Me in Search of You: I promise there's more to it.

by Jenna Langbaum

Part I delves into a young, tender college relationship that stretches from New York City to Texas and rips apart.Part II is what happens after—the gritty, lonely, and sometimes dazzling world of dating in New York fix-ups, first dates, third dates, many, many Bumble dates, one terrible Tinder date, the often strangeness of two strangers, the often thrill of two strangers, and even one glorious cab driver who doubles as a love psychic.Me in Search of You delves into the starts and stops, the ebbs and flows of not only dating but the triumphant self-discovery that comes along with it. Each piece is nameless in the hope that you’ll crawl into them and see yourself.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Contemporary, Ebooks, Romance

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’d like to thank jenna langbaum, the author, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

me in search of you is a collection of short stories focusing on first love and dating in today’s society. it’s extremely relatable and easy to get through. the descriptions are vivid and i enjoyed this perspective on breakups, dating in new york, loneliness, and even tinder. i also feel like everyone can relate to at least some aspects of this book and that’s a big reason that people should read it. the second part can be a little confusing because of all of the different stories, but it wasn’t too bad

this book is full of beautiful writing, relatable stories, and hope. 4/5 stars - i’m super excited to see what’s next from her as well :)

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, young love. It's glitter, it's bitter. It's overwhelming. It's consuming. It's adventurous. It's torturous. And all these are well captured in this collection.

Love the descriptions. I like the writing.

It's heartfelt and brings back a lot of memories. Because we all have similar stories.

Thank you, author and the Publisher for the advance reading copy.

[Annie Lindahl Wilkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you smiling to yourself, grimacing, and hurting all at once. So relatable and magical. Must read for any young person dating or who has dated in New York.

[Addie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most realistic depictions of the ups and downs of dating. Any reader can easily see themselves in the author - well written, made me both laugh and cry. I read it all in one sitting and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this up-and-coming author!!!

[marcela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started it, I couldn't stop.

This book is endearing, funny and very relatable. It portraits situations we all have dealt with but they're written in such a unique way, it's refreshing.

For me, this is about self discovery and relationships. First love can be the messiest, the one you miss the most but you can get over it at your own pace. This gave me hope.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to experience this eARC.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

In this collection of micro fiction stories, the author talks about dating seeking connection and all of the ups and downs that go along with that. Part 1 focuses on a long distance relationship, while Part 2 talks about random and seemingly disconnected dates - blips, successes, and disasters.

Though I liked this book overall, I did struggle a bit with Part 2. It felt chaotic in that I didn't understand what was and wasn't connected, which I found frustrating. One line that did resonate with me was "the hardest person to avoid is yourself." That is extremely relatable, and I'm sure we've all felt that way before.

[Keri | Reads & Salt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this poetry collection! Me in Search of You by Jenna Langbaum is a series of poems displaying the process of getting over young love and the struggles of being alone and discovering new people through dating. I laughed at some and had tears in my eyes at others. I feel like this book is relatable to most people in the dating world and struggling to find someone that you can connect with.

I have not read many poetry collections but this one flowed so nicely and felt so relatable. I loved how the titles, essays and small comments at the end of each section told the story of this person’s life and you could just feel their struggle in finding what they truly want as you see people surrounding you with the life you have always dreamed of. This collection also narrows in on the idea of getting your hopes up when you meet someone and then eventually you become numb to the first dates, getting to know each other phase and first questions that it can affect your outlook on everything.

I am looking forward to more from this author and I am so glad I got to experience this book!

[Kelly NuclearFiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me in Search of You is a book of poem-like essays. You can feel the heartache of the woman speaking of the loves of her life. The best part is that it is relatable to anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of love.

I knew this poor girl was in danger of falling for her first love because she commented on how she loved his Crocs and I thought oh child...run. Her love isn't dramatic, it discusses nights in with chicken wings and cuddling.

She goes through loves who try to change her, be the outdoorsy girl when she isn't, loves that make her feel inferior, revisiting old loves.

Overall, it was cute but I do believe anyone could write this tale if they so choose. It is easy to read and can be finished in a sitting! Perhaps avoid if you're in the midst of a breakup....unless you're a masochist.

I'd recommend if you liked The Light We Lost, any Rupi Kaur book.

I curated a playlist for this book, full of Bon Iver and Taylor Swift which you can access on my Bookstagram highlights @NuclearFiction

Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic and unique book! It’s a collection of micro-fiction that explores the experience of dating as a millennial and seeking real connection in the digital age. Each page is a unique collection of thoughts on everything from the stages of a relationship, bad online first dates, awkward moments on subsequent dates, well-intentioned friends and everything in between. I was amazed at the amount of emotion the author conveyed in this style of writing. As someone who has gone the online dating route, I could absolutely relate to so many of the stories and musings. A quick read that would make a fantastic coffee table book, I think many will relate to and enjoy this one! 4.5/5⭐️

[Mae B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This highlights all the trials and tribulations of love. It’s a realistic look at dating and all the frustration, sadness and confusion that comes along with it. The writing was beautiful, smooth and puts your heart through the wringer. It was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend it as a sweet, heartfelt look at love.

[Liliana Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of story you can read over and over. No matter where you are in your love life, you can find a section that resonates. While it can feel like you’re the only person in the world that feels a certain way, Jenna’s expert writing and story-telling assures you, no you aren’t alone, and there are many more little experiences to have.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word - RELATABLE

To any 20-something who lived through the creation of dating apps this book will hit home. I read this in one sitting and found myself laughing, crying, reflecting on dates and relationships past, and feeling hopeful for dates and relationships future.


A must read.

[Nathan Bartos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love poetry about dating, and this collection of micro fiction about a millennial women dating in New York just went right up my alley. Plus, anything with a light pink cover already has me halfway sold.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute poetry collection. It read more like short blog posts or diary entries but I enjoyed the formatting of each piece. I also liked how the “story” flowed.

[Aries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of microfiction stories.

Reminded this reviewer of what it was like to be in love and deal with all the confusion, uncertainty, and heartbreak. Very relatable collection.

All of us have experienced something or the other that is mentioned here. I guarantee you will find quite a few tales very relatable.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all, this book is so lovely and SO relatable.

It’s made up of micro fiction stories that beautifully capture the experience of dating as a millennial. The way the stories are told is so unique, and the writing is incredibly smooth and creative. You’re taken through the highs and lows of young love, the loneliness of breakups, the horrors of dating apps and so much more. It brought back memories of my younger self, and I truly think everyone will be able to relate to at least one part of this story. FYI: There is quite a bit going on in the second half, so I’d recommend taking that half slower to keep all of the people and situations straight.

Jenna also perfectly captures the magic of New York City, and I love how the setting ties into these stories. I think fans of Modern Love will really enjoy it, as will anyone looking for a good cry/therapy session, and I definitely recommend it.

Hats off to you, Jenna! I can’t wait to see what you do next! And thank you for the free copy!

[Nicollette Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the format of the book. Each story is a page or so long, almost never longer than that, about a dating scenario. As a millennial, it is easy to empathize with the unnamed narrator with all of her dating struggles or small triumphs.

The book is easily digestible, fascinating, and entertaining. It reminds me a lot of Modern Love, the NYT's section of short romance stories, or The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan.

At times, you may be confused on whether the stories are about one person, the same person appearing in several stories, or multiple people throughout, but I think that is part of the book's charm and what makes it interesting.

I would definitely read anything else by this author in the future!

[Yoly Angeliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in about an hour !!! It was relatable, short and sweet ! It goes through the ups and downs of young love and dating, and it managed to depict it perfectly. It made me laugh, cry and overall just reflect on my own love life. The stories are written in a poetry style which I found endearing, and the length of each one kept my interest the entire time I was reading it. I found myself rooting for the main character to find love almost as if it where me; the stories in this book made me feel as if I where inside the book pages experiencing everything myself. The quote "I promise there's more to it" is brought up a few times throughout the book and I loved it because in relationships and navigating life as a young adult there's usually more to every story, as there is to life as a whole. This is a book that I'll be re-reading plenty of times, especially when I go though a breakup, or just a day when I feel particularly lonely and need to know that It's not just me who goes through that.

Thank you so much to Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me a copy of this book ! I loved Jenna's writing and I'll be looking forward to other works by her.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST read! Each vignette in Jenna Langbaum's dazzling debut paints a picture so vivid that every note of the narrator's hope, pain, and longing jumps off the page. The book portrays a young woman's journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. Langbaum's exquisitely written stories will leave you laughing and move you to tears–and in the end, you'll want to read so much more. I can’t wait to discover what’s next for the author!!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a poetic, push and pull story of a young girl in search of her true love. I was actually captivated by how the story was told and found her "almost loves" heartbreaking. I am a low-key romantic at heart and unrequited love just get me every time. The MC can be frustrating at times and the storylines get a tad confusing but you just have to go with the flow of the prose, if that makes sense.

I would recommend this book to fans of poetry and not typical storytelling structures.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is from my best friend's recommendation and I borrowed book from my friend.

Me in search of you is a short story that is made up of many independent stories that shows variety feelings of anger, hope, anxiety, love, depression and more. In the story, it divides to mainly two parts which talks about relationships that happens in New York City. The first part mostly focuses on cute, positive, tender love college relationships that happened to each of them. For the second part, story more focuses on negative, sad, anxious, lonely or even horrible relationships. As author said "I hope you see yourself in some of these", many blips made me mesmerize about my past young tender love.

Since the story was mostly about love relationships, it made me to rethink about my first love and search meaning in every blips that flashed me back. First love is a love where we experience the mysterious feeling called 'love' for the first time. It's usually the most painful and beautiful relationship but it let us grow. At that time I was young, and each short scenes that pop up in my head reminded me the forgotten feelings that I felt before. Many tender first love stories brought my memories back. How immature and pure I was. No matter how the end was or how young I was, my first love was so tender and it is still remained as my most favorite and valuable part. I didn't noticed because I wasn't thinking about it but as I read the book, I smiled as soon as those memory pop up. Afterwards, I was sad about it but I know it made me grow and be more mature. Moment where I cried and caught in anxiety because I was scare to lose him, my comfort zone best friend. Moment where I felt desperate about my future. Moment where I couldn't handle the harsh reality and unfairness. Every blips reminded every of my memories and emotions that I had forgotten. I could see myself in some of those blips just like what author hoped.

I would recommend this book to someone who is having a hard time, burnout, or just depressed generally. I personally believe this book should be read by person who can go deep enough to find him/herself in the blips. This book really reminded forgotten valuable memories that made us. So it was a good reflection for myself and everything seemed shining and beautiful while I read the book.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first published on Oh Just Books.

Very relatable and beautiful collection of micro-fiction tales. Can't believe it's a debut collection!

It certainly reminded this reviewer of what it was like to be in love and deal with all the confusion, uncertainty, and heartbreak. Very relatable collection. All of us have experienced something or the other that is mentioned here. The characters in her tales were also destined vividly in just a few words, I could practically visualize them in my head. A sure sign of a fantastic writer.

I often felt transported by her prose. Exceptional writing skills. I hope to see more by this writer. She definitely has a way with words.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read the rest of the review here.

[AJ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only ever dated three people, and I've been with one of them for nearly three years now, so I couldn't fully relate to this book. I'm positive thousands of people in their 20s can absolutely relate to every part of this book, though. Even though I personally couldn't relate, I really enjoyed this book!

I loved the formatting of this book. It was quick and easy to read, and it had me on a roller coaster of emotions. Have you ever thought Wow, people actually say or do this? Do they even think? I don't think I've ever had that thought run through my mind so many times. But for every What the hell was that? moment, there was a funny or sweet moment as well.

I also loved Jenna's writing style. It was simple and flowed so well. I can't wait to read any other books she releases in the future!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this gem! Me in Search of You is a endearing, honest and relatable collection of micro fiction stories about dating as a millennial and seeking real connection. This book delves into the starts and stops, the ebbs and flows of not only dating but the triumphant self-discovery that comes along with it. Each piece is nameless in the hope that you’ll crawl into them and see yourself.

It’s extremely relatable and easy to get through! I loved the descriptions, I felt like I was walking the streets of NYC reading this. She presents such a realistic depiction of the ups and downs of dating. I truly felt all the emotions through these pages.

The ending did leave me hanging though, I wanted to read more! I’m excited to see what’s next from her 🥰

Thank you to the publisher for this gifted copy!

[Gina Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading ME IN SEARCH OF YOU by Jenna Langbaum. This is a beautifully written and very relatable book about dating in NYC. The story is told through the use of creative vignettes which vividly and emotionally describe each encounter. Interestingly, I found MISOY to be an interactive book as I noticed myself literally saying out loud thoughts ranging from, "Nope, he's not going to call!" to "Maybe this one will be the one!" It had me reminiscing about my own dating days and reminding me we all share many similar experiences and that we are never the only one. Ironically, as Jenna tried to find her true love ,she discovered much about herself along the way.
Excellent book! I'm looking forward to reading her next one. Hopefully, Me in Search of a Wedding Planner!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a short and sweet book of very short essays, with a sort-of narrative of the end of a first relationship and the following trials and tribulations of dating in NYC. At first I struggled a bit with the style of the book. Each essay is less than a page, and it’s almost like reading a poetry book with a continuous narrative, which I found a bit jarring at first as I wasn’t expecting it. However, once I settled into this layout I ended up reading it in one sitting.

I occasionally found it a bit hard to follow, since the book is written in the first person and most of the time the narrator is speaking directly to us as the men she is speaking about (e.g. “you said it so sincerely, your brown eyes broke out in a panic”). This was fine in the first part, where only one relationship is being referred to, but there were points in the second part where it was increasingly hard to follow which man she was speaking about. I assume this was done on purpose, to emphasise the transient nature of modern dating, but I just found it to be frustrating.

I did enjoy the writing, and thought some of Langbaum’s descriptions of emotions were beautiful.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Andrew McMeel Publishing for sending me a copy of You in Search of Me. I haven’t read too many short stories/ poetry collections but this one was cute. It was interesting and we got short little peeks into the narrators story to find love. I just feel like I’m not smart enough for these types of stories lol. I’m not sure what the writing in the bottom half of the pages was and why they were separated. It was an entertaining read but it was a bit slow for me. The format was neat as it was a different story per page or seemed like it.
I’d still recommend this read it just maybe wasn’t for me specifically.

[Bailee King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick hour read.

I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the authors writing style with this book. Short micro-essays in a poetic style of writing. Details her personal dating experience in the 21st century using dating apps or “set ups” by a friend of a friend of a friend. Details all the ups and downs many of us have experienced. Some really great first dates that inevitably don’t go past date 3-4. Or some really bad first dates you can’t wait to leave.

Overall kept me intrigued enough to read until the end. Enjoyed her poetic writing.

[Viyashini S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, short stories about dating, breakups, tinder dates, hinge dates and whatnot. These are the kind of little notes we write to ourselves and store it in between the pages of a book we bought on a date, in the notes section of our phone. A light breezy collection of micro fiction. I loved going through this.

Thank you to the publisher, the author Jenna Langbaum and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman's journey of healing and self discovery could be filled with boring angst, but that is not the case in me in search of you. Instead, the author vividly expresses the pain of rejection and the loneliness of single life. The narrator's anxiety waiting for a return text or phone call felt genuine. In contrast, the briefly worded descriptions of disastrous dates were hilarious. An entertaining read offering hope to the single.