Remember the days of ardent romance? Where guys were chivalrous and girls had class? Neither does Daria Snadowsky, and her novel, “Anatomy of a Single Girl” proves this.

Published in January 2013, the novel is a sequel to “Anatomy of a Boyfriend,” which was released in September 2008.  It is narrated by Dominique Baylor, who has just completed her freshman year of college and is basking in the comfort of her home in Fort Myers, Florida.  She spends most of her time with her best friend, Amy, and she tries to enjoy herself after a break-up.

Snadowsky does not accurately depict the life of a college student; Dominique spends too much of her time focusing on boys and she talks as if she is an immature high schooler.  However, the setting is lavishly described and the plot is incredibly interesting.  Readers will constantly ask, “What is Dominique going to do next?”

At times, the content can be racy, and Snadowsky does not beat around the bush.  The characters of the novel are honest and their dialogue is full of catty quips.  Dominique sarcastically insults her friends, calling them “know-it-alls,” and she always reminds them that she is a “rising sophomore.”

While the dialogue is entertaining, it is also ridiculous.  In one scene, Amy says, “Now, enough about moi.”  Some of the characters talk as if they are children and they act immature.

Book reviewer magazine Kirkus Reviews states that “[Anatomy] presents a multiplicity of opinions and stories about intimacy and relationships, allowing readers to come to their own conclusions.”

The novel is far from well-written, but Snadowsky knows how to create a character, and voice his or her thoughts.

Another strong attribute to “Anatomy” is its cover.

The evocative cover certainly draws eyes, with its bubblegum pink color and doll-figure in the center.  The doll is labeled intensely, with descriptions like “Kiss me like you can,” and “Shaken but not shattered.”  Don’t judge by the cover, though – just because it looks girly does not mean guys cannot read it.

In fact, guys might benefit from it.  Perhaps they would understand how women react to a sudden break-up, and maybe they would be able to sympathize.

However, it is not a tell-all manual that guys should live by; not all girls act like Dominique.  If anything, the novel is simply entertainment and it is a light read: SAT words and heavy symbolic meanings will not be found here.

According to Goodreads.com, “Anatomy of a Single Girl” has garnered a 3.4 / 5 rating.  Reviewers agree that it is a “fun, easy read” but at times, Dominique is “incredibly annoying.”  Many did praise for her “original storytelling,” however.

Booklist compares Snadowsky to the likes of Judy Blume.  While Snadowsky’s style of writing is refreshingly original, she still needs to grow.

Guys might not be the target demographic for “Anatomy of a Single Girl,” but it is enjoyable for either gender – there is something for everyone.

Title: Anatomy of a Single Girl
Author: Daria Snadowsky
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Published: January 8, 2013

Anatomy of a Single Girl by Daria Snadowsky (Amazon.com)