Dating Amy
by Amy DeZellar
Published by 5 Spot
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Reviewed by Yuka Mizushima
What do you do when you move to a new city and can't find a job or a good man? If you're Amy, you create a website: www.DatingAmy.com. The premise: go on 50 dates and report on all the details. In the beginning, she hopes to create some buzz that will help her writing career.
Dating Amy blends memoir with relationship advice. I could identify with Amy when she wrote she knew what she wanted in a man but still didn't know what she wanted in a relationship. Her dates range in age and income level: artists, computer developers and entrepreneurs. She shares what she has learned about herself and the dating process with her readers.
Each date opens with a true confession--a truth about what happened or what Amy really wished/wanted. Several chapters end with myths that are bunked or debunked. Some myths that are covered: love only happens when you are not looking for it; online dating is perfect because it helps you find your perfect match; and things about unmarried men who are over 35 years old.
Amy reflects on various dating experiences: blind dates; the agony of waiting for his phone call; dating someone who is great on paper but with whom you don't have a lot of chemistry with; and being dumped after the first date. As a fellow Washington resident, I also enjoyed reading about places and events around Seattle.
Amy is very likeable and you really want her to find Mr. Right. She is a great writer and I loved her honesty and wit. Some dates made me cringe (like the comedian in dates 25 and 26) while others had me laughing out loud (dates 3 and 30).
I would recommend this book to both men and women. Dating and relationships can be tricky and this book provides hope and unofficial rules. I found myself nodding in agreement with Amy's observations. I also think this book would be great for book clubs since it raises many different issues.
Armchair Interviews says Seattle's version of Carrie Bradshaw, Dating Amy is a fantastic and fun read!