Review: Author challenges outlook on dating in 'Available'

"Available" (Scribner), by Matteson Perry

Matteson Perry is a screenwriter and host of the monthly Moth StorySLAM in Los Angeles. Perry had his heart crushed by the woman he thought he was going to marry, and he coped with the devastation by declaring he would remain single for one year.

"Available" is a detailed look into Perry's transition from a serial monogamist into a young man whose goal in life is to date as many women as possible without entering into a serious relationship. His first order of business is to figure out how he fits into the dating world. Although he doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, his mission is to gain as much experience as possible with zero strings attached.

He tackles his new lease on life over a Bro's Brunch with the help of a few good buddies. Advice is doled out over pumpkin crepes and mimosas. The group weighs the advantages and disadvantages of Perry's latest dating dilemmas. Should he ask out his high school crush? Will they be able to track down that Swedish tourist via Facebook? If one woman bites, is that a red flag or not?

Perry doesn't shy away from any topic. He manages to include an eight-step program for getting over a breakup, several indicators that help determine if a date is going well, a few tips on how to deal with an ex and a lifetime of knowledge when it comes to navigating the Burning Man festival.

"Available" is an insightful perspective into one man's quest to not find love. The reader is granted a peek into the brain of a dating male who's profoundly honest and completely willing to share what he thinks and feels. Perry started the journey with the hope that he could learn to be better with women. In the end, he learned to be better at life.

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Online:

http://www.mattesonperry.com/