The Dating Diaries [Paperback]

Kristen Kemp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2004

Twelve dates. Twelve weeks. A buoyant and observant comedy about having a long-term relationship end -- and discovering what life is like outside of it.

Katie James has been dating Paul for the past five years, since seventh grade. Then, as the prom approaches, he dumps her. The last time she was on her own, she was wearing a training bra. Now she's about to see what life is like without Paul -- and what it's like to date. She makes a resolution -- she will date twelve guys in twelve weeks, making up for all the time she wasted with Paul. But nothing quite goes the way she plans. Dating is difficult -- and difficult can be both fraught and fun. Katie's about to find out what she's been missing . . . and how to be herself without a guy

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Ten dates. Five weeks. A buoyant and observant PUSH comedy about having a long-term relationship end -- and discovering what life is like outside of it.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Push (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439622980
• ISBN-13: 978-0439622981
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #978,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been writing since I was in the fifth grade. I used to make up stories about ghost dogs and time machines. Now I write more serious fare for women, like my new co-authored book, Redemption. I also write books for teenagers such as Breakfast at Bloomingdale's and The Dating Diaries. When I'm not writing, I'm working on my websites: healingsister.org, baristakids.com and kristenkemp.com. I also love to take hip hop classes even though I dance like Austin Powers. Thanks for stopping by my author page.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Teen book!, March 28, 2005

By 

"basketcasenimrod" (Canada!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dating Diaries (Paperback)

Wow! I just finished it! I am itching to read more about katie jaymes, I hope Kristen Kemp writes another novel about Katie Jaymes. This novel is about tomboy- Katie Jaymes, Who just broke up with her boyfriend of five years- Paul- or now referred to as "weedkiller." Katies decides to make up time that she lost with weedkiller by having twelve dates in six weeks, to fall in love- in time for prom. Katie, gets an extreme makeover, making people notice her, shes now a man magnet! Getting a date should be no problem now...right? Things get put of hand, she starts to fight with her best friend- Matt- who is in love with her and doesnt enjoy seeing her going out with a new guy everyday, as well as fighting with her spunky mom- Vikki.J. The whole procces gets Katies to see a message every teen should know- What is it? Well you'll have to find out, but in the fun way.
Reading this book was the most fun I've ever had reading a novel! I just know you'll enjoy it as much as I did!!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute, I'd definately read more by Kristen Kemp, October 24, 2004

By 

Willow (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dating Diaries (Paperback)

I picked up THE DATING DIARIES at the library a few days ago, and I really liked it.

THE DATING DIARIES is all about Katie James (or Jaymes, which is how her way out there mother likes to spell it). A few days ago, Katie's boyfriend of 4 1/2 years decided that he would rather be with a girl that wasn't afraid to do whatever he asked, like Katie was. In all her misery, Katie decides that she'll show Paul (her ex-boyfriend) that she doesn't need him, and The Plan is born.

In six weeks, Katie will go on 12 dates - one date every Friday and Saturday night. That way she'll be able to date a bunch of people, and she'll have time to fall in love again before prom!

THE DATING DIARIES is cute, but the ending is predictable. I liked most of the characters (Frankie, Blue, and Matt probably being the most memorable), but the beginning was slow. It took about 30 pages to really get interested in the story.

Overall grade - B-

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely and well written story, August 12, 2004

By 

me and me alone - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dating Diaries (Paperback)

The story is well written, funny and witty. It is real and although the name of the town where they live in annoys a little, everything else is great.

Its funny to see the main character's tranformation from nerdy girl whom people thought lesbian to gorgeous girl with perfect hair and blown out nails.

It is a good read, although it is short.