cover image The Science of Single: One Woman's Grand Experiment in Modern Dating, Creating Chemistry, and Finding Love

The Science of Single: One Woman's Grand Experiment in Modern Dating, Creating Chemistry, and Finding Love

Rachel Machacek. Riverhead, $15 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-59448-496-4

Thirty-three years old and seven years single, Machacek decides to shake things up by throwing herself into the path of as many men as possible, hoping to stumble upon some surprising relationship truths along the way. Taking advantage of online dating sites, attending singles events and networking conventions, suffering through blind dates and matchmaking misfires, and subjecting herself to the so-called wisdom of dating books and coaches, Machacek commits herself to upping her suitor count and, hopefully, the odds%E2%80%94with mixed results. As detailed in the blog that led to this book, a year of drinks, lunches, dinners, and awkward trysts leaves her pretty much where she started, though with greater courage, self-knowledge, and faith in her gut instincts, a discovery that might seem like a no-brainer to readers. One gets the sense that the real problem might be the quality or men Machacek encounters, or the types%E2%80%94artsy, spiritual, and ultimately flaky%E2%80%94that she seeks. A better experiment would involve breaking old patterns, connecting with promising men from different backgrounds and professions, and seeing if sparks fly. (Jan.)