Slow start, then shifts into overdrive

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	• The Guy I'm Not Dating Trish Perry Harvest House Publishers, 2006 - 342 pages average customer review:based on 42 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Slow start, then shifts into overdrive

Even though The Guy I'm Not Dating eventually picks up to be a great read, I felt it got off to a rather slow start. Chapters 2 and 4 shift the focus from Kara, the main character, to her mother. These were the only chapters that did not follow Kara and they were completely unnecessary, since we learn the events in these chapters when Kara hears about them anyway. There was also a major sticking point for me when Gabe, the love interest, receives an unexpected visit from his teenage brother and sister and the sister's boyfriend. Despite the fact that these three (all high school grads, not ten-year-olds) managed to ride the bus from Florida to Virginia alone, Gabe feels that it would not be safe for them to do the return trip without him. A moment later though he feels no qualms whatsoever in sending this same "baby" sister off to stay with a woman HE JUST MET, who he essentially KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT, and whose home he has never even seen. I might have gotten over that issue quickly if it had not become obvious that this arrangement was contrived almost solely to give Kara an excuse to talk about "churchy stuff."

Most of my criticisms come from the first third or so of the book, which redeems itself almost fully after that. The characters are wonderful. Addie has her share of fun senior moments and speaks more than her share of delightfully frank elder wisdom. She's a gem. There might be one too many references to how attractive Gabe is, but he's balanced with other endearing qualities and one or two human traits as well. Even Tiffany, who everyone loves to hate, has one or two sympathetic moments to keep her from becoming unbelievable. Kara's parents are a sweet couple. They show how two people can still be deeply in love without being blind to each others' faults.

The premise of a woman meeting her perfect man right after swearing off all men is certainly not new, but it's handled very well in this book. Her difficult break-up hasn't left her with the "all men are scum" attitude, but a much more mature "maybe I'm doing something wrong" attitude. Kara's doubts about not dating keep it from becoming cliché. And yes, the book is funny. The characters zing each other without ever being mean and their dialog is usually quick and witty. There's an excellent chance I'll be buying more from this author.

Amanda Hamm, author of Dear Jane Letters

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I kissed dating goodbye

Isn't it ironic? Just when Kara decides she's not going to date, the perfect guy comes along and wants to date her! Gabe is everything she wants in a guy: nice, kind, sweet, gorgeous and a Christian. Unfortunately she's not looking to date anyone at the moment. That doesn't stop Gabe from wanting to hang out with her all the time, even to the point of being on a road trip with her from Virginia to Florida. Packed with lots of supporting characters that bring oomph to the story, this take of a non-dater is sure to please the chick lit fan in you.

I have mentioned before how much I love chick lit right? There's just something about reading women my age, going through the same situations I'm in, that makes for a great read. This book fits all those expectations and more. I admired Kara for her no dating policy. It's a different approach for a chick lit book as opposed to all the other stories where the girl tries to get the guy. It was an interesting switch to have the guy want to try to get the girl this time. I felt Kara and Gabe's chemistry was excellent throughout the novel. He seems like a great guy and someone who'd I'd like to date (if I wasn't already attached that is). I also enjoyed Kara's attitude towards Tiffany. I know Christians are supposed to be non-judgmental and be loving, but it is normally not realistic to act happy when someone annoys you. So I was glad to read that while Kara didn't act catty toward Tiffany, she did get annoyed and frustrated at her. It's ok to NOT like someone and still be a Christian. I will admit, in the beginning of the book, I didn't like Addie at all. Not that I have a problem with elderly folk, but I don't like it when they assume things and push people around to have things done their own way. And then they will use their age as their excuse, and since the rule is to always obey your elders, they will always get their way. So I was frustrated at first with Addie and her meddling. But as the story went on, I grew to like her very much, especially when we meet up with her sister and their adventures together. I'm also hoping that there will be a book on Jeremy. I love British guys, there's just something about that accent! It makes me just picture him as a Jude Law lookalike. This was a really fun book to read. The characters are all very colorful, the writing fresh and witty, and the story fast paced and a joy to read. Trish Perry has definately made her mark in the Christian chick lit world and it's a definite winner!

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Awesome!!!

I absolutely loved The Guy I'm Not Dating. I've several books about courtship, but none of them have been in story format. I've never been able to picture how a relationship could work like that, but this book left me with a sense of hope that Godly relationships between men and women are not dead and can be done. Thank you Trish Perry!

Finally!

Finally! A great chick story with high standards, laugh-out-loud humor, and quality writing. I loved it!

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

?Yowza!? exclaims Kara Richardson when she sees the handsome proprietor of the new delicatessen in town, Gabe Paolino?who soon expresses mutual interest. This would be the start of a perfect love story, except for one thing?Kara has vowed to stop dating until she feels God?s leading.

But when humorous circumstances send Kara and Gabe on a road trip to Florida, hope springs anew. Even with Kara?s flirtatious coworker Tiffany??a hyena in heels??along for the ride, the uncouple begins a lively journey that could change their paths forever.

This memorable, charming story of love?s persistence captures the honor of waiting on God?s timing, and the adventure of finding the perfect guy to not date.

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