Around the World in 80 Dates, Sydney Alexander Series #1

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Christa Ann Banister’s Around the World in 80 Dates is an enjoyable approach to Christian dating. While the subject of a late-twenty-something trying to find her Godly match and fumbling her way through first dates may sound trite, Banister has a casual and direct voice that invites the reader in and dispels any sense of irritation at the familiar topic. The reality of the main character, Sydney’s, faith is woven into the story and cannot be missed. The gospel is presented clearly between dates at P. F. Chang’s and assignments at the heroine’s travel magazine writing job. The constant reality of the woman’s faith is not obnoxious—it is endearing, imperfect, and feels real. The book deals well with both Christian and non-Christian dating contexts, and doesn’t vilify the non-Christian or exalt the perfection of a Christian partner. Banister confronts the reality that even Christian men can be jerks, and that each of us has to decide who we’ll be within the world of relationships. The supporting characters are sweet and provide an entertaining chorus that supports Sydney as she explores herself and her relationships. Banister is also careful to create a real sense of longing in her lead and several other women in the novel, but is not indulgent or depressing on these points. The only real downside to this faith-filled chick-lit is the constant appearance of brand and pop-culture references that will undoubtedly, in only a few short years, become obnoxious for a reader that doesn’t remember their context. However, this current background now will most likely entertain one reading the book. If you’re looking for a happy ending with a dose of Jesus and a few laughs, pick this one up.

Sydney Alexander is a faithful friend, a devoted sister, dedicated to her job and walks the straight and narrow! You would think applying all these great qualities to her dating life would net her a great guy - but strangely, no. Sydney continues to find Mr Flaky, Stinky, Tardy, Selfish and even Mr I Like Your Friend Better! Determined not to give up, Sydney continues her search for the man who just might be the one, until it seems she has exhausted all possible candidates in Greater Minneapolis. Realising it might not be meant to be, Sydney decides to let go and let God! I loved Sydney's take on life, dating and essential movies! Christa has given voice to every girl's heart as we navigate the treacherous and exciting waters of finding the right man. I laughed, grimaced, sympathised and cried with Sydney and I know you will too. Around The World in 80 Dates is a joyful treat for young women to relate to and take heart, and older ones to reminisce about those special days fraught with an equal measure of angst and elation. I can't wait to read the sequel, Blessed Are the Meddlers.

Sydney is a travel journalist who experiences the ups and downs of dating and life in general. Between good dates and bad dates and friends' dates, chance meetings and swearing off dating, this book covers it all - well, maybe not all, but most of the dating scene. There are other situations sprinkled in, as well - relationships with family and friends, career happenings, and lots of travel. I particularly enjoyed living vicariously through this world traveling young lady. "Around the World in 80 Dates: Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater" by Christa Ann Banister is a clever novel of one Christian woman's journey through the merciless gauntlet of dating and life in general. As I laughed along with Sydney's "misadventures in dating," Christa has made me very glad that I am happily married, and not a part of this chaotic and unpredictable scene. Even though I generally prefer action and suspense in my Christian Romance reads, I enjoyed this more cerebral novel and will definitely read this very talented author again.

The dialog was witty and the situations set to tickle your funny bone, but I also enjoyed the realistic look at inside the magazine world and the music industry. If you read the writer's bio, you know she understood the jobs she wrote about.

Around the World in 80 Dates was a fun read. I loved the characterization and the quirky events like Rain and Stinky Nate's wedding. Truly original. I also enjoyed traveling with Sydney and eating at so many cool places. I liked not being sure of Sydney's future and who she would end up with. I felt her elation and relief when she seemed to meet the right guy (finally.) Nothing is better than the freedom you feel when you can enjoy someone's company and be yourself at the same time. Especially when you share the same faith. That's a clear message in this story and one that singles need to read. Many of the scenarios are pretty typical of the dating scene. (I'm so glad those days are over.) For women not married yet this is sure to be a fun ride. In fact, I'd encourage everyone to read it, married or not. The only weaknesses I saw in this book was the many points of view--some of which didn't seem necessary--and the occasional head hop within a scene. Despite those issues it was still a very enjoyable story. I hope there is a future book in the works starring her sister Samantha or I'll be really bummed since I got to know her so well. I want to know what happened in her love life since there was no real resolution. Otherwise this chick lit novel was perfect! I truly enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. The fact that I finished it says a lot, since many of the books I begin I never complete, let alone post a review.

I keep gushing about Christian chick lit, I know. The genre is getting better and better with each new author that I read. This book is unique because it starts off as first person from Sydney's POV and then switches into third person with various different characters. So you got to get into the minds of the other people as well. This is interesting because Sydney would go on a date with Justin and you would see the date from her perspective and then the storyline would switch and you would see his view from after the date. This doesn't get confusing at all and I think it actually enhanced the storyline. I loved the job that Sydney had. I would love to be a writer for a magazine and get to travel to different places and write up about my adventures. Her job search is also interesting as well because I feel that many young women who read this book will relate to it. What appealed to me most about this book is that it approves dating. I'm actually a little tired about reading books about Christians who give up on dating. I know it's a good concept, but sometimes it makes me feel like I'm a bad person who does date. So it was VERY refreshing to read about someone my age who likes dating and wants to date. The scene that stood out to me the most was the last scene that Sydney has with Liam. I was completely floored with his character. He was like the "Toxic" relationship that a lot of girls seem to have, where they keep hanging on to a jerk for no good reason. But it is a situation that I believe many of us have been through and so I could totally relate with Sydney and share her pain. The characters in this book are real, you feel the hurt, the joy, the suffering, the ecstasy. I really loved how the ending turned out. It tied up everything AND kept you hanging. I definitely cannot wait until Christa Banister's next book comes out. This was one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love chick lit, GET THIS BOOK!

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