How to Meet Cute Boys [Paperback]

Deanna Kizis (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Warner Books (2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446614327
• ISBN-13: 978-0446614320
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,175,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

What does one say on these things? I suppose it would be wise to stick to the essentials. I believe in gardening and am engaged in an organic war with some very bad snails. I believe that anyone can write a novel if they get down one-thousand words a day. (Or five hundred. How much time have you got?) I believe that friends, wine, and an outdoor dining table is a killer combination. I believe that my dog likes to disco dance. I believe that the french fries at McDonald's taste better than the ones at In-N-Out, but I eat at In-N-Out because I saw Super Size Me and it freaked me out. I believe in Charles and Ray Eames. I believe in nesting. I believe that anyone who doesn't like independant rock music is making a mistake, but I won't try to talk them into anything if it makes them uncomfortable. I believe in recycling, sustainable everything, organic food, delicious cheese, that the Unbearable Lightness of Being is a perfect book, and that tennis is impossible but fun even though I almost always lose. I believe if you can lose graciously, then you can really rub it in when you win.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Words may fail me., September 25, 2003

By 

D. L Harris "dlhs82899" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How To Meet Cute Boys (Hardcover)

Chick Lit may have hit its nadir (or is it zenith?) with "How To Meet Cute Boys," a novel that verges on self-parody. Lead character in publishing, imbued with hipster references, lots of pink type, lots of girly drinks, lots of self-deprecating comments, lots of boy angst.

But what really makes this book stand out is the self-centered, narcissistic and neurotic character of the 27-year-old Benjamina Franklin (oh, boy). Her thoughts and actions were based on one of two principles: (A) How can I get a boyfriend? and (B) How do you think I can get a boyfriend?

With that in mind, it's not surprising when her new beau, the 21-year-old Max, starts getting a little freaked out. Any dating veteran will wince with recognition at his telltale signs of an increasingly disinterested lover, but as a reader I had another, stronger reaction: Damn straight. This guy's pretty sensible for his age.

If we werent supposed to see Benjamina as a victim, "How To Meet Cute Boys" could have the bones of a good satire. The idea of someone suffering through unrequited love - yet being uncomfortable when it comes to sharing the bathroom to brush your teeth - is pretty funny.

My low rating of the book stems from the usual assortment of novel-writing sins: plot is nonexistent, it's not very funny and the writing's no great shakes. (Extra discredit for repeated brand-name dropping.) However, I must give the novel its props in one respect: reading it, I felt the bite of recognition for a time in my life where I was every bit as obnoxious and clueless when it came to men. Still, owning up to it doesn't mean I was justified; I look back and cringe. I wish the author felt the same way.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars That's All?!?, April 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: How To Meet Cute Boys (Hardcover)

Umm...did they forget to print the last few pages or something? Good book, but a horrible ending. It seems that those several blank pages at the end of the book must have been meant to have a proper ending printed on them.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Chic-Lit with Cosmo Appeal, December 7, 2003

By 

"wendy0528" (South Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How To Meet Cute Boys (Hardcover)

Deanna Kizis, West Coast Editor at Elle magazine, delivers a cute and entertaining debut addition to the chic-lit genre. Although the advice and dating policies are not what I'd take to heart, this remains a light, humorous break from the real world.

27-year-old Benjamina Franklin (a.k.a. Ben) is a journalist at a successful woman's magazine, which gives her almost instant access to the hottest parties and social events in L.A. You'd think finding a boyfriend would be easy. Wrong. As Ben continues her neurotic search, she must deal with the jealousy she feels towards her younger sister who's now engaged, her not-so-helpful friends (one of whom is an analytical psychology student), her boss who's always looking for a new and romantic article from Ben, and Ben's mother. You'll just have to read about Ben's mother. You wouldn't believe me if I told you!

The chic-lit genre is becoming very popular among women, probably in their 20s and 30s. This addition is light, refreshing and funny at times. What I thought was unique, were the numorous Cosmo-like quizes and dating tips added throughout the story. For me, this book provided a nice break from the heavier reading I also enjoy.