I read "How to Date" cover to cover, often wishing that it would just go on forever. Diane Mapes is a great humorist and wordsmith. Wisdom and incite flow from every page. I have always thought she was funny and fun, as I have worked with her and met her on occasion at professional meetings. But knowing her just a bit did not prepare me for reading "How to Date."

I read it mostly on my daily bus commute which made for some pretty funny looks from
various onlookers. At times, people would start reading over my shoulder and
I was forced to give it to them until I left the bus--that was the only
reason it took longer than usual to read as it was a real page turner.

I have proudly convinced a number of folks to pick it up because it's not
just about losers trying to find themselves or the new, new thing on how to
get someone. It's about how we are today and how we actually might be better
with each other if we could step back and take a look. We could all use a
little more Diane Mapes in our lives.

Looking forward to the next one.

How can singles date? Diane Mapes maintains most people don't know how to date anymore - and while there are plenty of books telling how to snare a wonderful man or woman, few teach now to be fair and attractive to others. Single readers will here find a romantic etiquette guide for modern times, designed as a portable tote and field guide and providing advice gleaned from the author's interviews with singles across the country: singles who hate dating!

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book was fun and full of good common sense--wise suggestions with a deft, intelligent, humorous touch. Lots of information, too, that I found very interesting, about the history of dating--and the latest trends (silent dating, speed dating, etc.). I like the fact that the advice in the book can be utilized by anyone who wants to date--that it's not gender specific, or specific to sexual preference.

An enjoyable read, with advice that really could make a difference in a person's dating life, if read carefully and taken to heart!

Despite the title, this is not a "How-To" book.

"How To Date in a Post Dating World" is a mildly amusing 90 minute read on the awkward and amusing stages of dating. The overall style of the book is, each chapter discusses a dating topic by presenting quotes and dating war stories from the dating veterans and then expounds in essay format the main points under consideration. As such, the book is more of a discussion on dating rather than actually advice on dating. It's more about the current "state of the nation" on the dating world. Practical tips such as, "Complimenting a person's smile is a good ice breaker" are not present. Therefore, the book as a discussion on dating is a nominally good read that will hold your interest, but it will not increase your dating life.

Of what's not good, first, this book is constrained in that it's written for both men and women. If you really want to increase your dating life, then there are gender appropriate strategies you should be aware of and undertake. Second, when the book does get specific, it's on information that's basic and old advice. For instance, while it's important to wear good clothes on a first date, or for guys to make sure their fingernails are clean, this is the oldest of dating advice. The fact that many people still miss these fundamentals shows the advice is still applicable, but it's old as rocks to anyone who has spent any time on the dating scene. Besides, after learning what not to do, you're still not filled in on what you should be doing.

Of what's good, first, the book interprets the old dating dilemmas into the current day. Going beyond who should pay for the condoms, the book discusses best use of online profiles, etiquette of blogging about your most recent sexual encounter, and so on. Second, the author is a good writer, so the words do hold the attention and compels you to flip to the next page.

The bottom line is, while you will be more informed about dating with this book, there isn't enough meat in it which you can use to significantly improve your dating life. When you see that person-of-interest across the room, you'll be just as flummoxed on how to start the conversation after reading this book as before reading this book.