This is going to be a tricky one to write. So, let's put it off for a minute, shall we? This is where I'll tell you that I'm obligated to disclose the fact that I didn't purchase this book. Instead, I won it through a Goodreads giveaway. Well, crap, that didn't last long, did it?
When I read the little blurb describing the contents of this book, I was under the false impression that what I would be getting was various wedding stories from hell, similar to what Concierge Confidential is to hotels, and Retail Hell is to, well, retail. That's not exactly the story here, though admittedly that was my own fault. I should have paid closer attention, and read the synopsis all the way through. While there were a few chapters about different destination weddings, drunk bridal parties, etc., for the most part, this read like a Jen Doll autobiography. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it was somewhat disappointing, when I was anticipating getting a few cheap laughs. But, again, I'll take most of the blame for that. In my own defense, however, the title is somewhat misleading, don't ya think?
I mean no personal offense to Ms. Doll, but there's really nothing extraordinary about the experiences she writes of. Add to that the fact that her delivery lacks a certain spark. The book read more like a research paper, and less like an amusing memoir. In fact, as I was nearing its midpoint, I was downright bored, and eagerly anticipated the buzz of my clothes dryer so I could escape to folding clothes. (There's something wrong with that, I think.)
A more apt description of Save the Date would describe it as Ms. Doll's journey toward relationship contentment, interspersed throughout with various nuptials all over the world. Seriously - nice and dry, just like that. Instead, the word 'hilarious' is tossed around in the description, and I'm still looking for that particular passage. While I may have smiled occasionally, there was certainly no hilarity involved. Also, one of my major problems with the book is that every time I found myself rooting for a coupling to be successful, I would read on to the next chapter, only to discover that she had moved on to the next guy.
My overall impression is that she was aiming to cover this autobiographical nuptial ground in an amusing way, a la Jen Lancaster, but it just falls flat. While the girl can certainly write, she lacks that snarkiness that Ms. Lancaster wears so well. I don't think you can fake that - you either have it, or you don't. And, I'm sure you can guess which category I'm filing Ms. Doll in.
As I stated previously, my disappointment probably stems more from my misplaced expectations than with any fault in the book. Although, I still think the word 'hilarious' should be stricken from the record. Just sayin'...
