My Boyfriend's Back (Hardcover)

by Donna Hanover (Author) "ED OSTER MAY HAVE BEEN MY HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART, BUT HE was also my adversary..." (more)
Key Phrases: rekindled love, reunited love, reunited couples, New York, Los Angeles, Mary Lou (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Shortly after her divorce from former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Hanover reunited with the high school boyfriend who had dumped her during their freshman year at Stanford. He apologized for the breakup, and they rekindled their love affair and married a year later. Upon learning that her experience wasn't unusual, Hanover began interviewing couples with similar stories. Some were separated less than 10 years, others for decades; many were divorced, raising the question of what would have happened if they'd followed their hearts to begin with. There's no consensus on that from the experts, according to Hanover, but many will find it hard to disagree with the thesis that first love is often the most lasting. A television host and journalist, Hanover writes in a chatty, accessible style, adopting the tone of the experienced best friend. She can be corny, but she's a realist: she includes a chapter on what happens when rekindled romances go sour the second time around. The sociology and individual stories don't always mesh well, but the anecdotes are so touching and the overall message so inspiring, you'd have to be heartless not to feel hopeful after reading this book. 16 pages of b&w photos not seen by PW.
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Review
"What a triumph! My Boyfriend's Back is witty, engaging, and a sheer delight to read."
-- Liz Smith --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Hudson Street Press (January 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594630100
• ISBN-13: 978-1594630101
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #687,104 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When Harry Met Sally Part 2 Etc., January 27, 2005

By	gail powers "Gail" (Homewood, IL United States) - See all my reviews

I was initially attracted to this book because I'm a hopeless romantic. I've always considered Donna Hanover a very intelligent and charismatic personality and found the whole idea of her reconnecting with her first love life affirming. I wanted to know more.
While this book does address her rekindled romance and subsequent marriage, her purpose in writing this book appears to be a primer for those people who have considered reconnecting and a great read for all of the hopeless romantics out there. While the case studies she presents chronicle the positives and negatives of first love renewed and places them in a sociological framework, the real hook here are the stories
themselves.
For the most part this is a feel good book. It is hopeful and positive and it is a great contrast to the cynacism
and negativity is a part of modern life.
If you loved When Harry Met Sally, you'll love this book. It abounds with happy (or at least hopeful) endings, and absolutely does not rehash the Rudy Giuliani thing.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Re-established Love, January 26, 2005

By	Carol B. Traynor - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Donna Hanover's, My Boyfriend's Back is a remarkable, touching tribute to renewed love. She shares her personal journey of reuniting with her high school sweetheart after decades apart, and includes other amazing stories from couples who have revived their relationships. I laughed out loud and couldn't put down the book until I'd read every last word.

If you think your romantic life is over, just read this book. It offers encouragement and a roadmap on how to find that long-ago special someone. My Boyfriend's Back shows the phenomenon that is now sweeping the country on how couples are reconnecting through the internet, at school reunions, or from just visiting with their neighbors back home. Ms. Hanover's book will encourage lovers of all ages to search for their former sweethearts. My Boyfriend's Back is a joy to read whether you're with someone or not. It touches the heart and renews the spirit.

Carol B. Traynor

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reality colides with fantasy!, January 15, 2005

By	Jennifer Smith (California) - See all my reviews

Maybe its entering your 50's but it seems like myself and my girlfriends are always entertaining thoughts about what our long ago loves are up to these days (and some have actually located them!). Ms. Hanover's book gives a balanced view of what can actually happen. Sometimes it's nirvana but not always... I think that the "starry-eyed" should read this book first before embarking on resurecting old romances because just like with us, a lot of changes have taken place in the lives (and bodies) of our former loves and that baggage comes with them when you reunite. I found this book to be very helpful and well-written and I plan to give several copies to my friends who are embarking on this quest.