like how Rebekah travelled to Silicon Valley by herself and raised millions in venture capital…. What. A. Woman.
While you likely won’t find me running off to date 138 different men anytime soon, Rebekah’s story reminded me that good things come when you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
I loved '138 Dates' and will be recommending it to every woman I know!
In her book, Rebekah Campbell paints a beautiful, raw, and relatable picture of what it means to be a working women stuck between her career and starting a family. Not only do we hear about Rebekah’s often tumultuous (albeit juicy) dating life, we also hear about her journey as a female entrepreneur in Australia. Stories like how Rebekah travelled to Silicon Valley by herself and raised millions in venture capital…. What. A. Woman.
While you likely won’t find me running off to date 138 different men anytime soon, Rebekah’s story reminded me that good things come when you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
I loved '138 Dates' and will be recommending it to every woman I know!
November 2, 2022
I'm gonna say it. This chick is crazy. I admire her drive and dedication to her work and her goals, but the way she approaches men is bizarre. Repeatedly she claimed to have 'fallen in love' with men after the first date, imagines their wedding and even the names for their kids, and is kind of shocked when they don't respond to her tens of calls? Although this is what happened with date number 138 and it worked out! I did get a bit lost by all the names (after all there are over 138 of them), and would have appreciated a reminder of who people are throughout the book, but I did enjoy learning about her career path. Overall it was an easy read, but I didn't find I was excited to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
Not the most well written but I enjoyed it (especially since I vividly remember meeting her at an entrepreneurial talk back when I was still in high school). Funny seeing her apply her business mindset to dating and how it works out. Lesson about 'the one' not existing was nice
October 29, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was really a 4.5-star read (well, listen; I did the audiobook), but I just don’t think it will quite stick in my head the way a 5-star read should. The author decided it was time to find the love of her life, and set out on a quest to do this via online dating. (She’s also running a tech start-up company, and the book is equal parts dating and running a start-up.) Truthfully, I did not like her much in the beginning of the book. She was so determined to find the RIGHT man that she came off to me as desperate and shallow. A lot of men were turned off by this. The good thing is that she was able to grow personally by reflecting on her experiences. I admit that I did sort of expect this book to end with some version of “And I never did find THE ONE, but I learned to be happy by myself.” Actually what happened is that on date #138, she met the love of her life, who she married and had children with just like she was supposed to. A happy ending for all, but more important, an interesting journey of self-discovery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
I actually loved how real this author was, sometimes i found how irritating she is but rest it was so real.
Therapist is so important than self help books i realised so truly here.
A very nice and realistic book.
Therapist is so important than self help books i realised so truly here.
A very nice and realistic book.
March 27, 2022
I found this book highly enjoyable and easy to read. I found it extremely relatable, currently trying to navigate through online dating. I do however feel a bit frustrated by the author and the way she speaks to herself and views herself. I almost felt like I just wanted to slap her? I felt like she needed a better psychologist to help her see what an incredible woman she was and to maybe not have put up with so many wankers if she had some more self esteem.
July 26, 2021
138 Dates by Rebekah Campbell
_____
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this newly released book - 138 dates by Rebekah Campbell.
A real life story of an entrepreneur business woman looking for love. The book entwines both her search for love with her experiences in business - both worlds existing parallel to one another. It’s at age 35, after spending her life focusing on her career that Rebekah decides she wants to find a husband and start a family. She endeavours to go on 52 dates a year, until she finds the one, but in reality she is really finding and falling in love with herself.
Not only is this a great insight to Rebekah’s life. It would also make as a good self help style book to those who find themselves in a similar situation to Rebekah’s - succeeding professionally without quite having reached all their personal goals.
It was a privilege to have been given a copy of this book to review, I did enjoy it - although didn’t connect well with the story as I am in a very different stage in my life - I can see others loving this book!
_____
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this newly released book - 138 dates by Rebekah Campbell.
A real life story of an entrepreneur business woman looking for love. The book entwines both her search for love with her experiences in business - both worlds existing parallel to one another. It’s at age 35, after spending her life focusing on her career that Rebekah decides she wants to find a husband and start a family. She endeavours to go on 52 dates a year, until she finds the one, but in reality she is really finding and falling in love with herself.
Not only is this a great insight to Rebekah’s life. It would also make as a good self help style book to those who find themselves in a similar situation to Rebekah’s - succeeding professionally without quite having reached all their personal goals.
It was a privilege to have been given a copy of this book to review, I did enjoy it - although didn’t connect well with the story as I am in a very different stage in my life - I can see others loving this book!
July 14, 2021
I was recently given the opportunity to receive a copy of the newly released book 138 Dates by Rebekah Campbell, and although it isn't a genre that I usually go for, I agreed as it sounded interesting. I'm glad I did, as it's a pretty good read.
The book is a true story about businesswoman and entrepreneur Rebekah Campbell, and her journey to find love.
The story is set in 2012, when Rebekah is aged 35. Outwardly, it appears that Rebekah has it all, including a successful company called Posse.com, and a popular blog. However, the truth is that she is very lonely. She hasn't been on a date in ten years, and she feels as though it is time to put herself out there in the hopes of fulfilling her dream of finding love and starting a family.
Using her business experience and knowledge, she applies these tactics to help find a man. What follows is a wild roller-coaster of the dating world! 138 dates with different men from Sydney, San Fransisco and New York, all whilst trying to launch a company!
Rebekah doesn't shy away from telling her story, and really keeps it real in the retelling of her experience. I am sure that there are many out there who can relate to the effort and pressure of dating.
I really enjoyed her honesty in sharing her dating experiences, and her vulnerability was endearing.
I also liked finding out about her family (her mum certainly is a character!), and about her earlier years and first experience with love, which set the benchmark for her relationships.
138 Dates is well worth a read, 3.5 stars
The book is a true story about businesswoman and entrepreneur Rebekah Campbell, and her journey to find love.
The story is set in 2012, when Rebekah is aged 35. Outwardly, it appears that Rebekah has it all, including a successful company called Posse.com, and a popular blog. However, the truth is that she is very lonely. She hasn't been on a date in ten years, and she feels as though it is time to put herself out there in the hopes of fulfilling her dream of finding love and starting a family.
Using her business experience and knowledge, she applies these tactics to help find a man. What follows is a wild roller-coaster of the dating world! 138 dates with different men from Sydney, San Fransisco and New York, all whilst trying to launch a company!
Rebekah doesn't shy away from telling her story, and really keeps it real in the retelling of her experience. I am sure that there are many out there who can relate to the effort and pressure of dating.
I really enjoyed her honesty in sharing her dating experiences, and her vulnerability was endearing.
I also liked finding out about her family (her mum certainly is a character!), and about her earlier years and first experience with love, which set the benchmark for her relationships.
138 Dates is well worth a read, 3.5 stars
July 22, 2021
Rebekah's romantic life is not as productive as her professional one, she hasn't been on a date in 10 years. When she wakes up one Christmas morning crushingly alone the intentions to change starts, she wants love and companionship, she wants a family. Rebeckah opens up about her first love, the one who will forever be the benchmark for what she wants in a relationship and how she deserves to be treated. Once deciding to act, Rebekah approaches her dating in a methodical way, she lists goals and requirements of her potential matches.
Starting back in 2012 this tale intertwines rebekahs quest for love as well as the hardships of developing and running a start up. Rebekah doesn't shy away from telling her story and it feels very relatable. The trials and tribulations of online dating and first meetings were funny, cringy and painful. While I did find parts of it quite repetitive, overall I found it an enjoyable read.
I think personally I have taken more from her reflections in regards to her career than dating. I recommend this to people who lament "it's impossible to online date/ date in this day and age".
Starting back in 2012 this tale intertwines rebekahs quest for love as well as the hardships of developing and running a start up. Rebekah doesn't shy away from telling her story and it feels very relatable. The trials and tribulations of online dating and first meetings were funny, cringy and painful. While I did find parts of it quite repetitive, overall I found it an enjoyable read.
I think personally I have taken more from her reflections in regards to her career than dating. I recommend this to people who lament "it's impossible to online date/ date in this day and age".
November 20, 2023
What to say about this one... I'm so conflicted. On the one hand, I did read it pretty quickly and enjoyed reading about all her dates. I thought the stories would be funnier but only a few were mildly amusing. I liked the 'professional woman who is actually deeply insecure' narrative because it reiterates the point that even when we look like we have it all together, we probably don't. Her negative self-talk was grating after a while but it did ring true. I probably said those things to myself when I was in my 20s, until I learned to start accepting myself for who I was.
On the other hand, the way she conducted herself through this whole search was mystifying to me. I understand the need to keep track of the dates with a spreadsheet and her little self-assessments, that makes sense for a business-focused person like her. But then when she went on the dates she was looking for something nebulous, some ethereal soul connection that had nothing to do with the data she was keeping. I mean either you want a guy who checks all the boxes or you want a bolt of lightning that's going to make you throw your list out the window. Which is it? You can't have it all? I felt sorry for Charlie because he literally had everything on her list - he was cute, active, there for her when she needed him - but still she rejected him for some perceived lack of chemistry... if she really was going to approach dating like a business she should have given him more of a go. 'Invested' something in that relationship. She wanted someone reliable but then she found his reliability boring... Oy!
Then there were the quicksilver leaps from first date to picturing herself naming children with the guy before they'd even finished the entrees. No wonder she was scaring guys off! I kept wanting to yell, 'just be cool Rebekah! They can smell desperation!' I know when you're in your 30s you have no time to waste, but this was like a mania that wouldn't let up and was actually stopping her from achieving her goal.
I didn't get the thing with Steve she broke up with him because she thought she could do better but then mourned him for 10years.... er, and why would he be hanging around her in the spirit world and not off with his actual fiancé who died in the accident with him?
And then at last after 137 dates where she slowly learns she needs to accept herself before she can be any good for a relationship, no sooner does she realise this than the perfect 'lightning bolt' guy shows up on date 138. I know, I know, it is true that you have to accept and love yourself to be in a healthy relationship, but this was super convenient timing... I guess maybe edited for the book? And pretty lucky too, because she was just in time to have her kids before 40. I don't think it works out quite like that most of the time... so I guess lucky for her but it left me feeling a bit pissed off for some reason. She spent the entire book basically doing EVERYTHING wrong in her cluelessness (how did she not know 'looking for new adventures' on a dating profile would say 'DTF' to any guy reading it?? And she didn't know to make eye-contact and tough a guy's arm or something to let him know you're interested? This is rudimentary stuff) and still she gets the reward in the end, prince charming showing up out of the blue. It was kinda annoying.
So it evens out to 3 stars
On the other hand, the way she conducted herself through this whole search was mystifying to me. I understand the need to keep track of the dates with a spreadsheet and her little self-assessments, that makes sense for a business-focused person like her. But then when she went on the dates she was looking for something nebulous, some ethereal soul connection that had nothing to do with the data she was keeping. I mean either you want a guy who checks all the boxes or you want a bolt of lightning that's going to make you throw your list out the window. Which is it? You can't have it all? I felt sorry for Charlie because he literally had everything on her list - he was cute, active, there for her when she needed him - but still she rejected him for some perceived lack of chemistry... if she really was going to approach dating like a business she should have given him more of a go. 'Invested' something in that relationship. She wanted someone reliable but then she found his reliability boring... Oy!
Then there were the quicksilver leaps from first date to picturing herself naming children with the guy before they'd even finished the entrees. No wonder she was scaring guys off! I kept wanting to yell, 'just be cool Rebekah! They can smell desperation!' I know when you're in your 30s you have no time to waste, but this was like a mania that wouldn't let up and was actually stopping her from achieving her goal.
I didn't get the thing with Steve she broke up with him because she thought she could do better but then mourned him for 10years.... er, and why would he be hanging around her in the spirit world and not off with his actual fiancé who died in the accident with him?
And then at last after 137 dates where she slowly learns she needs to accept herself before she can be any good for a relationship, no sooner does she realise this than the perfect 'lightning bolt' guy shows up on date 138. I know, I know, it is true that you have to accept and love yourself to be in a healthy relationship, but this was super convenient timing... I guess maybe edited for the book? And pretty lucky too, because she was just in time to have her kids before 40. I don't think it works out quite like that most of the time... so I guess lucky for her but it left me feeling a bit pissed off for some reason. She spent the entire book basically doing EVERYTHING wrong in her cluelessness (how did she not know 'looking for new adventures' on a dating profile would say 'DTF' to any guy reading it?? And she didn't know to make eye-contact and tough a guy's arm or something to let him know you're interested? This is rudimentary stuff) and still she gets the reward in the end, prince charming showing up out of the blue. It was kinda annoying.
So it evens out to 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
138 Dates is the debut novel from Australian writer Rebekah Campbell. Campbell describes herself as an ‘entrepreneur, thinker, activist, wife and mum.’138 Dates is part of the journey that made her the woman she is today. Campbell takes her readers back to 2012, a time when she was a single Sydneysider at the beginning of career.
From the opening pages, Rebekah is a relatable, likeable woman. In her mid thirties, she is a career woman who is looking for the whole package, love and a family. Rebekah is the founder of the start up. Posse.com, and is solely responsible for its success. She demonstrates the difficulty of being ‘the boss’, and I found myself admiring her drive and tenacity in challenging times. Yet the difficult moments made Rebekah’s successes all the more sweeter. It eventually leads Rebekah into the realm of blogging and inspirational speaker. Her dating life is not as productive as her professional life, so Rebekah applies a new strategy to help her find ‘the one’.
Rebekah embarks upon a methodical approach to dating. Over a year Rebekah analyses the positives and negatives, allowing her to make any changes along the way. She embraces dating apps, enjoying the many choices to her, both in Australia, and overseas when she is working. A year later, Rebekah has dated 138 men as she doesn’t waste time on men there isn’t a future with. The down-side was that as a reader, I didn’t get to know any of the men either. Rebekah’s relationships were like a revolving door, with men coming and going. When the man of Rebekah’s dreams does walk into her life, it is the fairy tale moment she has longed for.
A husband and two children later, Rebekah Campbell has it all.
138 Dates is an inspirational read for women looking to start their own business or find love in an unconventional manner.
Thanks to Allan & Unwin for the opportunity to read and review this book.
From the opening pages, Rebekah is a relatable, likeable woman. In her mid thirties, she is a career woman who is looking for the whole package, love and a family. Rebekah is the founder of the start up. Posse.com, and is solely responsible for its success. She demonstrates the difficulty of being ‘the boss’, and I found myself admiring her drive and tenacity in challenging times. Yet the difficult moments made Rebekah’s successes all the more sweeter. It eventually leads Rebekah into the realm of blogging and inspirational speaker. Her dating life is not as productive as her professional life, so Rebekah applies a new strategy to help her find ‘the one’.
Rebekah embarks upon a methodical approach to dating. Over a year Rebekah analyses the positives and negatives, allowing her to make any changes along the way. She embraces dating apps, enjoying the many choices to her, both in Australia, and overseas when she is working. A year later, Rebekah has dated 138 men as she doesn’t waste time on men there isn’t a future with. The down-side was that as a reader, I didn’t get to know any of the men either. Rebekah’s relationships were like a revolving door, with men coming and going. When the man of Rebekah’s dreams does walk into her life, it is the fairy tale moment she has longed for.
A husband and two children later, Rebekah Campbell has it all.
138 Dates is an inspirational read for women looking to start their own business or find love in an unconventional manner.
Thanks to Allan & Unwin for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 7, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
This book’s main theme is that women should voice what they want in life without fear of judgement or sacrificing who they are at their core.
I have never read a book written with such incredible candour, vulnerability and wit. 138 Dates paints a very raw and vulnerable picture of an incredibly successful woman striving to build her software business and at the same time, start a family.
Spoiler alert, she goes on 138 tumultuous but juicy dates. She (somehow) maintains hope, strength of character, and surety about what she wants from a partner. She bares all of her mistakes with great honesty and awareness, and her growth is commendable.
This was a little long, and could have been thinned out through the middle, but this was light and fun.
A big thank you to Rebekah for sending me an advanced reader’s copy.
#138dates #rebekahcampbell #nonfiction #ad #pr #gifted
This book’s main theme is that women should voice what they want in life without fear of judgement or sacrificing who they are at their core.
I have never read a book written with such incredible candour, vulnerability and wit. 138 Dates paints a very raw and vulnerable picture of an incredibly successful woman striving to build her software business and at the same time, start a family.
Spoiler alert, she goes on 138 tumultuous but juicy dates. She (somehow) maintains hope, strength of character, and surety about what she wants from a partner. She bares all of her mistakes with great honesty and awareness, and her growth is commendable.
This was a little long, and could have been thinned out through the middle, but this was light and fun.
A big thank you to Rebekah for sending me an advanced reader’s copy.
#138dates #rebekahcampbell #nonfiction #ad #pr #gifted
November 13, 2021
I loved this book. It has been on my to be read list for some time and what a story! It was so gripping and the entire time you are rooting for Rebekah to find “the one” but along the way learns so much about herself and what she deserves. The last line in the Epilogue I absolutely adore and needed to hear! Highly recommend.
January 15, 2022
I'm definitely not the target demographic for this, but it was so enjoyable. This book is extremely personal and that is its best quality. I wanted to keep reading, to keep turning pages so I could find out what happened next. I also had the immense pleasure of meeting the author (over Zoom, but still) and she was so lovely.
Pick this up for its authenticity and page-turning qualities.
Pick this up for its authenticity and page-turning qualities.
February 28, 2022
This book is great. It is about Rebekahs life through dating, finding herself and developing her business - hey you. I felt throughout the book the narrative could have been tightened as there was a slump half way through. However the book did finish well and had the key takeaways at the end. Her writing was personal and relateable so it was an easy to read book.
April 16, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to expect. At times, the main character did get on my nerves, due to the fact that she wasn’t making the right decisions, but that’s easy for me to say from an outside perspective. I really enjoyed the epilogue, with the pointers, took some notes and highlighted sentences that I liked. This book was not what I was expecting, but I’m glad I read it!
January 26, 2025
I struggled to finish this one. The constant casual references to alcohol I found uncomfortable.
As a single woman I can identify with her dating experience (it is an experience to be sure that is not comfortable or fun at times) and as a fantasy reader I loved her happily ever after.
While I was attracted to the book for its dating content the start up content was what kept me reading
As a single woman I can identify with her dating experience (it is an experience to be sure that is not comfortable or fun at times) and as a fantasy reader I loved her happily ever after.
While I was attracted to the book for its dating content the start up content was what kept me reading
September 23, 2021
So refreshing to have a book with an Australasian setting! Can't quite pin point it, but time flew by reading this. It gave me sex and the city watching-like endorphins. Maybe a bit lengthy in the middle, but the candor, tribulations and humor made up for it.
October 29, 2024
Quite insightful
January 28, 2023
I loved the journey Rebekah went on and the frankness in how she wrote about all the experiences while dating.. the funny and exasperating side to online dating.
An insight into what energy and determination goes into starting your own business I was in awe
Loved her energy
Would recommend to anyone looking for a longtime relationship
An insight into what energy and determination goes into starting your own business I was in awe
Loved her energy
Would recommend to anyone looking for a longtime relationship
August 11, 2022
More enjoyable then I imagined. I loved the connection to the entrepreneurial world as much as her search for what really matters in a relationship.
October 7, 2021
Super readable journey of anecdotes of dating and business (did not make dating seem easier!)
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