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freshjai's review against another edition
3.0
Gave both books in this series 3's but I liked this one better.
paperiot's review against another edition
3.0
(As reviewed on Paper Riot.)
In Anatomy of a Boyfriend, we followed Dom through her first boyfriend, first kiss, first time, and first break-up. This time, we see what comes after that. While these books are technically similar, I found the overall tone quite different. Because where the first book was a crossover between YA and NA, I would consider Anatomy of a Single Girl a New Adult book only. And can I just say: NA authors, take notes from Daria Snadowsky! To be fair, I haven't read many NA books, but the ones I have read all seemed to focus on the same thing. Snadowsky does that too, but with a refreshing amount of lightness and humor that so often seems to be missing for me in NA.
Of course, there are issues. Dom is struggling with the difference between her college life and her home life. Especially the relationship with her parents changes, and this is something I can very much relate to myself. Things with best friend Amy aren't exactly smooth. And then there is the fact that she wants to commit to someone so badly, but is that really all there is? As a main character, Dom is just a regular girl, and thank goodness for that. As much as I love kick-butt female characters, I think it's important that this book is just about a normal girl. And she's still fun and quirky and just herself (when it comes to safe sex, for example).
After reading both Anatomy of a Boyfriend and Anatomy of a Single Girl I can say that I'm truly happy these books exist. I don't think that sex is a necessary thing in YA books and I hate when it's used for nothing other than just being there, but it worked really well in these books and I think that a lot of teenagers are relieved to see that it isn't all rose petals and candles. Snadowsky gives an example of a (normal) teenage girl exploring her sexuality in a more open way than I am used to reading about, and this makes these companion novels stand out. Snadowsky's writing is wonderfully realistic, and if she ever decides to write another book about Dom, I will definitely read it.
In Anatomy of a Boyfriend, we followed Dom through her first boyfriend, first kiss, first time, and first break-up. This time, we see what comes after that. While these books are technically similar, I found the overall tone quite different. Because where the first book was a crossover between YA and NA, I would consider Anatomy of a Single Girl a New Adult book only. And can I just say: NA authors, take notes from Daria Snadowsky! To be fair, I haven't read many NA books, but the ones I have read all seemed to focus on the same thing. Snadowsky does that too, but with a refreshing amount of lightness and humor that so often seems to be missing for me in NA.
Of course, there are issues. Dom is struggling with the difference between her college life and her home life. Especially the relationship with her parents changes, and this is something I can very much relate to myself. Things with best friend Amy aren't exactly smooth. And then there is the fact that she wants to commit to someone so badly, but is that really all there is? As a main character, Dom is just a regular girl, and thank goodness for that. As much as I love kick-butt female characters, I think it's important that this book is just about a normal girl. And she's still fun and quirky and just herself (when it comes to safe sex, for example).
After reading both Anatomy of a Boyfriend and Anatomy of a Single Girl I can say that I'm truly happy these books exist. I don't think that sex is a necessary thing in YA books and I hate when it's used for nothing other than just being there, but it worked really well in these books and I think that a lot of teenagers are relieved to see that it isn't all rose petals and candles. Snadowsky gives an example of a (normal) teenage girl exploring her sexuality in a more open way than I am used to reading about, and this makes these companion novels stand out. Snadowsky's writing is wonderfully realistic, and if she ever decides to write another book about Dom, I will definitely read it.
heykellyjensen's review against another edition
3.0
So the follow up to Anatomy of a Boyfriend is solid, but it's not as out-of-the-park for me. While I appreciate Dom learns more about her body and about how she gets to make choices for herself and has control of her own sexuality, at times it felt a little prescriptive and clinical. She's definitely a good girl and she's very much interested in having control of every situation, and at times, it becomes a little too on-the-nose with that message.
There were fewer feelings in this one and more experiences. I think that's where the differences was in the reading experience -- I loved seeing Dominique FEEL what a first love was like in the first book. In this one, she doesn't FEEL the experience but rather HAS it with Guy.
There were fewer feelings in this one and more experiences. I think that's where the differences was in the reading experience -- I loved seeing Dominique FEEL what a first love was like in the first book. In this one, she doesn't FEEL the experience but rather HAS it with Guy.
ekmook's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
alanaes's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
Don't let the pink Barbie cover fool you--this book packs a sexy-smart punch.
I will be the first to admit that I did not expect much from "Anatomy of a Single Girl" (the cover is bubblegum pink, for goodness' sake), but I am so glad to say that Daria Snadowsky completely won me over. I really, really liked this book. It's the book you read after you break-up with your first great love. It's the book you read when you realize love and physical chemistry definitely do not need to go together. It's part II of [a:Judy Blume|12942|Judy Blume|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1195238650p2/12942.jpg]'s [b:Forever|37743|Forever|Judy Blume|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327962165s/37743.jpg|746503] (all those comparisons are well deserved, in my opinion).
Oh, man. AoaSG brought me right back to the summer I was 20, finally recovering from my first real heartbreak, and figuring out what it meant to be a sexually-liberated modern woman. Like...right back. Like...get out of my brain, Daria! back. Like...where the hell was this book when I was 19?! back. Dang. I think my own self confidence would have gotten a boost from this book had I read it when I was 19.
This is not a book for high schoolers (I'm a high school librarian, so I just want to get that out of the way). I don't think a high schooler would even appreciate this book if he/she read it, because AofSG addresses a very specific point in many young women's sexual awakening that usually coincides with personal independence (living at college away from home) as well. Really, books like this are why the "New Adult" category of fiction exists. This book is for the summer before you start college, or the summer after. (Along those lines, I'm not really sure who should recommend this book to whom. Moms to daughters? Aunts to nieces? Friend to friend? I don't think I'd be comfortable recommending it to my high schoolers, but I'd hope they'd get to it after reading "Forever." I haven't read Snadowsky's first book [b:Anatomy of a Boyfriend|37780|Anatomy of a Boyfriend (Anatomy, #1)|Daria Snadowsky|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386922815s/37780.jpg|37584], so I can't comment on that, but if that book tells the story of Dom in HS, then maybe it's a short jump to AoaSG? At any rate, I could see this getting passed around a college dorm. Maybe RAs should leave copies around?)
Some of what I liked:
- MC Dominique (Dom) has a great relationship with her parents, a loyal and outspoken best friend, and a lot on her mind. She's smart: she reads medical articles, listens to NPR, and loves talking about the minutiae of anatomy and medicine. She actively works through what it means to be true to herself throughout the book. I loved reading her thoughts as she worked out that just because she knew she wouldn't be marrying the guy she's attracted to didn't mean she had to deny her attraction, and that she didn't need to feel embarrassed about her sex-drive. this is truly a book about a young woman coming into her own (no pun intended!! Oh, lordy...).
- Partway through the book, Dom demands that she and her partner get tested before they go all the way. Dom says how the conversation was a bit awkward, but necessary, and that she was glad she forced the conversation. Get it, girl.
- Snadowsky walks us through Dom's entire gynecological exam (procedures, questions, medical devices used, birth control options, etc.). Dom mentions how she thought she would be uncomfortable with a male physician, but, in the end, a doctor is a doctor. Anyone who's every wondered what a pelvic exam entails, wonder ye no more--such a valuable chapter that is missing in most (all?) books about sexually active teenagers. Awesome.
- Dom & Guy's relationship arc was believable as a summer fling. Well paced.
- Dom and Amy's friendship. I love how frank they were with one another, and loyal despite their differences.
- Also, man, I love this conversation between Amy & Dom:
Yeah, okay, hokey--but I get what Snadowsky is saying here. Any woman who has ever felt the excruciating crush of lust-hormones will understand this dialogue. For some bizarre reason, we are taught that girls don't think about sex as much as boys do, and that is just. not. true. And then we feel guilty for getting hung-up on boys and sex, when our hormones are totally part of the equation as well. I like that these two smart young women have this conversation if only because it shows that our biology is part of what makes us who we are. It's okay to want sex. It's okay to admit it to other people. It's great that it's written down in a book.
What was iffy:
- Slightly mentioned during the pelvic exam scene: I didn't like the blanket endorsement of Gardasil as a healthy choice for everyone. I think it's a personal choice, and it's dangerous to sing the praises of a shot that has been shown to be only partially effective against some strains of HPV.
- Guy seemed a little too chill and accommodating of Dom's hot/cold outbursts. His only real flaw seemed to be that he wasn't a marriage/family guy, and that he was pretty messy. A little to perfect, but, hey, this is a short book about Dom, really, so he serves his purpose well.
Overall: So glad to say this book far outreached my expectations. I'm also really happy I won this copy through Goodreads First Reads, because I likely never would have read it otherwise, and I'm really glad I did. Light, sexy (oooohhhh the sexiness), and smart--I hope it finds its way to many college-age "new" (barf. whatever.) adults.
Don't let the pink Barbie cover fool you--this book packs a sexy-smart punch.
I will be the first to admit that I did not expect much from "Anatomy of a Single Girl" (the cover is bubblegum pink, for goodness' sake), but I am so glad to say that Daria Snadowsky completely won me over. I really, really liked this book. It's the book you read after you break-up with your first great love. It's the book you read when you realize love and physical chemistry definitely do not need to go together. It's part II of [a:Judy Blume|12942|Judy Blume|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1195238650p2/12942.jpg]'s [b:Forever|37743|Forever|Judy Blume|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327962165s/37743.jpg|746503] (all those comparisons are well deserved, in my opinion).
Oh, man. AoaSG brought me right back to the summer I was 20, finally recovering from my first real heartbreak, and figuring out what it meant to be a sexually-liberated modern woman. Like...right back. Like...get out of my brain, Daria! back. Like...where the hell was this book when I was 19?! back. Dang. I think my own self confidence would have gotten a boost from this book had I read it when I was 19.
This is not a book for high schoolers (I'm a high school librarian, so I just want to get that out of the way). I don't think a high schooler would even appreciate this book if he/she read it, because AofSG addresses a very specific point in many young women's sexual awakening that usually coincides with personal independence (living at college away from home) as well. Really, books like this are why the "New Adult" category of fiction exists. This book is for the summer before you start college, or the summer after. (Along those lines, I'm not really sure who should recommend this book to whom. Moms to daughters? Aunts to nieces? Friend to friend? I don't think I'd be comfortable recommending it to my high schoolers, but I'd hope they'd get to it after reading "Forever." I haven't read Snadowsky's first book [b:Anatomy of a Boyfriend|37780|Anatomy of a Boyfriend (Anatomy, #1)|Daria Snadowsky|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386922815s/37780.jpg|37584], so I can't comment on that, but if that book tells the story of Dom in HS, then maybe it's a short jump to AoaSG? At any rate, I could see this getting passed around a college dorm. Maybe RAs should leave copies around?)
Some of what I liked:
- MC Dominique (Dom) has a great relationship with her parents, a loyal and outspoken best friend, and a lot on her mind. She's smart: she reads medical articles, listens to NPR, and loves talking about the minutiae of anatomy and medicine. She actively works through what it means to be true to herself throughout the book. I loved reading her thoughts as she worked out that just because she knew she wouldn't be marrying the guy she's attracted to didn't mean she had to deny her attraction, and that she didn't need to feel embarrassed about her sex-drive. this is truly a book about a young woman coming into her own (no pun intended!! Oh, lordy...).
- Partway through the book, Dom demands that she and her partner get tested before they go all the way. Dom says how the conversation was a bit awkward, but necessary, and that she was glad she forced the conversation. Get it, girl.
- Snadowsky walks us through Dom's entire gynecological exam (procedures, questions, medical devices used, birth control options, etc.). Dom mentions how she thought she would be uncomfortable with a male physician, but, in the end, a doctor is a doctor. Anyone who's every wondered what a pelvic exam entails, wonder ye no more--such a valuable chapter that is missing in most (all?) books about sexually active teenagers. Awesome.
- Dom & Guy's relationship arc was believable as a summer fling. Well paced.
- Dom and Amy's friendship. I love how frank they were with one another, and loyal despite their differences.
- Also, man, I love this conversation between Amy & Dom:
"I can live without a boy. So why does feel like I'm going to die?"
"Blame your body. The whole biological purpose of existence is to mate, so from the time we hit puberty, our hormones are demanding us to couple up. Maybe it's basic instinct to feel inadequate if you're single."
"That's what sucks. There' so many more interesting things than guys, but guys are what we spend most of our time talking about."
Yeah, okay, hokey--but I get what Snadowsky is saying here. Any woman who has ever felt the excruciating crush of lust-hormones will understand this dialogue. For some bizarre reason, we are taught that girls don't think about sex as much as boys do, and that is just. not. true. And then we feel guilty for getting hung-up on boys and sex, when our hormones are totally part of the equation as well. I like that these two smart young women have this conversation if only because it shows that our biology is part of what makes us who we are. It's okay to want sex. It's okay to admit it to other people. It's great that it's written down in a book.
What was iffy:
- Slightly mentioned during the pelvic exam scene: I didn't like the blanket endorsement of Gardasil as a healthy choice for everyone. I think it's a personal choice, and it's dangerous to sing the praises of a shot that has been shown to be only partially effective against some strains of HPV.
- Guy seemed a little too chill and accommodating of Dom's hot/cold outbursts. His only real flaw seemed to be that he wasn't a marriage/family guy, and that he was pretty messy. A little to perfect, but, hey, this is a short book about Dom, really, so he serves his purpose well.
Overall: So glad to say this book far outreached my expectations. I'm also really happy I won this copy through Goodreads First Reads, because I likely never would have read it otherwise, and I'm really glad I did. Light, sexy (oooohhhh the sexiness), and smart--I hope it finds its way to many college-age "new" (barf. whatever.) adults.
lmmcdowell's review
4.0
Pretty funny, a "realistic" YA. Did not know it was the 2nd in a series, could have stood alone.
ley2003grad's review
4.0
Publication Date: January 2013
Overview: After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn't want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.
The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.
But I couldn't avoid my future forever.
My thoughts: Another great start to her love life. I have to say that this shows people how to recover and go on from a break up. I have always wondered what others felt and thought going through this situation,. I know it's a had experience an the author touches on that. And reaches beyond that to help Dom move forward and then BAM!!! She runs smack dab into the person she wants to avoid most. She thinks she can move forward with a friend from last year but finds he's already moved into a relationship. I don't know whether I was relieved or upset. I couldn't be happier for her and the fun she is going to have in college, but really want her to find a great man to stand beside her. And I don't know that she has!
My rating: 4 stars
Overview: After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn't want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.
The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.
But I couldn't avoid my future forever.
My thoughts: Another great start to her love life. I have to say that this shows people how to recover and go on from a break up. I have always wondered what others felt and thought going through this situation,. I know it's a had experience an the author touches on that. And reaches beyond that to help Dom move forward and then BAM!!! She runs smack dab into the person she wants to avoid most. She thinks she can move forward with a friend from last year but finds he's already moved into a relationship. I don't know whether I was relieved or upset. I couldn't be happier for her and the fun she is going to have in college, but really want her to find a great man to stand beside her. And I don't know that she has!
My rating: 4 stars
eviebookish's review
5.0
Hah! Even better than the first book. Still super fun, entertaining and sexy, but at the same time deeper and more meaningful than Anatomy of a Boyfriend. Loved it!
ley2003grad's review against another edition
4.0
Publication Date: January 2013
Overview: After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn't want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.
The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.
But I couldn't avoid my future forever.
My thoughts: Another great start to her love life. I have to say that this shows people how to recover and go on from a break up. I have always wondered what others felt and thought going through this situation,. I know it's a had experience an the author touches on that. And reaches beyond that to help Dom move forward and then BAM!!! She runs smack dab into the person she wants to avoid most. She thinks she can move forward with a friend from last year but finds he's already moved into a relationship. I don't know whether I was relieved or upset. I couldn't be happier for her and the fun she is going to have in college, but really want her to find a great man to stand beside her. And I don't know that she has!
My rating: 4 stars
Overview: After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn't want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.
The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.
But I couldn't avoid my future forever.
My thoughts: Another great start to her love life. I have to say that this shows people how to recover and go on from a break up. I have always wondered what others felt and thought going through this situation,. I know it's a had experience an the author touches on that. And reaches beyond that to help Dom move forward and then BAM!!! She runs smack dab into the person she wants to avoid most. She thinks she can move forward with a friend from last year but finds he's already moved into a relationship. I don't know whether I was relieved or upset. I couldn't be happier for her and the fun she is going to have in college, but really want her to find a great man to stand beside her. And I don't know that she has!
My rating: 4 stars
mraible18's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book just as much as the first one!
*****************
Anatomy of a Single Girl begins with Dom in college. It's the summer after her freshman year and she's hoping to have a summer full of memories with her best friend, Amy, while avoiding her ex-boyfriend. Dominique is still trying to handle the pain of breaking up with the guy who was her first everything and the last thing she wants is to run into him in town. This book was much less about how Dominique felt about the guy she was with, and more about how she felt about herself. The sex scenes were focused on her emotions which made them less awkward to read. By the end of the book I was really proud of the progress that Dom had made. She was taking big steps towards becoming a really independent strong woman and she knew what she wanted in life. This book was actually probably my favorite of the two because I really loved the way Dominique decided to just focus on herself and make the decisions that she thought would make her happiest in the long run. I feel like she really grew as a character by the end of the book.
Check out my review of the first book and many others at http://www.readwriteramble.blogspot.com
*****************
Anatomy of a Single Girl begins with Dom in college. It's the summer after her freshman year and she's hoping to have a summer full of memories with her best friend, Amy, while avoiding her ex-boyfriend. Dominique is still trying to handle the pain of breaking up with the guy who was her first everything and the last thing she wants is to run into him in town. This book was much less about how Dominique felt about the guy she was with, and more about how she felt about herself. The sex scenes were focused on her emotions which made them less awkward to read. By the end of the book I was really proud of the progress that Dom had made. She was taking big steps towards becoming a really independent strong woman and she knew what she wanted in life. This book was actually probably my favorite of the two because I really loved the way Dominique decided to just focus on herself and make the decisions that she thought would make her happiest in the long run. I feel like she really grew as a character by the end of the book.
Check out my review of the first book and many others at http://www.readwriteramble.blogspot.com