The List: A Love Story in 781 Chapters

by: Aneva Stout

Published by: Workman Publishing

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

You are desperate for a husband. You have given up on finding him. Or maybe you are confused. You mother is pressuring you, but you can always count on your girlfriend--and maybe a bottle of cooking wine. If all else fails, vodka. But only if there is no phone present.

You certainly don't want to call your ex's French girlfriend. But that leads you straight to the cafe where you meet Liam, or his look alike. When he says he loves cats, you don't know he is talking about the waitress. Goodbye Liam. Hello Haagen-Dazs. Blind dates and gluten don't mix. Always, always trust a pet store. Mister Right might be holding a kitten, but he won't ask for directions.

The List, A Love Story in 781 Chapters, is a laugh-out-loud funny, highly entertaining read. I even got over the fact that it is written in second person present--did you even know that was possible? It reads just like your best friend sending a love-lesson warning over Instant Message, one sentence at a time. There is no time for graphic descriptions as one sentence may encompass two weeks. Or two seconds.

I finished The List in a single sitting of about 45 minutes. It is probably perfect for a pedicure, or an hour on the beach--but don't take it on a long car ride or you will spend a lot of time surfing on the radio.

Armchair Interviews says: The List is a witty, quick read, but almost too quick.