How to Dump a Guy: (A Coward's Manual) [Paperback]

Kate Fillion (Author), Ellen Ladowsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Irreverent yet practical, supportive, knowing, and very, very funny, How to Dump a Guy is a wise, refreshing book about how to end relationships. It is a coward's manual that takes the reader's hand from the first sign that it's over to the aftershocks. There are the Dumping Do's and Don'ts. A typology of difficult-to-dump men, including Cling-ons and Reject Addicts. A checklist of things to do before your Big Day (for example, Getting Your Stuff Back). What to wear to a ditching (think Audrey Hepburn) and where to stage it, including the popular restaurant (do choose a place within your own means, because there's a very strong possibility he won't be picking up the check). Tried-and-true dumping lines-"I'm a little confused about my sexual orientation" and "I love you too much-it scares me." And, finally, how to use the techniques of master spin doctors to control the story so you'll be up and dating again in no time.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Narrator Laura Hamilton plays the part of a wise but somewhat catty girlfriend in this thoroughly modern guide to ending a relationship. A refreshing departure from traditional self-help titles, this is a typical offering from Listen & Live Audio, a company that describes itself as "the lighter side of personal growth." The authors, who have "a combined 30 years' experience slithering out of relationships," offer a well-organized plan of attack including how to know when to ditch, scheduling the ditch, methods of ditching, exit lines, and spin control. The importance of honesty and ending a relationship face-to-face are emphasized. Recommended sites for "expiration dates" include the airport, the park, and his place, where he will "at least have the satisfaction of throwing you out." This unique title is recommended for popular collections.ABeth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Review

"Ladowsky and Fillion's advice is hilarious, much of it full of common sense. And keep in mind that practice makes perfect." (New York Daily News)

"I'm the czarina of dragging out unexhilarating relationships because I dread ditching people. Fortunately, "How to Dump a Guy" gives an array of tips on how to disentangle yourself from your unwanted man's loving embrace--forever." (Esther Haynes, Jane, May 98)

""How to Dump a Guy" is a handy guide to no-fuss breakup techniques...a fun, feminist read that offers a refreshing counterpoint to all those reams of nauseating books on how to snag and/or keep a man. It's...chock full of wry observations about the opposite sex and unforgiving in its theme to always look out for No.1." (Lee-Anne Goodman, Toronto Sun, Oct. 20, 1997)

"The humor is sharp, intelligent and witty. These women shine a powerful halogen light into the female psyche, revealing some of its shallowness, exposing the thoughts that nobody will admit to having...The book is about women who have men already but don't want them, about women who want independence, women who are not afraid to be alone. All of these serious issues are treated comically and the comedy strengthens the message...Fillion and Ladowsky are gifted writers who share an incisive sense of humour. In this book their collective intelligence comes with a lightness of heart, casting joy and good sense on some of life's most uncomfortable tribulations." -- Allison Schifmann, Book Bureau

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761112561
• ISBN-13: 978-0761112563
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,032,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Earns every laugh, November 14, 2001

By 

Scott Woods (Columbus, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Dump a Guy: (A Coward's Manual) (Paperback)

What do you wear to break up with somone? Where should you do it? How will particular types of guys respond to the break-up? A rolling-about-the-floor funny tome of break-up advice I came across for some story research.

Covering everything from when you should break up with someone to the after shocks (your mother's coronary and rantings that you'll become an old maid, among other potential gems), it's fun reading for anyone with high-enough self-esteem, regardless of sex, even though it's definitely a woman's book. It's a great conversation book full of cheap laughs, even though it's real as hell.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comes in handy for the novice, August 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Dump a Guy: (A Coward's Manual) (Paperback)

I had never broken up with anyone before and I wanted dump my 5+ year boyfriend I cared deeply about. This book not only assured me that I was doing the right thing, but it also helped me with the when and how. I give it to everyone I know who is unhappy in their relationship. It's good constructive advice and makes for a great reference book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars laugh out loud, January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Dump a Guy: (A Coward's Manual) (Paperback)

This is the funniest book I've read in a long time, not ha ha slapstick, but Seinfeld-esque humor. Perfect gift for a friend who's always moaning about her relationship, and it will make your own life easier, too, if she follows the advice -- or at least learns to laugh at herself.