The Dating Detox by Gemma Burgess

I am fast coming around to the idea that I should either get my book recommendations from Twitter or work my way through the Avon Imprint titles for the foreseeable future. So far this year, I’ve read two of their books found through the social networking site (the first of which was Miranda Dickinson’s Fairytale of New York, reviewed here) and both have been great reads. Have I mentioned before how much I love Twitter? I have? Want me to stop raving about it? Not likely to happen anytime soon. Sorry.

So this is my second Twitter Treasure: The Dating Detox is Gemma Burgess’ debut novel and a very fine one it is too. I did wonder when I read the book cover if it was for me or not: I’m no longer in my twenties (except in my head); I’ve only ever watched one episode of Sex and the City, although I have, in my defence, seen the film; I loathed the Bridget Jones’ books with a passion; I was never that bothered if I was dating or not in my twenties as long as I was having fun; and I am, and no doubt always will be, sartorially challenged at the best of times. I’m going to keep the fact that I own more trainers than shoes to myself. Probably best for now.

Anyway, The Dating Detox is the story of Sass, a twenty-something copywriter working for a London agency, who is about to be unceremoniously dumped for the sixth time in a row when the book opens. This sparks a crisis in Sass’ life and, although she deals with it by an initial and understandable period of wallowing, she then comes up with a great alternative remedy called The Dating Detox, a 10-point checklist designed to keep her from falling into the clutches of another man only to have him break her heart somewhere down the line. It’s a great concept and keeping up with Sass’ attempts at sticking to her non-dating mantra is, in turns, immensely enjoyable, frustrating when she looks as if she’s missing out on future happiness, and a real ride. Hold on tight to the covers as it’s a bit of a bumpy one and don’t let go until you’ve seen Sass safely through to the end.

Any initial doubts I had about the book vanished in the space of a very few pages. Sass saw to that. She is an exceptionally likeable, real and endearing character, the kind of woman you’d like to have as a friend. I loved her voice throughout the book, as well as her attitude and sheer Sass-iness. She’s also made me look at clothes in a whole new light and I will certainly consider my choice of outfit more carefully after having read this book. I found myself looking forward to Sass and her (sometimes twice-daily) creating and naming of the outfit routine. Way to make the ordeal of what to wear fun!

While Sass is the main character, and a very dominant one at that – well, it is her story, after all – there is a fabulous supporting cast of friends and co-workers and Gemma brings these to life with equal flair. The friendships and relationships in the book feel real and genuine, as do the characters. I also love that Sass gives her ex-boyfriends great nicknames, which help us build up a picture of the men she’s dated and why she might not have had the long-term relationship she was perhaps hoping for.

The Dating Detox is a fantastic read and I wholeheartedly recommend it. If, as the blurb says, life is a party, then this book is not only full of life but its very own paperback party. Get the drinks in, put on your best party outfit, kick off your dancing shoes and curl up and enjoy. You’ll be reading it into the wee small hours, I guarantee it.

The Dating Detox by Gemma Burgess is published by Avon, an Imprint of HarperCollins. You can buy it through this site by clicking on the above image. To find out more about Gemma, The Dating Detox and her next book, visit GemmaBurgess.com.