Modern Romance
Book - 2015



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But we want more than love. We want a lifelong wingman/wingwoman who completes us and can handle the truth, to mix metaphors from three different Tom Cruise movies.
Today, if you own a smartphone, you’re carrying a 24-7 singles bar in your pocket.
"I don't think we thought, 'Well, there are another twelve doors or another seventeen doors or another four hundred and thirty-three doors' . . . We saw a door we wanted, and so we took it."
The most popular kind of establishment in the relationship replacement industry is the hostess club, which is basically the latest variation of a long-standing Japanese tradition where men go to a nice bar-type atmosphere and pay women to provide intimate personal service in a romantic but not explicitly sexual way. The women are like modern-day geishas: They light the men's cigarettes, serve them drinks, and listen attentively to their conversation, doing more or less what an ideal Japanese wife or girlfriend would do. Lots of men stop by these clubs after work, either alone or in groups... Women also go to host clubs, which provide the same service: outgoing men who converse and have drinks with them. Again, this does not lead to sex; it's purely for companionship. These women are basically paying to hang out with nonherbivore men for a while.
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Add NoticesSexual Content: references to masterbation, infidelity, open relationships, homo/hetero-sexual intercourse

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Add a CommentVery interesting! A fascinating and original sociological study punctuated with Ansari's signature comedic style. I learned so much about my own generation and how our technological advances have changed the way we communicate with each other, romantically and otherwise. In addition to being very informative and funny, I learned a lot about the best way to navigate the world of modern romance.
Meh. Listened to the CD version in my car and was insulted by Ansari calling me lazy in his nasal voice for not reading his book. In fact, I was being efficient reading two books at once – a hard copy literary non-fiction and his drivel while on the go. I was the wrong generation for this (senior single). His points focus almost entirely on digital dating for the millennial generation. As for humour – nyet. I don’t think I once cracked a smile (and he pathetically tries so hard)
This was such a fun book to listen to! I finished it in just two days. I like how the authors combine scientific research with anecdotes and Aziz's own hilarious descriptions, which is a fun and engaging approach to nonfiction writing. The way relationships and dating have changed with technology and over time is fascinating. I definitely recommend it!
Interesting but not enough.
This book really is for people who have no idea. A lot of this content was common sense with a bunch of dumb comedic fill ins
*AUDIO VERSION IS WORTH IT*
This was an excellently well written and researched look into the current state of relationships and courtship in America. Aziz's trademark humor is well represented, but rather than detract from the work done on the research, it makes it more readable and enjoyable.
Strongly suggested for anyone currently working their way through the dating scene with little success, or looking to build more meaningful relationships than things like Tinder typically produce.
totally entertaining as well as informative. Aziz is hilarious, too.
This was a fascinating read about the history and current practices of dating and relationships. I admit, it did start to get depressing about the middle of the book, thinking, ugh, nothing will work, everyone will cheat. But I really appreciated the Conclusion, where Aziz carefully pulls out all the positive aspects, and what we should be doing to snag that special someone. Because, between meeting people at a bar, online dating, and other ways, there are just too many options, and we really do need to pick the best of each option. Aziz carefully explains it at the end in a great way. Plus, I loved his sense of humor, which helped the medicine go down*... lol.
*No, not real medicine. This was a great read! Actually, I think most of the world needs to read this from teens to adults!
Love Aziz! This book finally convinced me to try dating apps. If you haven't watched his show Master of None, check it out!
Author & narrator Aziz Ansari digs a little deeper to figure out what drives relationship behaviors. From committed, monogamous couples to playful, roving singles, he covers about every type of person/couple & the issues they face when pursing a love interest. He begins by portraying the typical dating fashion & needs of the men & women of the 1940s & 50s. Moving forward to present day, a completely different picture is painted on what men & women need & want in a relationship. Even the methods of how we pursue our search for a potential mate is COMPLETELY differnt. Ansari explores the many tools of technology society uses to assist in their quest for love & their pros/cons in the eventually relationship. He explores the difference in relationships in different cultures by visiting 3 different countries outside of the US: Japan, Brazil, & France.
I may have set myself up to give this book a lower rating than what I might have rated it had I had an idea of what this book was really about. I chose this book solely for the author, Aziz Ansari, thinking it was more about him than about the topic of love in different cultures & in the past & present. Had I read the brief narrative regarding what the book was about, I may not have chosen to pick this one up. However, enough of Ansari's personality came out in the writing & in his narration that I can say I'm glad I gave the rest of the book a chance past Chapter 1. It was pretty fascinating to dissect the effects of modern technology as it is being used in finding a potential girlfriend/boyfriend. I also found the comparisons between typical relationships in the different countries quite interesting. I would recommend reading this book if you enjoy Aziz's type of personality & comedy or if you find the topic of love & relationships of interest.
Age recommendation: 18 & up (references to masterbation, infidelity, open relationships, homo/hetero-sexual intercourse, lots of profanity used very casually)
On a scale of 1-10 stars, I give it 6.
An entertaining audiobook with supplemental anecdotes that brings the content to life. Ansari doesn't tell us what's wrong with modern romance, or why one way or time of doing things is superior to another. Instead, he examines how the times have changed and how difficult it is to determine the best course of action. While this book doesn't tell you how to navigate your love life, it does provide information that might have you reevaluate how you go about romance. The audiobook was about 6 hours long, but it went by fast and I enjoyed every moment of it.