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Anatomy #2
Anatomy of a Single Girl
After everything that happened - my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup - jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn’t want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing - and devastatingly cute - guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.
The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.
But I couldn’t avoid my future forever.
In Daria Snadowsky’s daring sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Dominique explores the relationship between love and lust, and the friendships that see us through.
The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.
But I couldn’t avoid my future forever.
In Daria Snadowsky’s daring sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Dominique explores the relationship between love and lust, and the friendships that see us through.
227 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2013
About the author
Daria Snadowsky
3 books132 followersDaria Snadowsky is the author of the novels "Anatomy of a Boyfriend" and "Anatomy of a Single Girl." She also contributed the essay "To Sir Anthony, With Love," to the anthology "Crush: 26 Real-life Tales of First Love." Visit her at www.daria-snadowsky.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
May 20, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. I really did. But, sadly, I wanted to throw it against the wall in a fit of rage. It was so frustrating for me.
Anatomy of a Single Girl is the sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend . While the first book in the series introduced us to relationships and firsts- first kiss, first love, first time; this book introduced us to what happens after all those firsts dissappear. How do you feel then?
I was really excited for this book, because I thought that I could finally see Dom mature and not need a guy in her life to be happy.
About 7% into the book, we realise that Dom totally wants to get back into the "dating game".
From this point, I already knew that I wouldn't be liking this story. Nevertheless, I wanted to continue it, because I felt motivated to see where it went.
Dom acts just as impulsive, reckless and annoying as she did in the other book. I found her insufferable, because I couldn't comprehend how someone older than me could be so dense. It really infuriated me, when she said completely thoughtless remarks, such as:
Not only was this completely thoughtless, but it was incredibly vain. No Dom, you are not the last drop of water in the desert, so no, you are not going to be wanted by everyone.
I was also infuriated by her disregard for everyone else when a too perfect to be real guy comes into her life. She starts ignoring everyone and everything, and just wants to be around her new "boy toy". It's infuriating that we see Dominique doing the same mistakes she did in the first book, all over again, but with a different guy.
Also, the ending was completely open-ended. I feel like there was still a lot that could have been explored that really wasn't.
I did enjoy the fact that there was still humor in the story, and that more than once I ended up laughing out loud.
Overall, I really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I'd stick to the first book.
1.5 stars.
Anatomy of a Single Girl is the sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend . While the first book in the series introduced us to relationships and firsts- first kiss, first love, first time; this book introduced us to what happens after all those firsts dissappear. How do you feel then?
I was really excited for this book, because I thought that I could finally see Dom mature and not need a guy in her life to be happy.
About 7% into the book, we realise that Dom totally wants to get back into the "dating game".
From this point, I already knew that I wouldn't be liking this story. Nevertheless, I wanted to continue it, because I felt motivated to see where it went.
Dom acts just as impulsive, reckless and annoying as she did in the other book. I found her insufferable, because I couldn't comprehend how someone older than me could be so dense. It really infuriated me, when she said completely thoughtless remarks, such as:
"Admittedly, not having a boyfriend is a lot less dejecting when there's a suitable prospect waiting in the wings."
Not only was this completely thoughtless, but it was incredibly vain. No Dom, you are not the last drop of water in the desert, so no, you are not going to be wanted by everyone.
I was also infuriated by her disregard for everyone else when a too perfect to be real guy comes into her life. She starts ignoring everyone and everything, and just wants to be around her new "boy toy". It's infuriating that we see Dominique doing the same mistakes she did in the first book, all over again, but with a different guy.
Also, the ending was completely open-ended. I feel like there was still a lot that could have been explored that really wasn't.
I did enjoy the fact that there was still humor in the story, and that more than once I ended up laughing out loud.
Overall, I really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I'd stick to the first book.
1.5 stars.
May 22, 2013
And the series continues to be great! I jumped into ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL immediately upon finishing ANATOMY OF A BOYFRIEND and it did not disappoint. We get to see a very different side of our MC, Dom and we also get to revisit some of our favorite relationships from the first.
We meet Dom upon finishing up her first year of college as she is headed home to spend the summer. Good old Calvin is dropping her off and we see that she is still torn on her feelings for this funny guy. I was happy to see that she was still questioning her emotions for him and that she hadn’t just jumped in with him head first just to get over Wes. Once she is home she meets another hottie, Guy and starts to experiment a bit more with him. This exploratory side of Dom was new, and I liked it! She still had her cautious characteristics to her (forcing an STD test and vaccination records out of the guy) but at the same time she let herself live a bit and feel a bit. We also see a new dynamic to Dom and Amy’s friendship. Now Dom is the single girl and Amy is the one in the relationship. We got to see a more vulnerable side of Amy and more ups and downs when it came to the two of them which was great because friendships are filled with ups and downs.
The sex is still ever present in this one and it is a bit more experienced. Seeing Dom take charge in the sack and really figure out her body was great! I love how the series doesn’t portray sex as something that is perfect for each person in the act every time. I think there is definitely a learning curve to finding what feels good for each partner and Snadowsky really captured that in her signature completely honest way. Hell, the book even made me want to try a few new things!
Once again, Dom’s parents are very present in the story and brought on the laughs. These two are adorable and I adore all the scenes with them. They are definitely struggling with accepting the fact that their little girl isn’t so little anymore but they are also looking at their lives and deciding what’s best for them. They break some news to Dom in the story that made me really happy because it’s nice to see that once your kids are all grown up you can start thinking about yourself a lot more like you did before children.
The closure that we get with these characters and relationships is definitely satisfying. As the novel explores moving on after your first love, figuring out your body, and also fighting to keep relationships that are important to you in your life I came to really connect with these people. This is definitely a series that I will be recommending to any female friends that I have because I think everyone can appreciate the honesty in them and the good laughs that they throw at you.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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You can read all of my reviews at Alluring Reads.
We meet Dom upon finishing up her first year of college as she is headed home to spend the summer. Good old Calvin is dropping her off and we see that she is still torn on her feelings for this funny guy. I was happy to see that she was still questioning her emotions for him and that she hadn’t just jumped in with him head first just to get over Wes. Once she is home she meets another hottie, Guy and starts to experiment a bit more with him. This exploratory side of Dom was new, and I liked it! She still had her cautious characteristics to her (forcing an STD test and vaccination records out of the guy) but at the same time she let herself live a bit and feel a bit. We also see a new dynamic to Dom and Amy’s friendship. Now Dom is the single girl and Amy is the one in the relationship. We got to see a more vulnerable side of Amy and more ups and downs when it came to the two of them which was great because friendships are filled with ups and downs.
The sex is still ever present in this one and it is a bit more experienced. Seeing Dom take charge in the sack and really figure out her body was great! I love how the series doesn’t portray sex as something that is perfect for each person in the act every time. I think there is definitely a learning curve to finding what feels good for each partner and Snadowsky really captured that in her signature completely honest way. Hell, the book even made me want to try a few new things!
Once again, Dom’s parents are very present in the story and brought on the laughs. These two are adorable and I adore all the scenes with them. They are definitely struggling with accepting the fact that their little girl isn’t so little anymore but they are also looking at their lives and deciding what’s best for them. They break some news to Dom in the story that made me really happy because it’s nice to see that once your kids are all grown up you can start thinking about yourself a lot more like you did before children.
The closure that we get with these characters and relationships is definitely satisfying. As the novel explores moving on after your first love, figuring out your body, and also fighting to keep relationships that are important to you in your life I came to really connect with these people. This is definitely a series that I will be recommending to any female friends that I have because I think everyone can appreciate the honesty in them and the good laughs that they throw at you.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
--
You can read all of my reviews at Alluring Reads.
January 21, 2013
Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog
I was not expecting Anatomy of a Single Girl, the first book I’ve started and finished this year, to be more than a fluffy, fun read. Nothing wrong with that. But lemme tell you, it shocked me. Shocked me because it was so much smarter than that, shocked me so much because I was blushing like a maniac because it was overflowing with sex. And not only the kind you have with a hot guy, trying to get your first O (oh that’s in there too) but um, the self-pleasing kind as well.
See? I’m all nervous just typing that!
I am all for girl power: ladies like Carrie Bradshaw and Jessica Darling, who know how they feel and what they want. Not only in their personal lives but for their professional ones too. Main character Dom is a science geek, friends! A science geek who is also still cool, pretty, likes her parents, and has a great relationship with her best friend, Amy. Dom wants to be a doctor, and has been memorizing Gray’s Anatomy since she was in high school.
Now she’s on break from college, after working her ass off, and she needs some relief from those finals. RELIEF. If you remember or if you are experiencing it now, summers home are tough. Friends can change, your parents might seem a little boring, and, man oh man, that freedom you so loved at school may not come as easily. Snadowsky has this down including the super supportive parents who are always begging for more time with their kid.
And where’s Dom? Volunteering at the hospital, and hanging out with Guy, who loves science as much as she does. I love this girl so much because she is SO herself, whether it’s geeking out or thinking so black and white about relationships. Most of us has been there: what’s the point of dating for fun or having a fling if there’s no future? (Okay, so I used to have this mindset so I get it.) Like me, Dom has a problem just LETTING GO + it seems the mission of the summer is all wrapped in that.
In the meantime, her bestie, Amy, is in a committed relationship but dares to flirt and be forward with the boys anyway. I liked this parallel a lot. Amy and Dom have this cool friendship you could only hope for. College can change the dynamics between friends so much, and they manage to fall back into old times as soon as they see each other — even when there are some growing pains to deal with. You can tell they also keep great touch despite going to different colleges, miles and miles away from each other.
You know, I had absolutely no idea that Snadowsky had written a previous book about Dom. But the snappy, honest writing (even with Dom’s long-winded and technical thought process) never made me feel like I was missing anything or getting an intense recap from book 1. I love when authors write a series but each book can also be seen as a standalone. In fact, since finishing Single Girl, I’ve read Anatomy of a Boyfriend and I felt majorly grateful to read another book that was so open about sexuality, virginity, and the dreaded leaving high school for college process.
Snadowsky knows how to write women — strong, flawed women who are open to discovering their bodies and what makes them feel good. (Whether it’s science or sex.)
I was not expecting Anatomy of a Single Girl, the first book I’ve started and finished this year, to be more than a fluffy, fun read. Nothing wrong with that. But lemme tell you, it shocked me. Shocked me because it was so much smarter than that, shocked me so much because I was blushing like a maniac because it was overflowing with sex. And not only the kind you have with a hot guy, trying to get your first O (oh that’s in there too) but um, the self-pleasing kind as well.
See? I’m all nervous just typing that!
I am all for girl power: ladies like Carrie Bradshaw and Jessica Darling, who know how they feel and what they want. Not only in their personal lives but for their professional ones too. Main character Dom is a science geek, friends! A science geek who is also still cool, pretty, likes her parents, and has a great relationship with her best friend, Amy. Dom wants to be a doctor, and has been memorizing Gray’s Anatomy since she was in high school.
Now she’s on break from college, after working her ass off, and she needs some relief from those finals. RELIEF. If you remember or if you are experiencing it now, summers home are tough. Friends can change, your parents might seem a little boring, and, man oh man, that freedom you so loved at school may not come as easily. Snadowsky has this down including the super supportive parents who are always begging for more time with their kid.
And where’s Dom? Volunteering at the hospital, and hanging out with Guy, who loves science as much as she does. I love this girl so much because she is SO herself, whether it’s geeking out or thinking so black and white about relationships. Most of us has been there: what’s the point of dating for fun or having a fling if there’s no future? (Okay, so I used to have this mindset so I get it.) Like me, Dom has a problem just LETTING GO + it seems the mission of the summer is all wrapped in that.
In the meantime, her bestie, Amy, is in a committed relationship but dares to flirt and be forward with the boys anyway. I liked this parallel a lot. Amy and Dom have this cool friendship you could only hope for. College can change the dynamics between friends so much, and they manage to fall back into old times as soon as they see each other — even when there are some growing pains to deal with. You can tell they also keep great touch despite going to different colleges, miles and miles away from each other.
You know, I had absolutely no idea that Snadowsky had written a previous book about Dom. But the snappy, honest writing (even with Dom’s long-winded and technical thought process) never made me feel like I was missing anything or getting an intense recap from book 1. I love when authors write a series but each book can also be seen as a standalone. In fact, since finishing Single Girl, I’ve read Anatomy of a Boyfriend and I felt majorly grateful to read another book that was so open about sexuality, virginity, and the dreaded leaving high school for college process.
Snadowsky knows how to write women — strong, flawed women who are open to discovering their bodies and what makes them feel good. (Whether it’s science or sex.)
June 24, 2013
If possible I think I enjoyed this one even more because it covered everything that the first one didn't, and a lot of the important things that other novels don't cover. Like friendship (and how even those suffer breakups), the after period of a breakup, the rebound, and the friend who you wish you could be with even if you've never felt that way towards him. And it talks about those awkward first visits home after you've been away at college.
Basically what I loved about this novel is what I enjoyed the most about the first one, it doesn't romanticize anything. The first novel, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, gave a fairly realistic portrayal of what it is like going through high school [at least the time period in the novel] and getting the first boyfriend, along with navigating parents and friendships while in that age bracket. Anatomy of a Single Girl tackles college and it does it so well. I knew exactly what Dom was going through having been there myself and I wish I had read this when I first started because its always nice to know that you're not alone and things are crazy for others too.
I think it answered a lot of questions and was even more of a modern Forever [referencing of course the Judy Blume novel], it was the new adult version. It talks about those awkward moments when you're not a young adult any more but you're not a full-fledged card-carrying adult either. I think it really represents what the new adult genre is all about.
Basically what I loved about this novel is what I enjoyed the most about the first one, it doesn't romanticize anything. The first novel, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, gave a fairly realistic portrayal of what it is like going through high school [at least the time period in the novel] and getting the first boyfriend, along with navigating parents and friendships while in that age bracket. Anatomy of a Single Girl tackles college and it does it so well. I knew exactly what Dom was going through having been there myself and I wish I had read this when I first started because its always nice to know that you're not alone and things are crazy for others too.
I think it answered a lot of questions and was even more of a modern Forever [referencing of course the Judy Blume novel], it was the new adult version. It talks about those awkward moments when you're not a young adult any more but you're not a full-fledged card-carrying adult either. I think it really represents what the new adult genre is all about.
June 30, 2013
Anatomy of a Single Girl is about Dominique's experience as a single girl in college, with all the scary firsts behind her and a future as an adult ahead of her. Like Anatomy of a Boyfriend, this book has a lot of sex. But there's a huge difference in the sex scenes in the two books. The first book has a ton of super-detailed, awkward, uncomfortable scenes, but in Anatomy of a Single Girl, the sex scenes are less graphic and easier to read. The sex scenes start to focus less on what Dominique does, and more on how she feels. In this book, Dominique starts to become a confident and independent young woman, and there is no question that she is a lot more mature than she was in the beginning of Anatomy of a Boyfriend.
Check out my full review of both this book and its companion, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, here: http://readwriteramble.blogspot.com/2...
Check out my full review of both this book and its companion, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, here: http://readwriteramble.blogspot.com/2...
January 5, 2016
Pretty much mindless drivel about 'love' at first sight, and its benefits.
It wasn't my cup of tea, personally. At all.
It wasn't my cup of tea, personally. At all.
February 1, 2015
See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! I won a copy in a First Reads giveaway.
More of Dom’s sex adventures, this time with 100% less attachment and 300% more sex? OH YEAH, I’M HERE FOR THAT. In truth, I won this book first in a giveaway and bought the first book in this series afterwards so I could read them in the right order. Whoopsie daisy. But my random giveaway-entering and winning was worth it because I’m very glad I read these books. Like its predecessor, Anatomy of a Single Girl has its issues with sex-shaming and doesn’t always ring true at points, but it’s a relevant book nonetheless and a good look at how it’s okay to have casual sex if that’s what one wants.
From essentially the moment Dom meets the appropriately-named Guy, you can’t help but cheer for her to get ALL THE SEX from him and GET THOSE INCHES WHOOOOO (those all-caps quotes are paraphrases of my notes, if you’re curious). Like the jacket copy says, Dom is at a very different point in her life. Her break-up with her first love is still very recent in her mind and she’s discovering with Guy that sex and casual dating can be pretty cool. Wes didn’t exactly do a good job with her in the sex department, but Guy knows what he’s doing and Dom liiiiiiiiikes it. Their sex adventures–and that is almost literal during the weekend Dom’s parents are away–are a joy to read for their realism. Dom’s realization and acceptance that what she has with Guy won’t last past the summer is beautiful for how it opens up her world.
Also, Dom’s adventures in womanhood still remain hilarious. Whether she’s accidentally hitting Guy in the dick with a plate, going to the gynecologist (omfg neverrrrrrrrrr), or just narrating life as she sees it, Dom will get a few laughs out of you one way or another. Some of her inner monologues and dialogue are a bit hollow, like the way she basically sounds like a sex pamphlet as she asks Guy if he has any STDs before they do it, but she reminds me of me most of the time. Well, me if I had any hormones and wanted sex. Alternate universe me?
The changes in her and Amy’s friendship are appreciated as well. I’ve been fortunate that little has changed between my best friend and I since we both started college and got separated, but for these two, a lot has changed because of who they met and what they did while in college in two entirely different parts of the country. It’s not as effortless of a friendship as they once had, sadly. If only Dom had the guts to tell Amy to STFU with her sex-shaming and not participate in it just to pacify her friend. It’s NEVER okay to call a woman a slut, even to pacify an angry friend like Amy. As poor a response as being quiet is while sex-shaming happens, it’s better than participating for any reason.
At the same time, there are some serious timeline issues going on with Anatomy of a Single Girl. The first book in the series came out in 2007 and used time-appropriate pop culture references like MySpace. That’s fine. What isn’t okay is this novel using pop culture references from 2013 when it’s still 2006/2007 in-book. Some readers may not be bothered by it, but it does bother me that Dom is using Facebook at a time when it was still largely unknown to those outside the group Zuckerberg originally designed it for. Most of the people around me didn’t get into it until circa 2010, when I was a sophomore/junior in high school. In addition, Dom and Guy both claim to have gotten the HPV vaccine that definitely wasn’t available when they said they got them. Maybe Snadowsky does it to connect with the audience as it has changed, but with a solid setting in mind from the first book, the inconsistencies with book two really bother me.
But would I recommend these books? YEAH I WOULD. They’re an excellent depiction of a modern teen exploring her heart and her sexuality as a woman that teens in this day and age need. Were I not asexual and back in high school, these books would have meant the world to me and possibly changed my life. It doesn’t take me a lot of thinking to come to that conclusion. With both books in paperback, it doesn’t take much to purchase them, so go for it. You probably won’t be sorry you did it.
More of Dom’s sex adventures, this time with 100% less attachment and 300% more sex? OH YEAH, I’M HERE FOR THAT. In truth, I won this book first in a giveaway and bought the first book in this series afterwards so I could read them in the right order. Whoopsie daisy. But my random giveaway-entering and winning was worth it because I’m very glad I read these books. Like its predecessor, Anatomy of a Single Girl has its issues with sex-shaming and doesn’t always ring true at points, but it’s a relevant book nonetheless and a good look at how it’s okay to have casual sex if that’s what one wants.
From essentially the moment Dom meets the appropriately-named Guy, you can’t help but cheer for her to get ALL THE SEX from him and GET THOSE INCHES WHOOOOO (those all-caps quotes are paraphrases of my notes, if you’re curious). Like the jacket copy says, Dom is at a very different point in her life. Her break-up with her first love is still very recent in her mind and she’s discovering with Guy that sex and casual dating can be pretty cool. Wes didn’t exactly do a good job with her in the sex department, but Guy knows what he’s doing and Dom liiiiiiiiikes it. Their sex adventures–and that is almost literal during the weekend Dom’s parents are away–are a joy to read for their realism. Dom’s realization and acceptance that what she has with Guy won’t last past the summer is beautiful for how it opens up her world.
Also, Dom’s adventures in womanhood still remain hilarious. Whether she’s accidentally hitting Guy in the dick with a plate, going to the gynecologist (omfg neverrrrrrrrrr), or just narrating life as she sees it, Dom will get a few laughs out of you one way or another. Some of her inner monologues and dialogue are a bit hollow, like the way she basically sounds like a sex pamphlet as she asks Guy if he has any STDs before they do it, but she reminds me of me most of the time. Well, me if I had any hormones and wanted sex. Alternate universe me?
The changes in her and Amy’s friendship are appreciated as well. I’ve been fortunate that little has changed between my best friend and I since we both started college and got separated, but for these two, a lot has changed because of who they met and what they did while in college in two entirely different parts of the country. It’s not as effortless of a friendship as they once had, sadly. If only Dom had the guts to tell Amy to STFU with her sex-shaming and not participate in it just to pacify her friend. It’s NEVER okay to call a woman a slut, even to pacify an angry friend like Amy. As poor a response as being quiet is while sex-shaming happens, it’s better than participating for any reason.
At the same time, there are some serious timeline issues going on with Anatomy of a Single Girl. The first book in the series came out in 2007 and used time-appropriate pop culture references like MySpace. That’s fine. What isn’t okay is this novel using pop culture references from 2013 when it’s still 2006/2007 in-book. Some readers may not be bothered by it, but it does bother me that Dom is using Facebook at a time when it was still largely unknown to those outside the group Zuckerberg originally designed it for. Most of the people around me didn’t get into it until circa 2010, when I was a sophomore/junior in high school. In addition, Dom and Guy both claim to have gotten the HPV vaccine that definitely wasn’t available when they said they got them. Maybe Snadowsky does it to connect with the audience as it has changed, but with a solid setting in mind from the first book, the inconsistencies with book two really bother me.
But would I recommend these books? YEAH I WOULD. They’re an excellent depiction of a modern teen exploring her heart and her sexuality as a woman that teens in this day and age need. Were I not asexual and back in high school, these books would have meant the world to me and possibly changed my life. It doesn’t take me a lot of thinking to come to that conclusion. With both books in paperback, it doesn’t take much to purchase them, so go for it. You probably won’t be sorry you did it.
August 3, 2013
I read this book two days after reading the first book, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, both in one sitting; they were that amazing (and quick to read as well). I mentioned this in my first review, but I’m going to mention it in this one as well: these books are the reason I want to get back into contemporary fiction. I am a picky contemporary reader, but Anatomy of a Single Girl, hit all the right targets for me. Introspective, intelligent, and slightly ignorant main character: check. Realistic and relatable situations: check. Witty dialogue and eye-opening situations: check mate.
The ultimate strength of this book is to portray a girl’s love life and growth as a woman not as a princess in a fairy tale, but as a post-secondary student struggling with school and boys, neither always working out, but there still being that happily-ever-after feeling. That happily-ever-after is just a lot more refreshing because she doesn’t skip off into the sunset with her true love after scoring him. Dom picks up a hot guy, has a summer fling, and struggles whether she can just keep it casual and be able to move on. She argues with her new crush, Guy, who is experienced, good-looking, and has similar interests to our leading lady. They both have different expectations about their relationship. Dom has to struggle through how she feels about Guy, and still wrestles with her previous breakup. This is the kind of princess I like reading about.
What I will always love is Dom’s often cynical or curious outlook on guys, relationships, and sex (which there is more of in this book, but not overtly explicit). Her medical terminology, used profusely to evaluate her feelings and the situations she finds herself in, is often hilarious. She is definitely a different girl from the first book: she has different expectations, preferences, and experiences, but neither is she the perfect character – she still has a lot of faults that often trip her up. She makes decisions that I wouldn’t personally agree with, she’s often oblivious to the needs of her friends and family, and she is often pretty selfish, but there are so many times that when you cringe, you feel yourself relating to her on so many levels because of similar things you yourself have felt. I felt I could relate not exactly to Dom’s experiences, but to her perception of those experiences and how to navigate the new terrain of adulthood.
I also enjoyed that Dom and her friend Amy don’t blush or shy away from talking about sex and guys in sexual terms. There isn’t that guilty, blushing reaction to Amy’s statements, and Dom is open with her friend about her wants and needs. I think the author really showcases that while relationships are messy, there are some bottom-lines health needs that every girl needs to know and address in these kinds of relationship, including having a friend that you can talk to about everything, and an over-cautious approach to STIs and protection. The latter is something you really can’t afford to make mistakes about, which was great! Most sex scenes (explicitly described or alluded to) in YA books don’t really address protection or support.
The ending is probably my favourite. I won’t include too many details, but I think it puts our character in a great place where she can still learn and grow, but she’s learned so much about herself that it makes the reader proud of her decisions.
Definitely check out Anatomy of a Boyfriend and Anatomy of a Single Girl. I’d recommend these to any teenager or new adult. These books aren’t about having sex, but about examining a realistic relationship, which usually includes crushes, arguments, and sometimes not-so-great sex, in a positive way. They’re definitely a breath of fresh air in the YA genre.
The ultimate strength of this book is to portray a girl’s love life and growth as a woman not as a princess in a fairy tale, but as a post-secondary student struggling with school and boys, neither always working out, but there still being that happily-ever-after feeling. That happily-ever-after is just a lot more refreshing because she doesn’t skip off into the sunset with her true love after scoring him. Dom picks up a hot guy, has a summer fling, and struggles whether she can just keep it casual and be able to move on. She argues with her new crush, Guy, who is experienced, good-looking, and has similar interests to our leading lady. They both have different expectations about their relationship. Dom has to struggle through how she feels about Guy, and still wrestles with her previous breakup. This is the kind of princess I like reading about.
What I will always love is Dom’s often cynical or curious outlook on guys, relationships, and sex (which there is more of in this book, but not overtly explicit). Her medical terminology, used profusely to evaluate her feelings and the situations she finds herself in, is often hilarious. She is definitely a different girl from the first book: she has different expectations, preferences, and experiences, but neither is she the perfect character – she still has a lot of faults that often trip her up. She makes decisions that I wouldn’t personally agree with, she’s often oblivious to the needs of her friends and family, and she is often pretty selfish, but there are so many times that when you cringe, you feel yourself relating to her on so many levels because of similar things you yourself have felt. I felt I could relate not exactly to Dom’s experiences, but to her perception of those experiences and how to navigate the new terrain of adulthood.
I also enjoyed that Dom and her friend Amy don’t blush or shy away from talking about sex and guys in sexual terms. There isn’t that guilty, blushing reaction to Amy’s statements, and Dom is open with her friend about her wants and needs. I think the author really showcases that while relationships are messy, there are some bottom-lines health needs that every girl needs to know and address in these kinds of relationship, including having a friend that you can talk to about everything, and an over-cautious approach to STIs and protection. The latter is something you really can’t afford to make mistakes about, which was great! Most sex scenes (explicitly described or alluded to) in YA books don’t really address protection or support.
The ending is probably my favourite. I won’t include too many details, but I think it puts our character in a great place where she can still learn and grow, but she’s learned so much about herself that it makes the reader proud of her decisions.
Definitely check out Anatomy of a Boyfriend and Anatomy of a Single Girl. I’d recommend these to any teenager or new adult. These books aren’t about having sex, but about examining a realistic relationship, which usually includes crushes, arguments, and sometimes not-so-great sex, in a positive way. They’re definitely a breath of fresh air in the YA genre.
January 20, 2013
This book is, of course, a sequel to the first book in the Anatomy series and is one that I wish I had read before I had my heart broken for the first time or went away to college. Dominique, or “Dom,” has had her heart broken and feels like she will never be able to have those same mushy gushy feelings for anyone else ever again. She is content enjoying her time at college and time with her best friend, Amy, and doesn’t try to force herself on every available guy that she meets in between. Until one night, while volunteering at the local hospital, she meets Guy. Guy changes things for Dom because she soon realizes that this is the first guy, since her breakup, that has sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach. Will they last while so far apart or will it just be a summer fling?
Now that I am entering my last semester of college, I look back and see all the dumb mistakes I made along the way. I see the guy I thought I would never get over, and all the idiots, for lack of a better term, I dated in between. I see my fiancé and all the joy he has brought to me and I feel stupid for ever even pining over a guy the way I did my ex. In other words, I feel like Dom and I was really able to relate to her character. In fact, I am willing to argue that any girl who has ever had your heartbroken can and will relate to the events taking place in this book. Dom was realistic and not whiny like most girls after a breakup. I liked how her character handled relationships as well. She didn’t just throw herself at the next available guy and she stood up for her morals when it came to Guy. She didn’t sleep with him on the first date, and I think that is what we need in books. More girls with the desire to make sure a relationship is going in the right direction before making any serious moves. Dom is the perfect role model in this book, to me at least. I was proud of a lot of the choices she made and I loved moments where she was on her soap box. I.E. when she let Guy knew how she really felt about the place their relationship was headed.
This would be a perfect summer read or saved for a day when you feel like flying through a book in a few hours. The writing is smooth and easy and the content will be relatable, like I said, for most girls and guys even. This is a great example of contemporary fiction and kept me interested and in tune for its entirety. I also loved Dom’s relationship with her best friend, Amy. They were very different but still had a very close relationship. I also loved seeing Dominique transform into a very mature lady. She started to realize what constitutes a real relationship and I loved the fact that she had expectations and respect for herself. You don’t always find that in young women today. I think it is important and like I said before I wish someone would have handed me a copy of this book four years ago. I had one of those moments while reading where I actually said to myself, “So I’m not the only one that felt this way!”
Cute story and great message behind the central plot of the story! I say if it sounds like something you might enjoy then definitely give it a chance!
***A huge thank you to the publishers at Delacorte Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review***
Now that I am entering my last semester of college, I look back and see all the dumb mistakes I made along the way. I see the guy I thought I would never get over, and all the idiots, for lack of a better term, I dated in between. I see my fiancé and all the joy he has brought to me and I feel stupid for ever even pining over a guy the way I did my ex. In other words, I feel like Dom and I was really able to relate to her character. In fact, I am willing to argue that any girl who has ever had your heartbroken can and will relate to the events taking place in this book. Dom was realistic and not whiny like most girls after a breakup. I liked how her character handled relationships as well. She didn’t just throw herself at the next available guy and she stood up for her morals when it came to Guy. She didn’t sleep with him on the first date, and I think that is what we need in books. More girls with the desire to make sure a relationship is going in the right direction before making any serious moves. Dom is the perfect role model in this book, to me at least. I was proud of a lot of the choices she made and I loved moments where she was on her soap box. I.E. when she let Guy knew how she really felt about the place their relationship was headed.
This would be a perfect summer read or saved for a day when you feel like flying through a book in a few hours. The writing is smooth and easy and the content will be relatable, like I said, for most girls and guys even. This is a great example of contemporary fiction and kept me interested and in tune for its entirety. I also loved Dom’s relationship with her best friend, Amy. They were very different but still had a very close relationship. I also loved seeing Dominique transform into a very mature lady. She started to realize what constitutes a real relationship and I loved the fact that she had expectations and respect for herself. You don’t always find that in young women today. I think it is important and like I said before I wish someone would have handed me a copy of this book four years ago. I had one of those moments while reading where I actually said to myself, “So I’m not the only one that felt this way!”
Cute story and great message behind the central plot of the story! I say if it sounds like something you might enjoy then definitely give it a chance!
***A huge thank you to the publishers at Delacorte Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review***
February 12, 2013
Originally, I'd intended to only peek at the summary for Anatomy of a Single Girl because I hadn't heard too much about the novel, but a couple hours later, I found myself already halfway through the book! Written in an unflinchingly candid style, Daria Snadowsky's Anatomy of a Single Girl is an addictive contemporary read which held my interest from the very first page.
I'll admit, I haven't actually read the first book, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, but I really don't think it affected my reading experience too much. The important details I may have missed before about the characters and events were reiterated, so I never felt lost as I read along, to my relief. Dominique is such a likeable and relatable character that I couldn't help wanting to know more about all the drama in her life. I think I may have even saved myself some emotional pain by not reading Anatomy of a Boyfriend because this is a novel about moving forward after experiencing first love and heartbreak, and being not afraid to experiment different notions of romance.
Dominique has just finished her first year as a premed student at university, and after months away, she's returning home for the summer to complete a volunteer internship at the local hospital. She's not sure if she's ready to fall in love again with someone, but as soon as she meets Guy, Dominique can't help feeling an instant connection to him. Guy is much more than just a pretty face; he's intelligent, experienced, and very self-assured of himself, but not in a cocky way. The more they see each other over the summer, the more Guy changes Dominique's preconceptions about casual sex and committed relationships. It seems really fitting that a girl studying human physiology was also becoming more aware of her own body...
As readers dissect what exactly makes up the anatomy of a single girl, Daria Snadowsky explores themes of love, sex, and relationships when you're still trying to discover yourself. I'd recommend Anatomy of a Single Girl for mature YA readers and would consider the book to be within the rising New Adult genre. It's a coming-of-age tale for that transitioning stage of your life when you're not quite an adult but not really a teenage anymore either.
I'll admit, I haven't actually read the first book, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, but I really don't think it affected my reading experience too much. The important details I may have missed before about the characters and events were reiterated, so I never felt lost as I read along, to my relief. Dominique is such a likeable and relatable character that I couldn't help wanting to know more about all the drama in her life. I think I may have even saved myself some emotional pain by not reading Anatomy of a Boyfriend because this is a novel about moving forward after experiencing first love and heartbreak, and being not afraid to experiment different notions of romance.
Dominique has just finished her first year as a premed student at university, and after months away, she's returning home for the summer to complete a volunteer internship at the local hospital. She's not sure if she's ready to fall in love again with someone, but as soon as she meets Guy, Dominique can't help feeling an instant connection to him. Guy is much more than just a pretty face; he's intelligent, experienced, and very self-assured of himself, but not in a cocky way. The more they see each other over the summer, the more Guy changes Dominique's preconceptions about casual sex and committed relationships. It seems really fitting that a girl studying human physiology was also becoming more aware of her own body...
As readers dissect what exactly makes up the anatomy of a single girl, Daria Snadowsky explores themes of love, sex, and relationships when you're still trying to discover yourself. I'd recommend Anatomy of a Single Girl for mature YA readers and would consider the book to be within the rising New Adult genre. It's a coming-of-age tale for that transitioning stage of your life when you're not quite an adult but not really a teenage anymore either.
August 20, 2014
Review Posted: http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co...
After liking Anatomy of Boyfriend, I was so excited to get the chance to review the sequel. With that being said, it is pretty easy to read the sequel if you haven’t already read the first book!
The story follows Dominique during summer, after completing her first year of college. This is when she meets Guy. At first, she has a relationship on her mind, but Guy doesn’t want that. In his mind, the time then spend together has an expiry date at the end of summer. Dom wanted commitment, but after a bit thinking, she decides to take the chance of a no-strings-attached relationship, hoping it’ll help her to finally get over her ex-boyfriend.
First thing I love about Dom – she is the most relatable character to read about. Her situations, what she feels, it’s all so realistic! I love that about this story, so many girls of that age range will be able to relate to it in some way or another.
I also adore her friendship with Amy. I love that it’s tested in this book, like every friendship. But, of course, they come out stronger. Their friendship is one of the things I loved most throughout the story.
One of the main themes in this book though, is her relationship with Guy. I loved Guy. I think every girl needs a guy like Guy! It was great to see Dom finally take charge of her body and figure things out. The book realistically captures how sex isn’t something that’s perfect from the start. It’s different for everyone and finding what’s right for you can be frustrating!
There are plenty of laughs along the way, and some sweet moments too. Dom’s narration of the story is fantastic and I love how much she develops throughout the story. You feel so proud of her in the last few chapters!
I loved the ending of this story and I found the last few pages to be quite empowering. If you want Hollywood-style endings, you’re not going to find it here. But what you will get is a story with amazing characters that you won’t forget and a relatable plot that you can love and learn from.
After liking Anatomy of Boyfriend, I was so excited to get the chance to review the sequel. With that being said, it is pretty easy to read the sequel if you haven’t already read the first book!
The story follows Dominique during summer, after completing her first year of college. This is when she meets Guy. At first, she has a relationship on her mind, but Guy doesn’t want that. In his mind, the time then spend together has an expiry date at the end of summer. Dom wanted commitment, but after a bit thinking, she decides to take the chance of a no-strings-attached relationship, hoping it’ll help her to finally get over her ex-boyfriend.
First thing I love about Dom – she is the most relatable character to read about. Her situations, what she feels, it’s all so realistic! I love that about this story, so many girls of that age range will be able to relate to it in some way or another.
I also adore her friendship with Amy. I love that it’s tested in this book, like every friendship. But, of course, they come out stronger. Their friendship is one of the things I loved most throughout the story.
One of the main themes in this book though, is her relationship with Guy. I loved Guy. I think every girl needs a guy like Guy! It was great to see Dom finally take charge of her body and figure things out. The book realistically captures how sex isn’t something that’s perfect from the start. It’s different for everyone and finding what’s right for you can be frustrating!
There are plenty of laughs along the way, and some sweet moments too. Dom’s narration of the story is fantastic and I love how much she develops throughout the story. You feel so proud of her in the last few chapters!
I loved the ending of this story and I found the last few pages to be quite empowering. If you want Hollywood-style endings, you’re not going to find it here. But what you will get is a story with amazing characters that you won’t forget and a relatable plot that you can love and learn from.
May 13, 2013
asdfghjkl Why?! D: I was already Team Guy... :( Review to come soon :)
**EDIT**
Rating: 4 stars
This book... Gosh it was so amazing! Way better than the first one :D At least, I think that :)
After Dominique aka Dom finished her first year of College, she goes back to her hometown to spend the rest of the summer with her family and best friend. While in her internship to become a doctor, she meets Guy. And like that, both venture into a friendship with benefits. Leaving emotions and preoccupations behind, she focuses more in the physical. And Dom discovers things about herself and how you can forget your first love with another one. But that can't stop you from looking at your future.
So first of... Guy... Oh My God... I'll leave a few gifs dedicated for him...
*Ahem* Now, This story followed up after Dom and Wes broke up, and she continued with her studies. We see a new side of her, as she starts to be more brave and do things like, approach the guy and stuff (haha Guy...). I wouldn't have believed she was going to do that with Guy... (Read the book!). Though, I don't agree with those kinds of relationships, it was fun to see how she managed and came to some conclusions. It was an adventure and experimentation. And absolutely funny. Gosh I don't know how to make this review good...
She deals with her Wes problem and at the same time knows how much you can change when there's a boyfriend involved, as we see with Amy.
I have to admit, I laughed so much in this book...
Unlike the first book, in this one the main guy character was more likeable (As if the gifs above didn't probe that already) and with much more depth.
Overal, it was a good read and sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend :)
**EDIT**
Rating: 4 stars
This book... Gosh it was so amazing! Way better than the first one :D At least, I think that :)
After Dominique aka Dom finished her first year of College, she goes back to her hometown to spend the rest of the summer with her family and best friend. While in her internship to become a doctor, she meets Guy. And like that, both venture into a friendship with benefits. Leaving emotions and preoccupations behind, she focuses more in the physical. And Dom discovers things about herself and how you can forget your first love with another one. But that can't stop you from looking at your future.
So first of... Guy... Oh My God... I'll leave a few gifs dedicated for him...
*Ahem* Now, This story followed up after Dom and Wes broke up, and she continued with her studies. We see a new side of her, as she starts to be more brave and do things like, approach the guy and stuff (haha Guy...). I wouldn't have believed she was going to do that with Guy... (Read the book!). Though, I don't agree with those kinds of relationships, it was fun to see how she managed and came to some conclusions. It was an adventure and experimentation. And absolutely funny. Gosh I don't know how to make this review good...
She deals with her Wes problem and at the same time knows how much you can change when there's a boyfriend involved, as we see with Amy.
I have to admit, I laughed so much in this book...
Unlike the first book, in this one the main guy character was more likeable (As if the gifs above didn't probe that already) and with much more depth.
Overal, it was a good read and sequel to Anatomy of a Boyfriend :)
August 5, 2013
I had a lot of fun reading Anatomy of a Boyfriend, which was about Dom's first relationship in high school and how that relationship transferred over into college. It was funny and quirky, yet had its serious and emotional moments. I was really excited to see where Dom was now and how she was fairing as a single girl in college.
After Dom's first boyfriend broke her heart, Dom has decided she doesn't need a man while she's in college. How could she when all she can think about is her first love? But when the opportunity for a summer romance comes along, Dom finds herself unable to resist. Having a relationship, though, is a lot more serious to Dom than she realized. Can she simply have a summer fling? Or does she need more?
Oh Dom. How did you manage to get into seriously emotional situations? First you like a guy, then you get into a fight, then you make up, then you fight, all while some other guy is super sweet and has a thing for you. Well, I guess that's college for you. Dom goes through so many new situations when it comes to relationships and you're right there with her as she figures out life and makes decisions for the first time.
While I still enjoyed Dom's personality and insecurities, it got a bit annoying with how completely obsessed with sex she became at one point. Seriously, it was all she thought about and talked about. It became a little too much for me at that moment. Other than that, though, her new experiences were all about growing up and discovering new things that every girl goes through.
This time there's a lot more with Dom's best friend Amy, which I really liked. Amy actually has her first real boyfriend and now Dom has to deal with that and all of the trials Amy has with her own relationship as well. Overall, it was a pretty good read that gave us the coming of age story for college. If you were a fan of Daria's first book, then you definitely have to check out Anatomy of a Single Girl.
After Dom's first boyfriend broke her heart, Dom has decided she doesn't need a man while she's in college. How could she when all she can think about is her first love? But when the opportunity for a summer romance comes along, Dom finds herself unable to resist. Having a relationship, though, is a lot more serious to Dom than she realized. Can she simply have a summer fling? Or does she need more?
Oh Dom. How did you manage to get into seriously emotional situations? First you like a guy, then you get into a fight, then you make up, then you fight, all while some other guy is super sweet and has a thing for you. Well, I guess that's college for you. Dom goes through so many new situations when it comes to relationships and you're right there with her as she figures out life and makes decisions for the first time.
While I still enjoyed Dom's personality and insecurities, it got a bit annoying with how completely obsessed with sex she became at one point. Seriously, it was all she thought about and talked about. It became a little too much for me at that moment. Other than that, though, her new experiences were all about growing up and discovering new things that every girl goes through.
This time there's a lot more with Dom's best friend Amy, which I really liked. Amy actually has her first real boyfriend and now Dom has to deal with that and all of the trials Amy has with her own relationship as well. Overall, it was a pretty good read that gave us the coming of age story for college. If you were a fan of Daria's first book, then you definitely have to check out Anatomy of a Single Girl.
June 9, 2013
This review can also be found here.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one, maybe even a bit more. Dom finally realizes that she doesn't need a guy to feel good about herself and she spends her summer not worrying about her ex or their breakup. She meets a guy named Guy and her reckless and carefree side comes out, but she still manages to be safe when it comes to the sex aspect.
This is the book that looks at what happens after all of those firsts that she had in the previous novel. We get to see another side of Dom, where she isn't struggling over trying to make someone happy and saying the right thing. She's just living in the moment and enjoying her life.
For the most part I really enjoyed the characters in this book as well. Dom has really matured and she now realizes that she doesn't need a man and can still have fun even while single. Amy, her best friend, is still just as wild and hilarious as well. She's still extremely carefree and some of the best scenes have her in them. I wasn't that big of a fan of Guy. Sure he was attractive and intelligent but at times I thought he was a complete jerk. It seemed like he wasn't willing to put the time in after the summer with Dom so he'd just let her go. I absolutely loved Calvin, he's Dom's friend from Toulane and he's the biggest sweetheart. I admit I was hoping they would end up together but I am kind of glad that they didn't just jump into a relationship.
This is a great sequel and I definitely recommend that every girl checks out this series. It's honest and real but it's also funny at the same time. This is a book that I will definitely be re-reading in the future and I will be keeping an eye out for Daria Snadowsky's future works.
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one, maybe even a bit more. Dom finally realizes that she doesn't need a guy to feel good about herself and she spends her summer not worrying about her ex or their breakup. She meets a guy named Guy and her reckless and carefree side comes out, but she still manages to be safe when it comes to the sex aspect.
This is the book that looks at what happens after all of those firsts that she had in the previous novel. We get to see another side of Dom, where she isn't struggling over trying to make someone happy and saying the right thing. She's just living in the moment and enjoying her life.
For the most part I really enjoyed the characters in this book as well. Dom has really matured and she now realizes that she doesn't need a man and can still have fun even while single. Amy, her best friend, is still just as wild and hilarious as well. She's still extremely carefree and some of the best scenes have her in them. I wasn't that big of a fan of Guy. Sure he was attractive and intelligent but at times I thought he was a complete jerk. It seemed like he wasn't willing to put the time in after the summer with Dom so he'd just let her go. I absolutely loved Calvin, he's Dom's friend from Toulane and he's the biggest sweetheart. I admit I was hoping they would end up together but I am kind of glad that they didn't just jump into a relationship.
This is a great sequel and I definitely recommend that every girl checks out this series. It's honest and real but it's also funny at the same time. This is a book that I will definitely be re-reading in the future and I will be keeping an eye out for Daria Snadowsky's future works.
January 2, 2013
3.75 Stars for me.
Though I admittedly did not read Anatomy of a Boyfriend I still found this easy to pick right up on. I found it fresh and fun and a nice light and fast paced read.
I loved Dom voice here. She's so matter of fact and I can imagine how quirky and funny she must have been in book one, falling in love and trying out all those sexual firsts with such a serious and clinical demeanor.
Here she's shed her first love (or was dumped to be exact) and is moving on to a more causal experience. Or at least she's trying it out.
I love how Snadowsky brings Dom through all of this step by step and with a boy whose patient but also self confident enough to not let Dom's anxiety or lack of experience win out. He helps her see herself outside of the box she's put her experiences in and while she's having fun and exploring, I really loved her revelation at the end. So healthy.
I also liked the paralleling relationship her friend Amy is experiencing at the same time and how each of these girls grow and learn from both and from each other.
I'm definitely going to go back and read the first book soon. I can't wait to see how awkward and quirky this adorable girl was before this.
Though I admittedly did not read Anatomy of a Boyfriend I still found this easy to pick right up on. I found it fresh and fun and a nice light and fast paced read.
I loved Dom voice here. She's so matter of fact and I can imagine how quirky and funny she must have been in book one, falling in love and trying out all those sexual firsts with such a serious and clinical demeanor.
Here she's shed her first love (or was dumped to be exact) and is moving on to a more causal experience. Or at least she's trying it out.
I love how Snadowsky brings Dom through all of this step by step and with a boy whose patient but also self confident enough to not let Dom's anxiety or lack of experience win out. He helps her see herself outside of the box she's put her experiences in and while she's having fun and exploring, I really loved her revelation at the end. So healthy.
I also liked the paralleling relationship her friend Amy is experiencing at the same time and how each of these girls grow and learn from both and from each other.
I'm definitely going to go back and read the first book soon. I can't wait to see how awkward and quirky this adorable girl was before this.
July 6, 2013
4.5 stars
Even though quite a few years have passed between Anatomy of a Boyfriend and Anatomy of a Single Girl, Daria Snadowsky manages to keep Dom's voice exactly the same and I fell right back into her world. I liked Anatomy of a Single Girl even more than Anatomy of a Boyfriend, though I still think both are excellent reads.
I love Dom - she is such a fun character. She is so awkward at times, funny at others, and really just truly great person. She brings her medical brain mentality to every situation and at some times, it is a bit funny. Her and her other half, Amy, are such a great pair - I love that even though they are going to school across the country from one another, they can remain best friends.
While Anatomy of a Boyfriend is what I would call an excellent read for teens, I think Anatomy of a Single Girl is equally as important. In addition to being just as honest, Anatomy of a Single Girl puts more of a stress on the importance of both friendship and family, which I thought was great.
In a sequel that I enjoyed more than the first, Daria Snadowsky has written an important tale showing many of the ups and downs of a college student's first year. While everyone has a different experience, Dom's story is one that most people would be able to relate to.
Even though quite a few years have passed between Anatomy of a Boyfriend and Anatomy of a Single Girl, Daria Snadowsky manages to keep Dom's voice exactly the same and I fell right back into her world. I liked Anatomy of a Single Girl even more than Anatomy of a Boyfriend, though I still think both are excellent reads.
I love Dom - she is such a fun character. She is so awkward at times, funny at others, and really just truly great person. She brings her medical brain mentality to every situation and at some times, it is a bit funny. Her and her other half, Amy, are such a great pair - I love that even though they are going to school across the country from one another, they can remain best friends.
While Anatomy of a Boyfriend is what I would call an excellent read for teens, I think Anatomy of a Single Girl is equally as important. In addition to being just as honest, Anatomy of a Single Girl puts more of a stress on the importance of both friendship and family, which I thought was great.
In a sequel that I enjoyed more than the first, Daria Snadowsky has written an important tale showing many of the ups and downs of a college student's first year. While everyone has a different experience, Dom's story is one that most people would be able to relate to.
April 4, 2013
i liked it because once i finished the first one anatomy of a boyfriend i want4ed to know what else would happend with her love life beacuse ti didnt like the ending becasue she didnt end up with Wes. But this one continues off with the main character Dominiques life but instead of highshool this time is during her college career summer. This time she has a guy besfriend name Calvin but then she leaves for her summer trip she meet a boy name Guy and thats how it all stars with her love life with Guy but at the end she just ends up going back to her home town New Oreleans. i liked the ending on this one because it seems like she will stay with her bestfriend Cal forever.Hopefully they make a third book to read more of her and Cal.
February 23, 2013
okay it wasn't as good. it was boring and a slow read.
July 29, 2021
“The more I hurt, the more I knew I loved, and that felt like a good thing. So that I'm letting go of the pain means I'm also letting go of the love.”
I'm actually pretty surprised myself that I actually enjoy this read.
I didn't know what I was coming into as I honestly have not read the first book.
Picked this up from the library as the cover was interesting, the title intrigued me and the blurb was making me curious.
I needed a quick easy light fun read and that's what it gave me.
I read this in one sitting.
The plotline of the book was very straight forward, dry science humour which I never really got since I hate science honestly.
Enjoyed the topics the plotline covers on from breakup, love, heartbreak, sex, friends with benefits, cheating, flirting, being single, flings etc.
It's definitely a coming of age phase for young adults trying to understand their body, sex, relationships and all.
I love that nothing was perfect, things that happen was cringe, awkward confusing because honestly that's what it all is.
We follow Dom who was trying to figure out her body, her sexual needs, her break up, being alone, being in a relationship.
I love that she is awkward and she knows what she wants for example the importance of getting tested, saying what she is uncomfortable with.
It's part of the process of growing up and getting to know yourself and your body.
Even in the end, she is trying to figure out herself because it never ends, it all changes.
I love the small interaction we get with side characters ; her bestfriend, her family.
We get to see their side of what love or relationship is.
I enjoy the different take with Guy, it's not just oh I broke up now onto the next love of my life.
The honesty of flings, friends with benefits etc.
A good quick read, interesting take and starter conversation on safe sex, sex, consent etc.
“I can’t be happy going out if it’s not . . . going anywhere.”
I'm actually pretty surprised myself that I actually enjoy this read.
I didn't know what I was coming into as I honestly have not read the first book.
Picked this up from the library as the cover was interesting, the title intrigued me and the blurb was making me curious.
I needed a quick easy light fun read and that's what it gave me.
I read this in one sitting.
The plotline of the book was very straight forward, dry science humour which I never really got since I hate science honestly.
Enjoyed the topics the plotline covers on from breakup, love, heartbreak, sex, friends with benefits, cheating, flirting, being single, flings etc.
It's definitely a coming of age phase for young adults trying to understand their body, sex, relationships and all.
I love that nothing was perfect, things that happen was cringe, awkward confusing because honestly that's what it all is.
We follow Dom who was trying to figure out her body, her sexual needs, her break up, being alone, being in a relationship.
I love that she is awkward and she knows what she wants for example the importance of getting tested, saying what she is uncomfortable with.
It's part of the process of growing up and getting to know yourself and your body.
Even in the end, she is trying to figure out herself because it never ends, it all changes.
I love the small interaction we get with side characters ; her bestfriend, her family.
We get to see their side of what love or relationship is.
I enjoy the different take with Guy, it's not just oh I broke up now onto the next love of my life.
The honesty of flings, friends with benefits etc.
A good quick read, interesting take and starter conversation on safe sex, sex, consent etc.
“I can’t be happy going out if it’s not . . . going anywhere.”
February 16, 2019
wow this read like a bad fanfiction. the sexy scenes were so incredibly weird. and i didn't like guy at all. he really grossed me out tbh. and why is his name guy? there were some really deep quoted woven into the story tho, which i liked.
January 14, 2014
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
After reading Anatomy of a Boyfriend, I was super excited to read the stand alone companion novel, Anatomy of a Single Girl, sure it would be another upfront and honest read. And I wasn't disappointed! Another great book from Snadowsky!
Like Anatomy of a Boyfriend, this feels like an educational book told through story. Dom explores her sexuality further, and what is it is she actually wants from a relationship emotionally - and what kind of relationship she doesn't want. It's a book that shows you can be mistaken when it comes to want, when you're not getting enough. Through reading Dom's experiences, readers are discouraged from settling for something that doesn't truly light them up. I learned things myself - not just educationally about sex and all that goes with it, but also about love and relationships through Dom's experiences. It's not just an emotional story you get wrapped up in, but an informative one that makes you think, and question what you yourself would want.
Sex is a little less graphically described, as it's dealt with in the first book, yet it's still one of the focuses of the book. Dom may have had sex previously, but in Single Girl, she learns just how great it can be. Brilliantly, it also talks about the responsibilities of looking after yourself that come with being sexually active; the importance of getting yourself tested for STDs. Single Girl is the first book I've read that actually goes through the whole experience a female gynaecological examination. It's no holds barred, but like Snadowsky covered things in Boyfriend, it's real. It's almost like Snadowsky feels she has a responsibility to her readers to be as honest as possible, to give them knowledge rather than sugar coating things, and she takes it seriously. There are no horror stories, but she doesn't make it out to be super simple either. Embarrassing, uncomfortable, true.
Another really important book that should be required reading in schools! Definitely books I will encourage my future daughter to read. Both books are a great way to make sure young teenage girls and boys get the information they need to know, who may have trouble speaking to an adult about such things to get the right information (because we all know friends can be wrong). I sincerely hope Snadowsky writes a similar book from a guy's point of view - for girls as well as boys. Boys need the right information about their bodies too, but it would be great for girls to understand as well. You could say that boys have boys books that cover these areas, but the ones I've read tend to be comical and light hearted, and I think Snadowsky's more serious approach would be fantastic!
I really couldn't recommend these books more. Snadowsky should get awards for being so uncompromisingly honest. Such important books, and I do hope Snadowsky writes more!
Thank you to Daria Snadowsky for sending me a review copy.
After reading Anatomy of a Boyfriend, I was super excited to read the stand alone companion novel, Anatomy of a Single Girl, sure it would be another upfront and honest read. And I wasn't disappointed! Another great book from Snadowsky!
Like Anatomy of a Boyfriend, this feels like an educational book told through story. Dom explores her sexuality further, and what is it is she actually wants from a relationship emotionally - and what kind of relationship she doesn't want. It's a book that shows you can be mistaken when it comes to want, when you're not getting enough. Through reading Dom's experiences, readers are discouraged from settling for something that doesn't truly light them up. I learned things myself - not just educationally about sex and all that goes with it, but also about love and relationships through Dom's experiences. It's not just an emotional story you get wrapped up in, but an informative one that makes you think, and question what you yourself would want.
Sex is a little less graphically described, as it's dealt with in the first book, yet it's still one of the focuses of the book. Dom may have had sex previously, but in Single Girl, she learns just how great it can be. Brilliantly, it also talks about the responsibilities of looking after yourself that come with being sexually active; the importance of getting yourself tested for STDs. Single Girl is the first book I've read that actually goes through the whole experience a female gynaecological examination. It's no holds barred, but like Snadowsky covered things in Boyfriend, it's real. It's almost like Snadowsky feels she has a responsibility to her readers to be as honest as possible, to give them knowledge rather than sugar coating things, and she takes it seriously. There are no horror stories, but she doesn't make it out to be super simple either. Embarrassing, uncomfortable, true.
Another really important book that should be required reading in schools! Definitely books I will encourage my future daughter to read. Both books are a great way to make sure young teenage girls and boys get the information they need to know, who may have trouble speaking to an adult about such things to get the right information (because we all know friends can be wrong). I sincerely hope Snadowsky writes a similar book from a guy's point of view - for girls as well as boys. Boys need the right information about their bodies too, but it would be great for girls to understand as well. You could say that boys have boys books that cover these areas, but the ones I've read tend to be comical and light hearted, and I think Snadowsky's more serious approach would be fantastic!
I really couldn't recommend these books more. Snadowsky should get awards for being so uncompromisingly honest. Such important books, and I do hope Snadowsky writes more!
Thank you to Daria Snadowsky for sending me a review copy.
February 7, 2015
There are some books in life that you know your life is better because of. This isn't one of those books. To be honest, I probably wouldn't have read this book if I hadn't checked it out at the same time as I checked out the first book in the series. I didn't like that book and I didn't like the continuation of the neurotic drama that is Dominique Baylor's sex life.
Like with the first book, everything was clinical. I know that Dom wants to be a doctor, but it almost felt like the author was trying to give the readers a sexual health lesson. It also had the tone of "we're going to explore casual sexual relationships, but if you have them, then your life may be vapid/meaningless".
Another repeating theme was the obsession with appearance. I know that Dom is 18 and that is a big emotional thing for an eighteen year old girl, so maybe it could get a bit of a pass. The big exception I have with giving it that pass is that it seemed to imply that because Dom was now at a lower weight than she was before that she was smarter and more worthy of praise than she was at the higher weight. It might give readers the idea that people who are bigger are less intelligent or less deserving of respect. It focuses on judging a person based upon their body alone and that's a very dangerous path for thoughts to take.
The characters within the book are annoying. Well, there aren't really any other characters than Dom. Sure, she's staying at her parents' apartment, she's with Guy, she talks about Cal, and she has conversations with Amy, but it feels like everything has to center on pleasing Dom. With her very neurotic personality, it's impossible to please her, so there are around 225 pages of Dom just whining. She's a horrible friend. She's extremely judgmental of anyone who doesn't bend to her ideas. She regularly disparages Amy's sex life (again) and continues on her sex-negativity even as she uses Guy as a sex toy for the Summer. She would actually judge Amy for simply talking to or flirting with a guy because (to Dom) this behavior is something that should happen between two people who are working towards getting married and having lots of babies one day. And when she realizes that this outcome isn't going to happen with Guy, what does she do? She doesn't stay away from him. She uses him to get off. He doesn't sacrifice the cutesy stuff in the relationship to have sex, she does. And when he wants to do other stuff, she's controlling and manipulative. It's really like she becomes this huge train-wreck of a character.
The writing in this book wasn't horrible, but it was worse than the first book. There was little actual insight and there was no real entertainment value. Because it wasn't a complete suckfest, I'm still going to go with two stars, but it just barely earned that second star.
Like with the first book, everything was clinical. I know that Dom wants to be a doctor, but it almost felt like the author was trying to give the readers a sexual health lesson. It also had the tone of "we're going to explore casual sexual relationships, but if you have them, then your life may be vapid/meaningless".
Another repeating theme was the obsession with appearance. I know that Dom is 18 and that is a big emotional thing for an eighteen year old girl, so maybe it could get a bit of a pass. The big exception I have with giving it that pass is that it seemed to imply that because Dom was now at a lower weight than she was before that she was smarter and more worthy of praise than she was at the higher weight. It might give readers the idea that people who are bigger are less intelligent or less deserving of respect. It focuses on judging a person based upon their body alone and that's a very dangerous path for thoughts to take.
The characters within the book are annoying. Well, there aren't really any other characters than Dom. Sure, she's staying at her parents' apartment, she's with Guy, she talks about Cal, and she has conversations with Amy, but it feels like everything has to center on pleasing Dom. With her very neurotic personality, it's impossible to please her, so there are around 225 pages of Dom just whining. She's a horrible friend. She's extremely judgmental of anyone who doesn't bend to her ideas. She regularly disparages Amy's sex life (again) and continues on her sex-negativity even as she uses Guy as a sex toy for the Summer. She would actually judge Amy for simply talking to or flirting with a guy because (to Dom) this behavior is something that should happen between two people who are working towards getting married and having lots of babies one day. And when she realizes that this outcome isn't going to happen with Guy, what does she do? She doesn't stay away from him. She uses him to get off. He doesn't sacrifice the cutesy stuff in the relationship to have sex, she does. And when he wants to do other stuff, she's controlling and manipulative. It's really like she becomes this huge train-wreck of a character.
The writing in this book wasn't horrible, but it was worse than the first book. There was little actual insight and there was no real entertainment value. Because it wasn't a complete suckfest, I'm still going to go with two stars, but it just barely earned that second star.
December 4, 2013
I read Daria Snadowsky's first book, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, in 2007, before I'd even started blogging or knew that book review blogs existed. I remember reading it quickly and enjoying it, and I remember liking how realistic it was in its portrayal of teenagers and sex. Snadowsky's books have been likened to Forever by Judy Blume which, I think, is one of the most accurate comparisons out there. These books are a no-holds-barred insight into a teenager's mind, and they're not even slightly afraid to tell all.
Anatomy of a Single Girl is a sequel of sorts, continuing Dominique's story and letting us glimpse into her first year at college as a pre-med student. Dom is now eighteen and still getting over a bad break-up, one that's chronicled in Anatomy of a Boyfriend. Although this is a sequel, it's one that can be read by itself without any prior knowledge of characters or previous books. Past events are referred to vaguely, allowing Anatomy of a Single Girl to stand on it's own feet and not be hampered by a need to seek out the first book.
Dom's first summer break is the basis for Anatomy of a Single Girl, as she makes her way back home to her parent's house and an internship at a hospital. There she meets Guy, a boy who quickly becomes more to her than a stranger and opens her eyes to the wonders of casual sex and short-term relationships. Dom experiences new things, new situations and new people, while figuring out if this lifestyle is for her. She's still super mature and has a tendency to over think everything, though that's her and that's how she operates. She's methodical rather than spontaneous, but all that is about to change.
I really appreciate the candid honesty of Snadowsky's books and I think more YA authors should follow in her footsteps. There can never be too much emphasis on a young adult's awakening and exploration, as this stuff happens and it's part of real life. I didn't have a problem with any of it aside from a pretty detailed account of one of Dom's medical procedures, which made me feel a bit queasy and almost prompted me to skip a few pages. Ha!
I'm glad these books exist and I'm glad that older teens have a chance to see a fictional side of themselves that is often omitted in YA fiction. There's sexual content, yes, and I'm sure some parents will object to their daughter's reading it, but in the end it's all based around realism and what actually goes on in the life of an eighteen-year-old. Snadowsky writes with a searing honesty, an honesty that I'm sure will help a number of teenagers realise that they're not alone as they approach a scarily adult world.
Anatomy of a Single Girl is a sequel of sorts, continuing Dominique's story and letting us glimpse into her first year at college as a pre-med student. Dom is now eighteen and still getting over a bad break-up, one that's chronicled in Anatomy of a Boyfriend. Although this is a sequel, it's one that can be read by itself without any prior knowledge of characters or previous books. Past events are referred to vaguely, allowing Anatomy of a Single Girl to stand on it's own feet and not be hampered by a need to seek out the first book.
Dom's first summer break is the basis for Anatomy of a Single Girl, as she makes her way back home to her parent's house and an internship at a hospital. There she meets Guy, a boy who quickly becomes more to her than a stranger and opens her eyes to the wonders of casual sex and short-term relationships. Dom experiences new things, new situations and new people, while figuring out if this lifestyle is for her. She's still super mature and has a tendency to over think everything, though that's her and that's how she operates. She's methodical rather than spontaneous, but all that is about to change.
I really appreciate the candid honesty of Snadowsky's books and I think more YA authors should follow in her footsteps. There can never be too much emphasis on a young adult's awakening and exploration, as this stuff happens and it's part of real life. I didn't have a problem with any of it aside from a pretty detailed account of one of Dom's medical procedures, which made me feel a bit queasy and almost prompted me to skip a few pages. Ha!
I'm glad these books exist and I'm glad that older teens have a chance to see a fictional side of themselves that is often omitted in YA fiction. There's sexual content, yes, and I'm sure some parents will object to their daughter's reading it, but in the end it's all based around realism and what actually goes on in the life of an eighteen-year-old. Snadowsky writes with a searing honesty, an honesty that I'm sure will help a number of teenagers realise that they're not alone as they approach a scarily adult world.
November 4, 2014
4 stars
Not as good as the first one for me, but still really enjoyable!
Review originally posted on The Book Addict's Guide: I felt like ANATOMY OF A BOYFRIEND really just hit it home with the realism and that’s why the book was so good. It was simple, yet entirely epic since these relatable tales of relationships, school, boyfriends, and sex are all epic moments in a teenager/young adult’s life. I really enjoyed reading Dom’s story — like she was a best friend of my own so I immediately picked up ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL after finishing the first book.
ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL was a little less relatable to me. Book two deals with Dom as a freshly single girl in the summer after her first year of college. She’s trying to figure out how to be a single person after this huge break-up and if she even wants to get back in a relationship again. I still enjoyed the a book a lot, but there wasn’t that element of “total relatablility” as I had with book one.
I really liked seeing Dom go through some typical college experiences as well. Through the encouragement of her friend Amy, she starts hooking up with super cute college boy named Guy. Dom’s true nature comes through when she has trouble separating all of her future & planning thoughts once they start hooking up which I couldn’t help but giggle at because that is SO one of my best friends. Dom felt a little different to me in that respect because she did change in so many ways from the first book but still has the same basis of beliefs and morals… With a few exceptions.
While ANATOMY OF A BOYFRIEND deals more with the firsts and high school love, ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL is a bit more “new adult” and dealing with Dom’s personal decisions to even start a relationship or something purely physical as well as balancing work, family, and boys. The themes are a bit more adult as far as planning a future goes versus the excitement and drama or a first love/boyfriend.
Both were extremely enjoyable books that I read pretty much in one afternoon. They’re quick reads which was nice and it was great to be able to relate to Dom so well. If you’re looking for a good realistic contemporary, these are excellent choices!
Not as good as the first one for me, but still really enjoyable!
Review originally posted on The Book Addict's Guide: I felt like ANATOMY OF A BOYFRIEND really just hit it home with the realism and that’s why the book was so good. It was simple, yet entirely epic since these relatable tales of relationships, school, boyfriends, and sex are all epic moments in a teenager/young adult’s life. I really enjoyed reading Dom’s story — like she was a best friend of my own so I immediately picked up ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL after finishing the first book.
ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL was a little less relatable to me. Book two deals with Dom as a freshly single girl in the summer after her first year of college. She’s trying to figure out how to be a single person after this huge break-up and if she even wants to get back in a relationship again. I still enjoyed the a book a lot, but there wasn’t that element of “total relatablility” as I had with book one.
I really liked seeing Dom go through some typical college experiences as well. Through the encouragement of her friend Amy, she starts hooking up with super cute college boy named Guy. Dom’s true nature comes through when she has trouble separating all of her future & planning thoughts once they start hooking up which I couldn’t help but giggle at because that is SO one of my best friends. Dom felt a little different to me in that respect because she did change in so many ways from the first book but still has the same basis of beliefs and morals… With a few exceptions.
While ANATOMY OF A BOYFRIEND deals more with the firsts and high school love, ANATOMY OF A SINGLE GIRL is a bit more “new adult” and dealing with Dom’s personal decisions to even start a relationship or something purely physical as well as balancing work, family, and boys. The themes are a bit more adult as far as planning a future goes versus the excitement and drama or a first love/boyfriend.
Both were extremely enjoyable books that I read pretty much in one afternoon. They’re quick reads which was nice and it was great to be able to relate to Dom so well. If you’re looking for a good realistic contemporary, these are excellent choices!
January 12, 2014
Disclaimer: I was sent this book by the author, however this did not effect my opinion of the book in any way, shape or form. All of these opinions are 100% my own.
Anatomy of a Single Girl is possibly one of the most realistic contemporary novels that I have ever had to read. It follows Dom, a teenage girl who has just completed her first year of premed at college and is spending her first summer since becoming single the previous summer. Of course, she starts a summer romance with a guy named... well, Guy.
So the characters in this book were very believable. They were simple on the surface but deep down they had their own struggles, which they came to terms with as the story progressed. They had different views to one another, each had different opinions and characteristics which made them feel like real people and they had emotions that were very easy to relate to. The discussions they had on love, life and futures were very interesting to read about and definitely defined the characters and highlighted the kind of person that they were.
Similarly, the plot progressed through realistic choices and decisions made by the lead characters. The main couples of the books had different things to tackle, different ideas on how 'summer romances' should go and different opinions of their futures in general. These caused realistic tensions, realistic dilemmas that the characters had to work through, whose thoughts were shown to us.
It also tackled some taboo subjects of young adult literature, namely orgasms, sex and sexual health and masterbation . These were discussed frankly in the narrative, which I think was a good thing to do, as it is not often that it raised in these contemporary love (or in this case, non-love) stories in the YA genre. However, I do think that it sometimes came across quite lectury, as though the author was trying to make us see, think or do as her characters were, companioned with an overhaul of information. This jarred the reading at points for me and at this point, I was only going to give the book a 3 star rating.
However, the ending completely redeemed the book. Not only was the writing consistent throughout, but the story was resolved perfectly and in a consistent way to the characters. I felt that it was possibly one of the best wrapped up conclusions of a book I've read for a while.
Overall, I very enjoyable book!
Anatomy of a Single Girl is possibly one of the most realistic contemporary novels that I have ever had to read. It follows Dom, a teenage girl who has just completed her first year of premed at college and is spending her first summer since becoming single the previous summer. Of course, she starts a summer romance with a guy named... well, Guy.
So the characters in this book were very believable. They were simple on the surface but deep down they had their own struggles, which they came to terms with as the story progressed. They had different views to one another, each had different opinions and characteristics which made them feel like real people and they had emotions that were very easy to relate to. The discussions they had on love, life and futures were very interesting to read about and definitely defined the characters and highlighted the kind of person that they were.
Similarly, the plot progressed through realistic choices and decisions made by the lead characters. The main couples of the books had different things to tackle, different ideas on how 'summer romances' should go and different opinions of their futures in general. These caused realistic tensions, realistic dilemmas that the characters had to work through, whose thoughts were shown to us.
It also tackled some taboo subjects of young adult literature, namely orgasms, sex and sexual health and masterbation . These were discussed frankly in the narrative, which I think was a good thing to do, as it is not often that it raised in these contemporary love (or in this case, non-love) stories in the YA genre. However, I do think that it sometimes came across quite lectury, as though the author was trying to make us see, think or do as her characters were, companioned with an overhaul of information. This jarred the reading at points for me and at this point, I was only going to give the book a 3 star rating.
However, the ending completely redeemed the book. Not only was the writing consistent throughout, but the story was resolved perfectly and in a consistent way to the characters. I felt that it was possibly one of the best wrapped up conclusions of a book I've read for a while.
Overall, I very enjoyable book!
August 31, 2013
Anatomy of a Boyfriend was an interesting read for me, in that I enjoyed it and could especially see the value in it, but I couldn't say I'd want to read it again. But, Anatomy of a Single Girl was a very different experience! Not only did I really enjoy it, but I can definitely say I would reread it. To me, everything about this one just worked so much better than in the previous book.
Anatomy of a Single Girl picks up a few months after its predecessor. Dom is finishing her summer at Tulane and is heading home to spend a month with Amy and with her parents before school starts again. She is doing well with her breakup with Wes, and has the prospect of a new boyfriend, but she's just not feeling into it. Then she meets Guy. He's attractive, he's into science, and Dom can't get enough of him. Soon, she's experiencing a relationship completely unlike anything before. But in this relationship, Dom quckly learns what she expects and what she needs in a romance, and what just won't cut it.
I think part of why I didn't enjoy Anatomy of a Boyfriend as much as I would've like to was that I couldn't get comfortable with Dom. Every decision she made went against my better judgement and I could see her disaster from miles away. Here, though, Dom is eons more likable. She's got a bit more life experience and she knows what she wants and what she won't settle for. Even though some of her decisions definitely weren't what I would've done, she was still completely in her own head and didn't let outside pressure change that. I respected her for the things she said and did.
Though you don't necessarily have to have read the first book to enjoy the second, I think the two really complement one another. Seeing Dom's progression in her relationships with her significant other, best friend, and parents is refreshing and enlightening. She's figuring things out that most teenagers are struggling with as well. In order to know who is right for you, you first have to know who you are.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can find this review and many more fun things on my blog: Paper Cuts.
Anatomy of a Single Girl picks up a few months after its predecessor. Dom is finishing her summer at Tulane and is heading home to spend a month with Amy and with her parents before school starts again. She is doing well with her breakup with Wes, and has the prospect of a new boyfriend, but she's just not feeling into it. Then she meets Guy. He's attractive, he's into science, and Dom can't get enough of him. Soon, she's experiencing a relationship completely unlike anything before. But in this relationship, Dom quckly learns what she expects and what she needs in a romance, and what just won't cut it.
I think part of why I didn't enjoy Anatomy of a Boyfriend as much as I would've like to was that I couldn't get comfortable with Dom. Every decision she made went against my better judgement and I could see her disaster from miles away. Here, though, Dom is eons more likable. She's got a bit more life experience and she knows what she wants and what she won't settle for. Even though some of her decisions definitely weren't what I would've done, she was still completely in her own head and didn't let outside pressure change that. I respected her for the things she said and did.
Though you don't necessarily have to have read the first book to enjoy the second, I think the two really complement one another. Seeing Dom's progression in her relationships with her significant other, best friend, and parents is refreshing and enlightening. She's figuring things out that most teenagers are struggling with as well. In order to know who is right for you, you first have to know who you are.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can find this review and many more fun things on my blog: Paper Cuts.
June 27, 2013
Original review posted at GReads!
Where do you go when your first time was with a boy who was also your first love, followed up by your first heart break too? Anatomy of a Single Girl is the continuation of Dominique's eventful firsts, as we take a trip home with her for the summer after her freshman year of college. It's been several months since the break up, and as much as Dom likes to think she's on the path to being over it, she soon realizes that getting with someone new doesn't necessarily equate to getting over someone old.
There is an honest voice that comes across in this story which I found to be refreshing. Dom meets Guy while she's home for the summer, and instantly there's a physical attraction there. Could this be the guy to get over her ex? The physical relationship these two characters embark on is definitely meant for mature readers, and I respected the honest portrayal of how this type of relationship can be. Dom is also looking forward to spending more time with her BFF, Amy, who is home for the summer as well. It's a summer of unexpected highs and lows for Dom, and learning how to handle different relationships in her life.
The friendship between Dom and Amy, really took front seat for me in this story. It was something I came to understand, and respect eventually. The in between years of high school and adult-life can be tough. Having a best friend by your side to support you, and even disagree with you sometimes, is important. A girl needs that challenge in her life, but above everything she also needs that stability, too.
You do not have to read the first book (Anatomy of a Boyfriend) to read this one. I did not, and was still able to follow along with the storyline. The author does a nice job of explaining Dom's previous relationship, without leaving any holes, but never over does it either. I recommend this story if you're looking for something quick, without a lot of fluff, and a sense of realism to keep you engaged.
Where do you go when your first time was with a boy who was also your first love, followed up by your first heart break too? Anatomy of a Single Girl is the continuation of Dominique's eventful firsts, as we take a trip home with her for the summer after her freshman year of college. It's been several months since the break up, and as much as Dom likes to think she's on the path to being over it, she soon realizes that getting with someone new doesn't necessarily equate to getting over someone old.
There is an honest voice that comes across in this story which I found to be refreshing. Dom meets Guy while she's home for the summer, and instantly there's a physical attraction there. Could this be the guy to get over her ex? The physical relationship these two characters embark on is definitely meant for mature readers, and I respected the honest portrayal of how this type of relationship can be. Dom is also looking forward to spending more time with her BFF, Amy, who is home for the summer as well. It's a summer of unexpected highs and lows for Dom, and learning how to handle different relationships in her life.
The friendship between Dom and Amy, really took front seat for me in this story. It was something I came to understand, and respect eventually. The in between years of high school and adult-life can be tough. Having a best friend by your side to support you, and even disagree with you sometimes, is important. A girl needs that challenge in her life, but above everything she also needs that stability, too.
You do not have to read the first book (Anatomy of a Boyfriend) to read this one. I did not, and was still able to follow along with the storyline. The author does a nice job of explaining Dom's previous relationship, without leaving any holes, but never over does it either. I recommend this story if you're looking for something quick, without a lot of fluff, and a sense of realism to keep you engaged.
December 12, 2012
I was so psyched to get the galley from my librarian. Thanks Jennie! I've been waiting for a sequel since the first Anatomy book. The book is even shorter than the first, but it covers a lot less time, just part of summer vacation. Dom is back home and gets involved with a new person (which was a surprise since I thought this book would be all about Calvin from the first book). Dom is ready for love again, but this new guy takes her on a different path than what she had with Wes from the first book.
Anatomy of a Boyfriend is hands down my favorite of the two, but this book is better in some ways:
1) Guy, the new guy, is very different from Wes, but in a good way. The worst part of the first book was that Wes was kind of a douche.
2) Amy is back and sassy as ever! Plus now she's more of a participant than just a funny sounding board for Dom.
3) The writing is more mature. It still sounds like Dom, but it sounds more literary than the first book.
Things I didn't like:
1) I wish it was longer with more characters and plot points. It was almost like a long short story.
2) It's not realistic that only five guys would live in a frat house all summer. At college, any frat guys staying for the summer would all be put in one house, and the other houses would be leased out for summer programs.
But overall a good fun sequel! :D
Anatomy of a Boyfriend is hands down my favorite of the two, but this book is better in some ways:
1) Guy, the new guy, is very different from Wes, but in a good way. The worst part of the first book was that Wes was kind of a douche.
2) Amy is back and sassy as ever! Plus now she's more of a participant than just a funny sounding board for Dom.
3) The writing is more mature. It still sounds like Dom, but it sounds more literary than the first book.
Things I didn't like:
1) I wish it was longer with more characters and plot points. It was almost like a long short story.
2) It's not realistic that only five guys would live in a frat house all summer. At college, any frat guys staying for the summer would all be put in one house, and the other houses would be leased out for summer programs.
But overall a good fun sequel! :D
September 30, 2018
I enjoyed this book much more than it's predecessor! The writing was of equal quality (which is good because I liked it a lot in the previous book), but I enjoyed the characters a lot more. Dom's "love interest", Guy, wasn't at all annoying, like Wes was. I found him quite charming actually. I liked Dom better with him. Dom's parents didn't bug me quite as much in this one either. Though they aren't as prevalent in this book, so that could be why. And, of course, I absolutely loved Calvin and Amy. I also really liked the way Daria ended the book. It was a rather satisfying ending to both the book and Dom's story. Wonderful, wonderful book all around and I wouldn't be surprised if I re-read the duo (or just this one) again in the future!
January 27, 2013
I was pretty excited for this after reading the first book (which wasn't my favorite) and I'm disappointed to report that Dom is just as annoying as ever!! the girl needs to get her stuff together! Really didn't enjoy this book, Dom kinda just ruins it with her crazy obsessive personality and constant whining.
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