Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

Sydney is a travel journalist who experiences the ups and downs of dating and life in general. Between good dates and bad dates and friends' dates, chance meetings and swearing off dating, this book covers it all - well, maybe not all, but most of the dating scene. There are other situations sprinkled in, as well - relationships with family and friends, career happenings, and lots of travel. I particularly enjoyed living vicariously through this world traveling young lady.

"Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater" by Christa Ann Banister is a clever novel of one Christian woman's journey through the merciless gauntlet of dating and life in general. As I laughed along with Sydney's "misadventures in dating," Christa has made me very glad that I am happily married, and not a part of this chaotic and unpredictable scene. Even though I generally prefer action and suspense in my Christian Romance reads, I enjoyed this more cerebral novel and will definitely read this very talented author again.

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.

Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Serial Dater is pure reading pleasure!!! It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience to follow Syndey Alexander on her dating adventures. Sydney's experiences in the realm of romantic relationships are such that many will be able to relate to them, and laugh along with, as they read. I personally am very much looking forward to the sequel to see what happens next with Sydney Alexander and company!

I'll freely admit it. I was skeptical about this book. I thought, "a Christian chick-lit book? That must be awful."

Now, you must understand something. I've been in the Christian culture since I was prenatal. I know how ridiculous items made in our culture can get.

But I digress.

Despite my reservations, I decided to give Around the World in 80 Dates a try. After all, the cover looked compelling and, as a Christian single girl, I felt I needed some feel-good chick-lit. If nothing else, I'd have something serious to say in my review about the lack of realism in Christian fiction.

Boy was I wrong. This book is awesome. Two days after picking it up I had the entire thing read (I would have had it done sooner, but I have a friend visiting). It's been a long time since I consumed a book like I did Around the World in 80 Dates.

Christa Ann Banister apparently was secretly filming my life and borrowing from my experiences when she wrote this book. The main character, Sydney, like me went to Bible college, didn't get her MRS degree (Mrs.), and loves writing. She's a spunky, self-confident heroine who isn't afraid to be a bit of a mess sometimes when her love life doesn't turn out as expected. I actually laughed out loud several times as Christa explained "DTR" (Define the Relationship) talks [a huge subject for debate when I was in college] and how hard it is to buy a Bible for someone else.

The story takes you through Sydney's experiences dating, but also gives you insights into the lives of the other characters of the book by switching view points to get inside their heads. While this was a bit disconcerting at first (I had trouble remember who was who), it lead to a richer story-telling experience because you really began to feel the characters and sympathize with what made them tick.

I also appreciated that Sydney wasn't a character that thumped everyone over the head with her faith. The ways she deals with it are very real and woven into the story. None of the "lets stop for a moral lesson" moments that badly written Christian fiction often tries to throw in. In short, Sydney is relatable for any person who has struggled with life and love. She's a light without being a sunburn.

The book is funny, but stays away from being just a fluffy chick book by dealing with some serious issues women face when trying to find Mr. Right. I especially applaud how Sydney isn't a pushover or someone desperate to get married just to be married. She knows what she wants and makes some tough choices along the way.

In short, I highly recommend you pick up this book. It's guaranteed to lift your spirits and, at the least, remind you that you're not the only single woman out there with a bad dating history.

Great Book that really delves into the fun yet emotional path that dating in the Christian bubble.

While the details of coordinating outfits is lost on a fashion challenged woman like me, I easily enjoyed the MANY pop culture and Minnesota references.

The heart of the book though is the art of really finding out what kind of Christian do you want be and how that relates to finding your mate.
Great read!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Sydney's traveling escapades and her crazy dates. Living in Minnesota, it was fun to hear about specific places...some that I'm familiar and some that I must check out now that I've read Around the World in 80 Dates.

Poor Sydney just can't seem to find the right guy. It's a relief when she does meet a decent one, but the journey along the way is full of comedic entertainment.

Throughout the story, you can relate to both Sydney and Samantha...they are characters that feel like familiar friends.

It's good, clean fun wrapped up in a book...perfect for reading on a snowy Minnesota day or a sunny California afternoon.

Sydney Alexander is a faithful friend, a devoted sister, dedicated to her job and walks the straight and narrow! You would think applying all these great qualities to her dating life would net her a great guy - but strangely, no. Sydney continues to find Mr Flaky, Stinky, Tardy, Selfish and even Mr I Like Your Friend Better!

Determined not to give up, Sydney continues her search for the man who just might be the one, until it seems she has exhausted all possible candidates in Greater Minneapolis. Realising it might not be meant to be, Sydney decides to let go and let God!

I loved Sydney's take on life, dating and essential movies! Christa has given voice to every girl's heart as we navigate the treacherous and exciting waters of finding the right man. I laughed, grimaced, sympathised and cried with Sydney and I know you will too.

Around The World in 80 Dates is a joyful treat for young women to relate to and take heart, and older ones to reminisce about those special days fraught with an equal measure of angst and elation. I can't wait to read the sequel, Blessed Are the Meddlers.

Christa is a fantastic, hysterical author. Each character in her book gets to speak their mind and you get to read what they're each doing, sometimes simultaneously in the same chapter. I laughed and reminisced with each of Christa's quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I've never been to the places overseas that Christa talks about in her book, but if they're anywhere close to how she describes Minnesota (which is dead on), then I'd love to take a trip to her London!

Sydney Alexander has her life planned out from a pretty young age. Unfortunately, when it comes time for the right guy to make his appearance, he seems to be slow in coming around. Sydney certainly does her best to find him and gives numerous guys a chance when it comes to dating. Part of her dating requirements is to only date Christian men. When she meets Justin, an athiest, she agrees to see him as friends. Meanwhile on the other side of town...Sydney's sister is trying to figure out her dating life as well. The people in Sydney's life are at the age where they're ready to settle down and this is a fantastic look at the Christian dating world.

Completely a must read for anyone who likes comedy and chic-lit!