About the Book
Ellen meets Jim at a posh restaurant, hoping for an evening of fine wine and better conversation. Maria sets out on a walk with a man she’s been looking forward to meeting. In First Date Stories, these women, and others, enter into initial liaisons with well-honed expectations—and come out on the other side with extraordinary tales to tell.
Chances are, every woman in her mid-thirties and over who is seeking a loving companion has a first date tale of triumph or disaster. Each of the candid and memorable stories Jodi Klein shares here imparts a bit of wisdom—with the help of takeaway tips and inspirational quotes—to guide readers through what can be a baffling, intimidating, and sometimes lonely journey.
Before a promising first date, or after an awful one, First Date Stories offers readers the reminder that being single should be celebrated, that not all first dates are created equal, and that every initial encounter has the possibility to become something long-lasting and wonderful.
My Review
As someone who is now divorced from my partner of 15 years, never been on a dating app and is starting over in a new state, I thought reading these first date stories would be funny, relatable, and perhaps I would learn a thing or two from the other women. It was all that, and I really found myself enjoying each new chapter. There were of course cringe-worthy first dates that made me think perhaps the dating game just isn’t in my near future, but I love that sprinkled amongst the failures were also some happy endings. It provided a nice mix and seemed more relatable than just one long horror story of attempting the dating scene in your thirties and beyond. First Date Stories provides a look at how dating really is in the modern era and will make your giggle, roll your eyes, but also believe in second chances and love.
4 stars
