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Anatomy of a Boyfriend


Daria Snadowsky's first novel is about a goal-oriented, hopeful med-student, high school senior, Dominique. Despite her best friend being boy-crazy, she hasn't been all that tempted to enter the dating world. She has heard enough vulgar and/or idiotic things out of guys mouths to detract far too much from their attractive appearance to really ever become interested (haven't we all?). But during an eventful (and not in a good way) trip to the port-a-potty during a school event she meets Wes, a boy with the brightest blue eyes she's ever seen and a shy smile that wins her over in an instant. For the first time ever, Dominique is interested.

Daria's story is an in-depth look at a girl's first serious relationship - the ups, the downs, and the mistakes. She really shows the way we of the female persuasion can (we don't have to) lose ourselves, desperately melding into the guy's identity and maybe going too far too fast. But she never makes it glamorous or pretentious - it's brutally honest and bold-faced. I considered it a cautionary tale.

I'll admit I didn't love Dominique straight away. And I got frustrated with her character as the book continued. But it was never boring. I was always interested and hopeful for a brighter future for Dom. You couldn't help but root for her.

This isn't exactly my type of book, exactly. Character study, plot-light books can be beautiful and poignant but I tend to like a little extra oomph (sci-fi, fantasy, and suspense being some of my favorite genres).

Some of the details did get to be a bit much for me, but I understood their place and why Daria meant to portray them. I do wish that I got to know all the characters better, on a deeper level. I'd especially have liked to know Dominique more before she met Wes. No one ever seemed as fully fleshed out as I feel they could have been. But there is obviously talent in Snadowsky's writing technique when you find yourself cheering on the main character, as I was. I couldn't help but be desperate for her to find her independence again (and independence doesn't necessarily mean being out of a relationship - more so how you treat yourself, so that is not a spoiler!) - and I was semi-satisfied with the results.

Did I think it was a perfect book? No. But I certainly think there are many readers out there who will disagree with me - so don't let my opinion discourage you!

Thing is, I'm not not recommending it either. It's an acquired taste, a raw story. But it also promised me even better things to come from this highly acclaimed and extremely praised brand new author: Daria Snadowsky.

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