Anatomy of a Single Girl - Daria Snadowsky

Anatomy of a Single Girl by Daria Snadowsky
Series: Anatomy #2
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Source/Format: Author (Thanks Daria!) || Hardcover

[I received this book from the author. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

After everything that happened—my first boyfriend, my first time, my first breakup—jumping back into the dating game seemed like the least healthy thing I could do. It’s not that I didn’t want to fall in love again, since that’s about the best feeling ever. But as a busy college premed still raw from heartbreak, which is the worst feeling ever, I figured I’d lie low for a while. Of course, as soon as I stopped looking for someone, an impossibly amazing—and devastatingly cute—guy came along, and I learned that having a new boyfriend is the quickest way to recover from losing your old one.

The moment we got together, all my preconceptions about romance and sex were turned upside down. I discovered physical and emotional firsts I never knew existed. I learned to let go of my past by living in the present. It was thrilling. It was hot. It was just what the doctor ordered.

But I couldn’t avoid my future forever.

In Daria Snadowsky’s daring follow-up to Anatomy of a Boyfriend, eighteen-year-old Dominique explores the relationship between love and lust, and the friendships that see us through. (from Goodreads)

Every single time I think of Anatomy of a Boyfriend, I smile. It's a good book, punctuated with humor, truthfulness, and the highs and lows of falling in love for the first time. Finding out there was a sequel was a pleasant surprise, and I dove into Anatomy of a Single Girl eager to see what was happening to Dominique after her first love. Snort-inducing scenes and the wisdom that comes with experience color this read, making it entertaining, memorable and meaningful.

Dom is still determined to be a doctor, only this time she won't allow anything to get in her way. While she's still heartbroken over her first love (the one she thought was forever), she's certainly working hard to move on. She now possesses a realistic view on relationships, including the fact that your partner should complement you. Her thoughts on sex however experience a rejuvenation, as her new relationship is chock full of it and resulting realizations to boot. Even as she tries to figure out this new thing she's in, I liked seeing parts of the old Dom reappear. She still believed in her happy ending, and her "forever" love -- even while willingly experimenting with something new. Snadowsky's portrayal was really authentic, as readers witness Dom through ups, downs and everything in between.

This book is not about romance. It is about Dom, and how she's dealing with everything that's changing in her life. She's working on letting go of her past relationship, and embracing what's in the present. She's also trying to relearn how to get along with her parents and her best friend Amy, as the distance has changed their methods of interaction. The amount of shenanigans that occur and tense moments were balanced out perfectly with good ones!

I liked that this book was so funny! I was smiling as I read it on the subway, even as I was self-consciously tilting the book towards myself so no one could read what I was seeing. The candidness of Dom's thoughts and Amy's occasional interjections often made me laugh out loud too, as it was irreverent and real and totally things that I too would think. Mixed with a hint of conventional wisdom about relationships, it was a great blend.

Anatomy of a Single Girl is funny, fresh and definitely an engaging read. Dom's story is certainly relatable, and I think that readers will find the language and tone really different and fun. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into what Dom is up to during her college years, whether it's pursuing her dreams, getting it on with a hot guy or learning how to grow with the people she loves. Snadowsky certainly hit the nail on the head by expanding on her adventures - and it's my fervent hope she will attempt a post-college book too!