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lauraborkpower's review against another edition
3.0
This book wasn't what I thought it would be. I hadn't read much about it, but assumed that a book about romance by Ansari would be his own personal narratives about navigating late-twenties/early-thirties dating.
But that's not it at all, and I'm so glad.
Ansari teamed up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to do about a year's worth of research about romance: interviews with sociologists and psychologists; investigation into historical research and studies; analysis of survey results from organizations like Match.com; discussions with people around the world who participate in all sorts of dating activities (online, traditional). And they wrote a book analyzing what people do when they date, and, sometimes, how they could be doing it better.
He disclaims that they focused on heterosexual dating practices among middle-class people in developed countries. He peppers his own experiences throughout, but it's supplemental and not the focus, which I liked. It's not a personal narrative; it's the result of a curious (and very funny) mind. My only complaint is that it's not tremendously detailed. I'd have liked it about twice as long to really get into some of these topics. But it's a pop-psychology book written by a comedian, so I knew that going in.
Ansari narrates the audiobook, so if you like his stand-up, you'll love his performance here.
But that's not it at all, and I'm so glad.
Ansari teamed up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to do about a year's worth of research about romance: interviews with sociologists and psychologists; investigation into historical research and studies; analysis of survey results from organizations like Match.com; discussions with people around the world who participate in all sorts of dating activities (online, traditional). And they wrote a book analyzing what people do when they date, and, sometimes, how they could be doing it better.
He disclaims that they focused on heterosexual dating practices among middle-class people in developed countries. He peppers his own experiences throughout, but it's supplemental and not the focus, which I liked. It's not a personal narrative; it's the result of a curious (and very funny) mind. My only complaint is that it's not tremendously detailed. I'd have liked it about twice as long to really get into some of these topics. But it's a pop-psychology book written by a comedian, so I knew that going in.
Ansari narrates the audiobook, so if you like his stand-up, you'll love his performance here.
ckeithjohnson's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really intriguing book. I am absolutely glad I don't live in this world of dating. I enjoyed the statistics and the conversation around it, though.
zachghalayini's review against another edition
4.0
Really easy reading, Aziz makes some sober observations about modern romance and he focuses and dating in the age of tinder. I enjoyed all the analysis on our generations ways of communicating and how romance has evolved so much from the old days.
tiffditto's review against another edition
I didn’t finish because I couldn’t get into the subject matter. It all seemed pretty obvious and like none of the information was riveting.
emileers's review against another edition
3.0
My rating is probably due more to my lack of interest in the topic than the quality of the book, so take that for what it's worth.
daumari's review against another edition
5.0
I think I mentioned this in an earlier update, but this book showed me the anecdotes and research behind some of the storylines in Master of None, which I thought was a wonderful true-to-life take on modern life as a 20-30s year old.
I've read various books by comedians over the last few years, with some better than others. Ansari's was neat in that I learned stuff while reading without getting too dry (am now curious about [b:Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone|11797459|Going Solo The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone|Eric Klinenberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347918144s/11797459.jpg|16750253] by co-author [a:Eric Klinenberg|2611|Eric Klinenberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1332895127p2/2611.jpg] because MR seemed entirely in Aziz's voice). Surprisingly well researched compiling literature, focus groups, interviews across age groups and countries to form a snapshot of how we're relationshipping in today's world of tinder & sexting.
I'm not single, but I want to encourage my friends fruitlessly trying okcupid for the 11tybillionth time to read and figure out best practices for using digital tools to meet mr/ms. right.
I've read various books by comedians over the last few years, with some better than others. Ansari's was neat in that I learned stuff while reading without getting too dry (am now curious about [b:Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone|11797459|Going Solo The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone|Eric Klinenberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347918144s/11797459.jpg|16750253] by co-author [a:Eric Klinenberg|2611|Eric Klinenberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1332895127p2/2611.jpg] because MR seemed entirely in Aziz's voice). Surprisingly well researched compiling literature, focus groups, interviews across age groups and countries to form a snapshot of how we're relationshipping in today's world of tinder & sexting.
I'm not single, but I want to encourage my friends fruitlessly trying okcupid for the 11tybillionth time to read and figure out best practices for using digital tools to meet mr/ms. right.
kimmaloo's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I switched to audiobook a fourth through and that that the author did a good job narrating the book.
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
4.0
I like that Aziz wrote a book like this rather than a memoir because you don't often see celebrities tackling topics other than their own lives. And it's not just fluff--there's a lot of interesting research that went into it. But it still has Aziz's goofy humor, which he uses to present the information in a fun way. I listened to "Modern Romance" on audio, which was awesome because Aziz reads it. A fun, fascinating read!
amanda1793's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, not bad. Interesting stories in this book. Also some interesting research.
I felt that some things should've been explored more. And that's where the book dropped the ball for me... I wish Paris and Argentina were explored more similar to Tokyo...
The idea of exploring the change in romance over the years is incredibly amazing, and again the research and stories were awesome!
Would've been better if Aziz let the reader enjoy the audiobook and the comedy he brought to the reader when you listen to it, and accepted that we wanted to listen rather than read the actual book instead of saying the listener was "lazy"...
I do recommend it.
I felt that some things should've been explored more. And that's where the book dropped the ball for me... I wish Paris and Argentina were explored more similar to Tokyo...
The idea of exploring the change in romance over the years is incredibly amazing, and again the research and stories were awesome!
Would've been better if Aziz let the reader enjoy the audiobook and the comedy he brought to the reader when you listen to it, and accepted that we wanted to listen rather than read the actual book instead of saying the listener was "lazy"...
I do recommend it.
lisamchuk's review against another edition
3.0
Nothing earth shattering. You know all of this if you've spent any time in the dating world lately. I knew all of this. Most of this is why I quit dating. So when I read this book, I was nodding in agreement a lot, but wasn't compelled enough to do more than skim read.
It was funny. And worth a quick read. At least it will make you feel like it's not just you.
It was funny. And worth a quick read. At least it will make you feel like it's not just you.