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138 Dates: The True Story of One Woman's Search for Everything
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.
'This book will change lives. I couldn't put it down.'
Fleur Brown, Founding Team TEDxSydney
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.
'This book will change lives. I couldn't put it down.'
Fleur Brown, Founding Team TEDxSydney
- GenresNonfiction
Audio CD
Published December 28, 2021
39 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 28, 2022
I’m normal a fiction reader and normally find self-help books condescending or repetitive, and subsequently avoid them. This book was full of insight with the pace and humour of chick lit, it had me accidentally reading way past my bed time three nights in a row! Rebekah’s determination, documentation and willingness to seek professional counselling on her journey was astounding. I got frustrated at times when Rebekah was stuck in thought patterns and unable to let go of her first relationship, but this is an insightful representation that real humans’ stories don’t overcome obstacles as easily as in fiction. Even if you are not dating or looking for love I would recommend this as an easy read about a normal but extraordinary kiwi woman who overcomes obstacles in a creative social experiment.
November 21, 2022
I loved the honesty of this true story but despaired at her quitting relationships where the men were 'too nice'. I enjoyed the detail of her negotiation in a number of encounters and her business but thought the pages of 'lessons learned' at the end a bit OTT.
7.5/10
7.5/10
December 31, 2022
Mixed opinions on this one!
I was pretty weary of Rebekah's perpetual self-hating internal monologue mm about 1/4 of the way into the book. That level of low self-esteem in your thirties must be exhausting. It made me wonder wtf she was in therapy for because it did not seem to work. I nearly found it hard to believe how she spoke to herself. At her big age? Also, NO ONE decided to tell her that the fixation on her dead ex-bf was maybe not healthy? I was horrified when she described him being 'with her' all the time, even on dates.
I'm struggling to decide whether to recommend this or not. On one hand, I found it comforting at times, that no matter how bad things get, at least I don't hate myself the way this woman apparently does. Her emotional intelligence seemed like that of a child at some points. The politician she dated was honestly a really depressing section of the book. That she would degrade herself like that for what sounded like such an awful man was so disheartening. There was some serious off-colour descriptions of various people's bodies and weights. And that comment about mixed-raced babies? Who proof read this? I also was a bit uncomfortable with the amount of detail provided about her various hook-ups. It's just different when you're talking about real people. I don't really need to know how some guy's tongue felt in your mouth, do I?
Okay, so what did I like? I'd never read a book like this before. I'm not a business person so it as interesting getting this perspective that hadn't interested me previously. I have to say that it was well-written, especially considering that this is just a side gig for her, provided that it was actually her and not a ghost writer, of course. I did have a kind of morbid curiosity about how everything would work out - I never considered dnf-ing, and I was fairly engaged all throughout the book. Although I have to admit I had to google her to make sure there was a happy ending!
I was pretty weary of Rebekah's perpetual self-hating internal monologue mm about 1/4 of the way into the book. That level of low self-esteem in your thirties must be exhausting. It made me wonder wtf she was in therapy for because it did not seem to work. I nearly found it hard to believe how she spoke to herself. At her big age? Also, NO ONE decided to tell her that the fixation on her dead ex-bf was maybe not healthy? I was horrified when she described him being 'with her' all the time, even on dates.
I'm struggling to decide whether to recommend this or not. On one hand, I found it comforting at times, that no matter how bad things get, at least I don't hate myself the way this woman apparently does. Her emotional intelligence seemed like that of a child at some points. The politician she dated was honestly a really depressing section of the book. That she would degrade herself like that for what sounded like such an awful man was so disheartening. There was some serious off-colour descriptions of various people's bodies and weights. And that comment about mixed-raced babies? Who proof read this? I also was a bit uncomfortable with the amount of detail provided about her various hook-ups. It's just different when you're talking about real people. I don't really need to know how some guy's tongue felt in your mouth, do I?
Okay, so what did I like? I'd never read a book like this before. I'm not a business person so it as interesting getting this perspective that hadn't interested me previously. I have to say that it was well-written, especially considering that this is just a side gig for her, provided that it was actually her and not a ghost writer, of course. I did have a kind of morbid curiosity about how everything would work out - I never considered dnf-ing, and I was fairly engaged all throughout the book. Although I have to admit I had to google her to make sure there was a happy ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
I read 138 Dates by Rebekah Campbell in just three days — a book that I initially picked up as a light read but turned out to be so much more. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking, and hope-filled memoir that touched my heart in unexpected ways.
Rebekah’s candid journey of searching for "the one" felt incredibly relatable. Being the same age as her, I found myself reflecting on similar thoughts and questions — Will I ever find my soulmate in a world that sometimes feels so full of selfishness and apathy?
But as I read her story, I felt a renewed sense of hope — that maybe, just maybe, one day I will find that person too. It was also comforting to realize that the decisions I’ve made so far, the boundaries I’ve drawn, and the observations I’ve made while navigating relationships, are not wrong.
Rebekah’s vulnerability and honesty made this book resonate deeply with me. It’s not just a story of dating; it’s a story of personal growth, learning to love oneself, and understanding what truly matters when looking for a life partner.
If you are someone who has ever questioned whether love will find its way to you or if you’re on the right path when it comes to relationships, I highly recommend this book. It might just give you the hope and perspective you need — as it did for me.
Rebekah’s candid journey of searching for "the one" felt incredibly relatable. Being the same age as her, I found myself reflecting on similar thoughts and questions — Will I ever find my soulmate in a world that sometimes feels so full of selfishness and apathy?
But as I read her story, I felt a renewed sense of hope — that maybe, just maybe, one day I will find that person too. It was also comforting to realize that the decisions I’ve made so far, the boundaries I’ve drawn, and the observations I’ve made while navigating relationships, are not wrong.
Rebekah’s vulnerability and honesty made this book resonate deeply with me. It’s not just a story of dating; it’s a story of personal growth, learning to love oneself, and understanding what truly matters when looking for a life partner.
If you are someone who has ever questioned whether love will find its way to you or if you’re on the right path when it comes to relationships, I highly recommend this book. It might just give you the hope and perspective you need — as it did for me.
February 13, 2022
This was a random find in our little local library, and it was interesting enough for me to finish in a day. The author is one determined woman: having decided to start a company and find a husband (with her biological clock ticking loudly) she sets out to do both in a very short time line.
She methodically plans her internet dating, and improves her system as she progresses, while managing to raise finance and deal with her board members in the business. A supreme juggling act, and one that many could not have managed.
I’m calling this non fiction, although there are said to be some minor changes to protect the people involved.
She methodically plans her internet dating, and improves her system as she progresses, while managing to raise finance and deal with her board members in the business. A supreme juggling act, and one that many could not have managed.
I’m calling this non fiction, although there are said to be some minor changes to protect the people involved.
February 16, 2022
Every single female this is a much read. It is as much about self discovery as it is about the struggles in the modern dating world. Although hearing about some of her dating struggles becomes a little repetitive, it is her story and many of us have lived the same tales. It gives every single person out there hope, that one day you will find someone, but also highlights her struggles getting there, due to her own so called check lists.
October 12, 2023
I love this book so much, I literally finished it in one day 🤩. When I started reading the first page, I kept asking myself will this book just talk about Rebekah Campbell's numerous encounter with her dates 💁♀️ but it was so much than that. Some parts of the book got me teary(the first book that has actually gotten me so emotional😂). Business, entrepreneurship, relationship tips are flying around in this one book. How can a book be this good❤🥰
August 1, 2021
“The prefect and the Ugly
I enjoyed this tale immensely. Rebekah’s life has many elements that I can identify with. This is why she has many followers; she writes about real life, the ups and downs, the prefect and the ugly.
Four stars
I enjoyed this tale immensely. Rebekah’s life has many elements that I can identify with. This is why she has many followers; she writes about real life, the ups and downs, the prefect and the ugly.
Four stars
May 18, 2022
Such a great read. Roller coaster of entrepreneurship and emotional experiences coupled with reflections on her earlier life, gender politics, cultural differences- and just lots of funny stories about quirky personalities. I loved it.
July 11, 2022
I really enjoyed it! I was left feeling uplifted and hopeful. There was some great humour, relatability and wisdom imparted throughout and I thought the author did a great job of merging a sort of self help/memoir/exploration of her journey, without it being boring or too preachy.
Nice one!
Nice one!
July 28, 2024
Found this book at a library book sale. The writing was honest, but not particularly moving. It’s hard to write about dating and particularly struggling with dating.
There are probably good lessons in here, but other books are more compelling rn.
There are probably good lessons in here, but other books are more compelling rn.
October 13, 2021
Was expecting something funny and engaging, it was long and boring.... 😅 The key messages (some of whom very important) could have been summarized in an article.
December 4, 2021
It read as real and honest - not sure how much (or which parts) are really real, and it's on the sharp side - but I did like it!
January 3, 2022
Didn’t expect to like this book but it was great!
January 4, 2022
A whirlwind story that manages to stay credible - just. Best to speedread.
February 21, 2022
An honest account of dating, running a business and searching for love. Should have given another ⭐️ for the Sydney locale!
January 11, 2023
Lovely, funny, relatable!
April 2, 2023
So funny and relatable!
November 8, 2023
A light and easy read which accurately captures the joys, mess, unexpectedness and turbulence of the dating world
July 25, 2024
Points for being willing to reflect and share personal insights about herself - however, the overall impression I gained of her was not flattering.
December 27, 2024
It was ok
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews