The Geek's Guide to Dating by Eric Smith

Title: The Geek's Guide to Dating
Author: Eric Smith
Publisher: Quirk Books
Page Number: 208; Hardcover: First Edition
Release Date: December 3rd, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
+Review copy received from Quirk Books

        

200 pages of geeky references can be quite exhausting if one doesn’t fully understand all of them. The Geek’s Guide to Dating is a novel that can appear to be written in a different language if one doesn’t understand gaming, comic book, or nerdy movie references.  The novel is written as a how-to guide to help the socially awkward types to make a move on the girl of his dreams. Despite claiming to be applicable to girls, it doesn’t really do such, as everything is referred to in the “male” sense. It also tends to be difficult to relate to, since you play as your own character in a sense, so throughout the whole book, you’re rooting for yourself to win the person of your dreams. However, the problem with this premise is that it leaves the reader detached and apathetic to the book.

            Despite my unenthusiastic start, I had fun with the book. I enjoyed looking at the pictures and charts, which is quite refreshing since I haven’t read a book with pictures in a long time.  I would be cautious with whom I recommend the book to (if I do), because it definitely isn’t for everyone. The book tends to tell the reader what to do, and provides different scenarios on approaching the situation. Although this may seem fun at first; it actually gets really old quickly, because it takes awhile for Smith to get to the point. It rambles on a little too much, and I felt that I was reading a lot of gibberish, since I am not as geeky as the book needs me to be. Be careful when deciding if this book is for you.

            What I appreciate most is how the book handles the first meeting to the possibility of a serious relationship, or a breakup. I believe that it can actually help those in need of dating advice, and it does its job well. I like how Smith addresses the rights and wrongs on the first date, and what is appropriate to discuss at the right time. I understand that there are many of guys who find it difficult to converse with a girl he likes, and the novel actually provides tips on how to find topics to talk about.

            However, I was aloof from the novel the whole time. Seeing as I am not planning to ask someone out on a date, or needing to tell someone I have feelings for them (and if I did, I have my own ways), I didn’t need all these tips; nor do I find them applicable to me. I know how to talk to people, and I know how to make sure I am not stepping on boundaries. For the most part, I doubt I’d actually want to be the one to plan all these steps in a relationship. Sure, I would be a part of them when the time comes, but I doubt I’ll actually be the one to execute them.

            The novel is a cute and quirky read, filled with a vast knowledge of all things geek-like that I couldn’t fully participate in. Make sure that you are the right audience for this type of novel; otherwise you will not enjoy it.