Let me tell you about this terrific book I read last year.
I first heard about this guy Aziz Ansari when he played Tom Haverford on Parks and Rec. Later, I found out he wrote a book about dating, and boy I was intrigued. As I navigate the weird waters of dating the entire male Facebook generation, I knew I wanted to read some insight about this subject from a comedian. Especially, after I really enjoyed his Netflix show “Master of None.”
Before I read the book, I listened to a segment he did on NPR about his book and TV show. He read a few passages from the book and explained how he teamed up with a sociologist to write the book. That’s one of the aspects I liked most about the book.
It’s not an advice book or a memoir but rather it’s an entertaining sociological commentary on today’s dating culture.
I read “Modern Romance” over Christmas break on my iPad. We were driving through Cades Cove in Tennessee and my grandmother told me the same thing she told my mom when she was little: “If you read the whole car ride, you’ll miss all the neat stuff passing you by.”
I continued reading (and occasionally looking out the window) during the car ride. I highlighted a lot of phrases and facts because I found them so interesting or hilarious.
For example, I learned that OkCupid profile pictures featuring a girl taking a selfie angled down, had a higher percentage of guys liking them. Note to self: take a selfie that’s angled down. And, that some types of “games” can make guys want you more. Like when you wait to text someone back, it creates anticipation. Personally, I try not to play the game of “wait twice as long as they waited to text you back.” I respond when I get a chance.
I was so pleasantly surprised by how the book was so much more than just another book written by a comedian. I’d read Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s book and enjoyed them but those were mostly about themselves.
This book explored how dating has evolved from how our grandparents met their spouses to how people now days sometimes sext or have open relationships. Who would’ve thought 50 years ago we’d be doing that?
I enjoyed how much research went into the book and how in between the scientific study results were classic Aziz funny one liners. His humor bleeds onto the pages.
I learned to remember that while dating you need to keep in mind there’s a real person behind the screen. You need to go meet them in person. It’s internet introduction not internet dating.
I also found out that Buenos Aires sounds like a fun place to visit.
Debbie Gillum Wakefield 