I came across the book titled Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date, while scanning the display tables at Chapters Yorkdale and was immediately drawn to the cover. A pattern of rosy hearts splashed across it, and a timid looking woman with head in hands drew my attention. Why? I suppose because this young woman reminded me of the twenty-year-old me; uncomfortable in my own skin, undeniably awkward and shy and unsure of what my future held in store. I also found the title quite humorous and as most know, if you've had a chance to read my novel, and my biography, I am always drawn to reading and writing tales of woe that involve humorous bits.
The book's author Katie Heaney is, in fact, the young woman on the cover. The tale is a forthcoming telling of Heaney's own life events involving relationships and love, or I suppose the lack thereof. I had to have it, even if only to draw comparisons between Heaney's real life trials and my own. Isn't that what engages us all while reading autobiographical accounts? The possibility of finding some similarities between our own hardships and those of people we've never met? Perhaps even to celebrate that ours aren't quite so bad when held up and measured next to those who so willingly pour them out onto paper? Maybe it's just me.
About The Author
Katie Heaney is a 25-year-old writer living in Minneapolis. She earned a BA in political science from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2009 and a master's degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota in May 2012. She has written for BuzzFeed, New York Magazine, The Hairpin, The Awl,Glamour.com, and The Rumpus, among other publications.
The Synopsis
'So begins Katie Heaney's memoir of her years spent looking for love, but never quite finding it. By age 25, equipped with a college degree, a load of friends, and a happy family life, she still has never had a boyfriend ... and she's barely even been on a second date.
Throughout this laugh-out-loud funny book, you will meet Katie's loyal group of girlfriends, including flirtatious and outgoing Rylee, the wild child to Katie's shrinking violet, as well as a whole roster of Katie's ill-fated crushes. And you will get to know Katie herself -- a smart, modern heroine relaying truths about everything from the subtleties of a Facebook message exchange to the fact that "Everybody who works in a coffee shop is at least a little bit hot."
Funny, relatable, and inspiring, this is a memoir for anyone who has ever struggled to find love, but has also had a lot of fun in the process.'
The Review
The book was engaging from the first page to the final word. By the end I truly felt that had I been a couple of years younger, Katie and I could have been the best of friends, telling our stories of love almost gained and lost. The language is clean and effective with wonderful description.
I suppose the only negative comment I have to make is that some portions of Heaney's accounts dragged on a bit and some seemed unnecessary, although it is an autobiography so clearly Heaney found all aspects pertinent enough to add. None of these additions turned me off from continuing to discover more about Heaney's trials and tribulations.
I would recommend this book to YA readers as it truly is something that young women who are beginning to discover the importance of friendship and love and are just setting off to find their way, would identify with(although I suppose we are all finding our way, no matter what age we are). I believe it is most identifiable to the 18-25 age group. That doesn't mean that women in their 30's and 40's wouldn't find enjoyment in it, however.
The Rating
I give this delightful and honest read 4 Stars!
Buy the Book
https://www.goodreads.com/work/compare_prices/23582714?book=17159009
Connect with Katie
Website-http://www.katieheaney.com/
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860774.Katie_Heaney
Twitter- https://twitter.com/KTHeaney
Happy Reading!
Jessica Ashley
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