Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater (Sydney Alexander Series, Book 1) [Paperback]

Christa A Banister (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 27, 2007

Travel writer Sydney Alexander is ready for one particular journey to end: her frustrating search for a Mr. Right. But things are looking up: Just after landing her dream job, she meets an eligible round of bachelors.

Now Sydney will discover just how far she’s willing to compromise to land her dream guy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Sydney Alexander is a travel writer. She’s a very well-dressed travel writer—hasn’t yet met a shoe or clearance sale she could pass up. She’s funny. She’s got a great relationship with her sis. She’s got a hilarious next-door neighbor, Rain, who happens to be a hippie. And she’s got a wonderful relationship with God. So what’s missing?

A decent date. A date where she doesn’t have to pay because he’s “between jobs.” A date where she’s not fabulously fashionably ready to go only to learn “the band just got a last-minute gig” and he has to cancel. A date she wants to kiss good night, not run screaming from. Is that really so much to ask?

About the Author

Christa Ann Banister lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, Will. They love to play Scrabble and throw darts on a map, dreaming about exotic travel locations. In addition to writing fiction, Christa is happily employed as a freelance writer for her many, many clients.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: NavPress Publishing Group (September 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160006177X
• ISBN-13: 978-1600061776
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,184,480 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Testimony to the Disappointed Christian Woman March 20, 2008

By C. Mitchell

Format:Paperback

I absolutely loved this book! What was so great about this book to me was that it was written from each of the viewpoints of the different characters which made the main character's story all the more interesting. I read this whole book in one day which I haven't done with a book in a while. This book was a refreshing testimony to my spirit which is at times cynical and disheartened by a lack of available suitors that meet even the most basic of a Christian woman's standards. From the first few pages I fell in love with Sydney Alexander and I can't wait for Christa Ann Banister's sequel to this story in the fall. After I finished the book I prayed and thanked God that I had purchased this book which has given me a tangible sense of hope although the story is fictional.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars More like 4.5 stars... December 24, 2007

By Michelle Sutton

Format:Paperback

Around the World in 80 Dates was a fun read. I loved the characterization and the quirky events like Rain and Stinky Nate's wedding. Truly original. I also enjoyed traveling with Sydney and eating at so many cool places. I liked not being sure of Sydney's future and who she would end up with. I felt her elation and relief when she seemed to meet the right guy (finally.) Nothing is better than the freedom you feel when you can enjoy someone's company and be yourself at the same time. Especially when you share the same faith. That's a clear message in this story and one that singles need to read.

Many of the scenarios are pretty typical of the dating scene. (I'm so glad those days are over.) For women not married yet this is sure to be a fun ride. In fact, I'd encourage everyone to read it, married or not. The only weaknesses I saw in this book was the many points of view--some of which didn't seem necessary--and the occasional head hop within a scene. Despite those issues it was still a very enjoyable story. I hope there is a future book in the works starring her sister Samantha or I'll be really bummed since I got to know her so well. I want to know what happened in her love life since there was no real resolution. Otherwise this chick lit novel was perfect! I truly enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. The fact that I finished it says a lot, since many of the books I begin I never complete, let alone post a review.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars New Chick-Lit Author to Keep an Eye On November 29, 2007

By Kelly Klepfer VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Around the World in 80 Dates is adorable. The description of the book does not do the book justice. Christa Ann Banister has a perfect chick-lit voice and is not afraid to use it. Classic stuff...shopping, name brands, coffee shops, ice cream binges, girlfriends, guys and drama.

Chick-lit fans need to check it out. Those with a love of quirk need to check it out. Great descriptive writing through the eyes of sarcastic-witted Sydney as her life unfolds in the classic "what else can go wrong" format, with wacky inserted omniscient peeks into the lives of her inner circle.

A spiritual message that will encourage patient twenty-and-thirty- something ladies-in-waiting. I will caution the more sensitive readers...if you have any issues with alcohol, dating, or movie choices for Christians, consider yourself forewarned that you may disagree with some of Sydney and company entertainment choices.

This is one of the more fun reads I've invested time in this year. I will definitely look forward to more from Christa Ann Banister. I'd also love to have a cup of coffee with her the next time I visit Mall of America.