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INTERNET DATES FROM HELL: a memoir
There are close to one hundred million single adults living in the United States. Of those, approximately thirty-five million will look at online dating sites this year alone. Internet Dates from Hell provides the ins and outs of Internet dating from one woman's experiences, ranging from funny to scary to downright shocking.Internet Dates from Hell is not only a guide; it is also a seven-year journey through author Trisha Ventker's dating life as a single kindergarten teacher who relocated from the suburbs to New York City to find her soul mate. Fielding over four hundred responses on a given day, and receiving more than fifty-two thousand hits on her personal ad in an eight-month span, Ventker shares her frightening but true dating encounters in the wonderful world of online dating.Follow Ventker through the trials and tribulations of her quest to find "Mr. Right". Along the path, Trisha Ventker endures hundreds of first dates. Encounters include a conspiracy theorist living in the United Kingdom, a religious fanatic from Texas, a sadomasochistic psychiatrist, and even a pre-op transsexual, to name a few. Ventker's brutally honest memoir lets you step inside her shoes and experience her exciting journey firsthand.
158 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
1 person is currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Ventker
2 books14 followersTrisha Ventker is an internet dating consultant and author of the award winning book,
Internet Dates from Hell which was optioned for television and screen by prominent producer, Paula Wagner of Chestnut Ridge Productions (Mission Impossible I, II, and III, The Last Samurai, Vanilla Sky, etc.).
She has appeared on various broadcast media including Mancow, Fox’s Dr. Keith Ablow Show,
KWGN WB2 Daybreak and KDVR Fox 31 Good Day Colorado, MORE magazine, Adam Curry's BIG APP SHOW, the Ed Tyll Show, Yellow Scene, MATCH.COM as well as on radio shows
throughout the nation. She also has appeared as a feature author and speaker at venues including the RMSBA and The Loud Flower.
Ventker also just published Heartstrings with her brother, Jim Small.
Having gone on hundreds of first dates in a span of six years, she is considered to be an
expert in online dating. She coaches singles from all across the US on how to post an
outstanding internet dating profile.
Trisha is now happily married and lives with her husband and their son in Colorado and NYC.
Internet Dates from Hell is not only a guide; it is also a six-year journey through author Trisha Ventker's dating life as a single kindergarten teacher who relocated from the suburbs to New York City to find her soul mate. Fielding as many as four hundred responses in one day, and receiving more than fifty two thousand hits on her personal ad in an eight-month span, she shares her frightening but true encounters in the wonderful world of online dating.
Follow Ventker through the trials and tribulations of her quest to find "Mr. Right." Along the path, Trisha Ventker endures hundreds of first dates. Encounters include a conspiracy theorist from the United Kingdom, a religious fanatic from Texas, a sadomasochistic psychiatrist, and even a pre-op transsexual, to name a few. Ventker's brutally honest memoir lets you step inside her shoes and experience her exciting journey firsthand.
Internet Dates from Hell which was optioned for television and screen by prominent producer, Paula Wagner of Chestnut Ridge Productions (Mission Impossible I, II, and III, The Last Samurai, Vanilla Sky, etc.).
She has appeared on various broadcast media including Mancow, Fox’s Dr. Keith Ablow Show,
KWGN WB2 Daybreak and KDVR Fox 31 Good Day Colorado, MORE magazine, Adam Curry's BIG APP SHOW, the Ed Tyll Show, Yellow Scene, MATCH.COM as well as on radio shows
throughout the nation. She also has appeared as a feature author and speaker at venues including the RMSBA and The Loud Flower.
Ventker also just published Heartstrings with her brother, Jim Small.
Having gone on hundreds of first dates in a span of six years, she is considered to be an
expert in online dating. She coaches singles from all across the US on how to post an
outstanding internet dating profile.
Trisha is now happily married and lives with her husband and their son in Colorado and NYC.
Internet Dates from Hell is not only a guide; it is also a six-year journey through author Trisha Ventker's dating life as a single kindergarten teacher who relocated from the suburbs to New York City to find her soul mate. Fielding as many as four hundred responses in one day, and receiving more than fifty two thousand hits on her personal ad in an eight-month span, she shares her frightening but true encounters in the wonderful world of online dating.
Follow Ventker through the trials and tribulations of her quest to find "Mr. Right." Along the path, Trisha Ventker endures hundreds of first dates. Encounters include a conspiracy theorist from the United Kingdom, a religious fanatic from Texas, a sadomasochistic psychiatrist, and even a pre-op transsexual, to name a few. Ventker's brutally honest memoir lets you step inside her shoes and experience her exciting journey firsthand.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 7, 2012
Serial personal disaster books usually go one of two ways: either the protagonist
is sympathetic and likable (so we're rooting for her) or funny and witty (so we're reveling in the voyeuristic schadenfreude when she's cruelly dissecting her target). Unfortunately, this book is neither. The protagonist is not likable: she comes off as shallow, self-absorbed, cruel, desperate, catty, egotistical, and hypocritical. It's unpleasant spending the whole book in her company. In most of the dates, my sympathy lay with the guy (who in general were earnest, albeit "unique" men) caught in a date from hell with a shallow, mean, judgmental woman.
The fact that the protagonist is not going to win the "date of the year" award wouldn't be a problem if the writing wasn't completely insipid. I was expecting a biting, incisive, and hilarious tear-down of dates and the Internet dating scene. Instead, I got a 17 year old's livejournal feed: pitiful, uncomfortable and not funny.
Let me repeat that, this book was NOT FUNNY! I don't think that I laughed a single time. A book that revolves around ridiculing other human beings has to be pretty darn witty, otherwise, it just leaves you squirming with discomfort and wishing you were somewhere else. I guess good snark is hard to find.
To cap it off, she ends it with a guide to online dating. While some of her advice is good (be yourself, don't mention you ex), some of it is cringe-inducingly sexist: don't initiate contact since men like to peruse and be in charge, don't answer too quickly or on a Friday or Saturday night (you don't want to seem *desperate* right?). He should definitely pay if he asks you out, and if it goes well, don't call/email him. (*Desperate* flag!). And I'm going to skip over the borderline misogyny in the advice to men section. The final section is the "say this, not that" section AKA "how to sound like a pompous jerk". Because one does not enjoy "dancing", one loves "dancing barefoot in the sand to the sounds of the steel pan, dancing to the rhythm of the drums". Actually, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she did not intend to be taken literally (though describing one as having "noir" hair makes my eyes roll).
In summary: go read something else, something that makes you laugh and/or feel good about the world because this is not that book.
is sympathetic and likable (so we're rooting for her) or funny and witty (so we're reveling in the voyeuristic schadenfreude when she's cruelly dissecting her target). Unfortunately, this book is neither. The protagonist is not likable: she comes off as shallow, self-absorbed, cruel, desperate, catty, egotistical, and hypocritical. It's unpleasant spending the whole book in her company. In most of the dates, my sympathy lay with the guy (who in general were earnest, albeit "unique" men) caught in a date from hell with a shallow, mean, judgmental woman.
The fact that the protagonist is not going to win the "date of the year" award wouldn't be a problem if the writing wasn't completely insipid. I was expecting a biting, incisive, and hilarious tear-down of dates and the Internet dating scene. Instead, I got a 17 year old's livejournal feed: pitiful, uncomfortable and not funny.
Let me repeat that, this book was NOT FUNNY! I don't think that I laughed a single time. A book that revolves around ridiculing other human beings has to be pretty darn witty, otherwise, it just leaves you squirming with discomfort and wishing you were somewhere else. I guess good snark is hard to find.
To cap it off, she ends it with a guide to online dating. While some of her advice is good (be yourself, don't mention you ex), some of it is cringe-inducingly sexist: don't initiate contact since men like to peruse and be in charge, don't answer too quickly or on a Friday or Saturday night (you don't want to seem *desperate* right?). He should definitely pay if he asks you out, and if it goes well, don't call/email him. (*Desperate* flag!). And I'm going to skip over the borderline misogyny in the advice to men section. The final section is the "say this, not that" section AKA "how to sound like a pompous jerk". Because one does not enjoy "dancing", one loves "dancing barefoot in the sand to the sounds of the steel pan, dancing to the rhythm of the drums". Actually, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she did not intend to be taken literally (though describing one as having "noir" hair makes my eyes roll).
In summary: go read something else, something that makes you laugh and/or feel good about the world because this is not that book.
May 31, 2012
While reading Trisha's book, I just kept giving thanks that not only was I happily married, but had found my husband in college. Then again, I probably missed out on a lot of funny life experiences. Thankfully Trisha dove into internet dating and wrote about it, saving my introverted soul from irreparable harm. "Internet Dates from Hell" is an honest and witty telling of dating in the internet age. Spoiler alert: she finds her man, has a baby, settles down in the suburbs, lives happily-ish after after.
September 11, 2011
What a fun read! I'm so glad Trisha had dating these experiences and not me (yikes!), and that she saw fit to share these experiences with us. Luckily, after many dating mishaps, we find that the author's story has a happy ending. And they lived happily ever after...
June 1, 2012
Laugh out loud funny! For anyone who has had experience with online dating or dating in general.
September 7, 2011
An amazing story of a young women's search to find herself, find the life she is looking for and find that special person to share it with. Her journey in on-line dating is unique, funny, frightening, and inspiring. I enjoyed this book, from beginning to end. Each date was entertaining, transported me to the young single world in NYC, and the author's introspection on the successes, misses and personalities made the journey all that more fun and interesting. I loved joining in her ride across Manhattan's dating world. May we all be lucky enough to live in interesting times. One of these books that just make you smile.
May 22, 2012
The author of this book may think that she is sympathetic, but she came off as a condescending, rather cruel young woman. Some of the descriptions in the book are obviously of men that were just looking for someone, she took one facet of them and mocked it, instead of actually getting to know them better. I didn't like her or her advice. Also, she seemed bitchy. All in all, I would NOT recommend reading this book. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I couldn't stand her all the way through.
PS- I did enjoy the reactions of her doorman though. He was sweet.
PS- I did enjoy the reactions of her doorman though. He was sweet.
September 8, 2012
Although originally I thought this book was more geared to women, I was happily surprised. The author describes unique and bizarre dates very carefully and with gentleness. She grows as an individual with each date she goes on, and what I find out is that she truly is just seeking to find herself with a bonus at the end (which I don't want to spoil). The author is likeable, perhaps someone you'd be mates with or grab a cup of java with and chat on the porch. I'd be interested in reading more from this author.
September 8, 2012
I read this book in one sitting because I had to know what the next date was like. I would highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about internet dating--not to scare them but to give them a good "heads up". Trisha's easy-to-read style of writing and her honesty is refreshing and if she writes another book, I will read it.
April 9, 2012
You couldnt make this stuff up!!
To be honest I've never ventured into the realm of internet dating and this book wouldn't exactly encourage anybody to do so!
The book contains lots of hilarious short stories about the authors close encounters with the emotionally disturbed.
To be honest I've never ventured into the realm of internet dating and this book wouldn't exactly encourage anybody to do so!
The book contains lots of hilarious short stories about the authors close encounters with the emotionally disturbed.
September 12, 2012
I simply loved this book. It was easy to read and kept me guessing about the next date. I found Trisha's experiences to be much like my own internet dating roller coaster. Thank you Mrs. Ventker for keeping me laughing all the way to the end.
May 5, 2012
Good, but a bit of a lunch bag letdown. I've had worse dates in the past! Still, a fun afternoon read.
September 12, 2012
Loved it! Funny! Although I have never participated in Internet dating I really enjoyed this book! Great afternoon reading! Way to go Trisha!
September 27, 2012
Trish is a lovely person and her stories are unbelievable!!! I laughed so hard because I've had crazy dating experience too but not as bad as the ones she had!
February 14, 2018
Really enjoyed this funny book on internet dating. It's humorous but also helps the reader avoid some mistakes the author made and what to look out for..including some do's and dont's. Be prepared to hear about some whacka doodles and laugh but only cause it didn't happen to you.
September 13, 2012
Internet Dates from Hell by Trisha Ventker is brilliant, timely, and very important. Ms.Ventker has the rare ability to treat a serious topic with a perfect balance of humor, insight, and relevance. In an age where privacy, security, and safety are on every ones mind--this book provides a safety net. The authors deep insights shine through the pages and her humility and depth are golden. Here is a guide book that is as fun as it is practical, helpful as it is entertaining, and profound as it is well written. I offer my highest praise and admiration and will be giving this book out as a gift to my friends this Christmas and the next.
Thank you Trisha!
Jim Nico, CEO/Founder/Co-Host
Social Network Intermedia, LLC
www.TheSocialNetworkShow.com
Thank you Trisha!
Jim Nico, CEO/Founder/Co-Host
Social Network Intermedia, LLC
www.TheSocialNetworkShow.com
October 14, 2013
This book really started to nauseate me towards the end. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers - the author comes across as being rather pompous. Why does every man she dates have to be some 6'2" hot-shot?? Granted, it seems like she met some odd characters, but there are regular, well-meaning people out there too - without being physically impressive or having a high status job (and what is she again, a teacher?!?). I'd be surprised if she's still together with the man she ultimately met at end of the book!
August 12, 2013
Author's tale about seven years that she dated guys from the the Internet. Features two different gender-benders, guys that live at home with their mom, a guy that lives in his office, a zealot/foodie, and an assortment of other characters.
She flies to Hawaii and meets a guy from Australia and discovers that he is older than she thought. Concludes with advice on how to place an ad and samples of ads she received. Has been pitched as a movie.
She flies to Hawaii and meets a guy from Australia and discovers that he is older than she thought. Concludes with advice on how to place an ad and samples of ads she received. Has been pitched as a movie.
August 31, 2013
Wow. I'm embarrassed for the author. Who was fool enough to let her publish this? She comes off as superficial, trite, and - worst of all - not at all funny. But she certainly is convinced that she's fascinating. To wit: "As seasons change, so do people. I am no exception. In my brief thirty-four years on this planet, I have learned that my persona is multifaceted."
September 12, 2012
Excellent tales of the challenges of modern dating. Often funny and sometimes scary, it was a difficult book to put down as each adventure was ever more surprising. I'm glad the book had such a happy ending!
May 16, 2019
This is a shocker. The author goes out of her way to ridicule people who were desperate enough to sign on to internet dating sites. It borders on misandry. If a male author wrote something like this, he would be pilloried. It would be much more interesting if we could hear what her dates felt about her.
March 20, 2018
Although a bit outdated in the world of internet dating, the material was priceless. Trisha takes the reader into not only the essence of the dates but also allows the reader to follow her life as she matures and changes.
Great little weekend read.
Great little weekend read.
November 16, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I've been through the trials of online dating too, except it didn't work out for me. I laughed so hard at some of the stories, because they sounded similar to my experiences! I'm single again and thinking about giving it another try, but after reading this book, I'm not sure if I want to wade through all the crazy frogs in hopes of finding my prince! We'll see!
September 15, 2012
What a fun read! I can't imagine dealing with so many awful dates. And when I say awful, I mean awful. The dates are a panoply of dysfunction - everything from the neurosis that results from hiding flaws to paranoid delusions to out-and-out perversion. I'm happy that these experiences led Trisha to her true love, or I'd feel a bit more guilty about my enjoyment of her story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews