Months ago I had a book recommended to me called How to Meet Cute Boys. It's fiction-- don't worry. It looked cute, so I put it on my to-read list. A few weeks ago, while perusing the audiobooks at my library, I saw it in CD form. Deciding it would be as good a time as any to read it, I went to the desk to check it out. An older gentlemen librarian was waiting to do me the honors, so I placed the book on the counter in front of him. He picked it up, read the title aloud (I started blushing, but kept my head held high, it's just a book - right? No reason to be embarrassed), and then proceeded to look me up and down, glance back at the book, "how to meet cute boys, huh?" And then look at me again. "Ok," he finally said and swiped my library card. I suppose this meant that although he thought I was crazy, and was trying to determine if I should require help to meet cute boys, he decided to let me utilize my right to check out whatever materials I wanted.This book was perfect as an audiobook. It wasn't too deep, and it was ok if I had to concentrate on traffic for a moment and missed a line or two. It was very cute and, at times, a bit too close to home -- probably for all twenty-something women (or those who have been twenty-something women) out there who have ever dated (and those of you who are denying it, I've probably listened to too many of your stories to have you shaking your heads like you don't know what I'm talking about). While on a few occasions (especially towards the end), the protagonist's decisions were highly irritating, I can't say that they were entirely foreign to me. Though the moments that she describes in this book wouldn't be anybody's high points, they are all too familiar to my ears (and heart) given the stories that have been confided to them. Again, this is a book that many women would never admit how closely they can relate (at least at one time or another), but most would be lying for shame. Those who have lived past these moments can use it as a path marker and cringe and laugh, while sighing in relief that those days are (hopefully) behind us. I would recommend this book as an audiobook, or a vacation book. There is not much meat, and it will not change your life (though will add a dash of humor to situations you wish your psyche would have forgotten), but it will entertain you and not require much brain work in the process.
I can't believe I read this. It's not even really my style. The main character is a writer for a seriously man-hating fashion mag, she's 27 and completely insecure. Everything that happens I've already read in similarly pink-covered but better written books, and the ending just goes poof. There were some funny moments, but the relationships were all unbelievable. I just can't swallow the I-can't-live-without-a-man storyline these days. Aren't we past this?This one's going to back to the office...at least I didn't buy it.
Do You like book How To Meet Cute Boys (2009)?
Deanna Kizis, West Coast Editor at Elle magazine, delivers a cute and entertaining debut addition to the chic-lit genre. Although the advice and dating policies are not what I'd take to heart, this remains a light, humorous break from the real world.27-year-old Benjamina Franklin (a.k.a. Ben) is a journalist at a successful woman's magazine, which gives her almost instant access to the hottest parties and social events in L.A. You'd think finding a boyfriend would be easy. Wrong. As Ben continues her neurotic search, she must deal with the jealousy she feels towards her younger sister who's now engaged, her not-so-helpful friends (one of whom is an analytical psychology student), her boss who's always looking for a new and romantic article from Ben, and Ben's mother. You'll just have to read about Ben's mother. You wouldn't believe me if I told you!The chic-lit genre is becoming very popular among women, probably in their 20s and 30s. This addition is light, refreshing and funny at times. What I thought was unique, were the numorous Cosmo-like quizes and dating tips added throughout the story. For me, this book provided a nice break from the heavier reading I also enjoy.
—Wendy
This novel is definitely in the marshmallow-fluff category, but everyone needs a little junk food now and then. It is a novel that verges on self-parody: lead character in publishing, imbued with hipster references, lots of pink type, lots of girly drinks, lots of self-deprecating comments, lots of boy angst. But what really makes this book stand out is the self-centered, narcissistic and neurotic character of the 27-year-old Benjamina Franklin. Her thoughts and actions were based on one principle: How can I get a boyfriend? With that in mind, it's not surprising when her new beau, the 21-year-old Max, starts getting a little freaked out. Any dating veteran will wince with recognition at his telltale signs of an increasingly disinterested lover.One problem with this book, however is the ending was quite weak. My thoughts after reading this book: This. Book. Has. No. Conclusion. To. Any. Of. The. Plots.
—Sara Miller
I should get a reward for reading this book the whole way through. The concept is fun. A book with traces of a magazine? Cool. I just couldn't get into it. At all. As an avid fan of closure, I was not satisfied with the ending. I threw the book on the ground when I saw there were no more words. The characters were annoying and unbelievable. It's terrible. The plot was slow. Many things were unnecessary. I face palmed way too many times. I think after a couple pages, I was already bored, but I kept reading, thinking it would pick up its pace.It didn't. It's a super short read if you have a couple hours to kill and nothing else to do.
—Cheryl
