Review: The Last Blind Date by Linda Yellin

ISBN #: 978-1451625899

Page Count: 336

Publish Date: October 2011

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

A fun, charming memoir about a woman who falls in love, packs her bags, and starts over in the city that eats its young.

Charlene's Review:

After the death of her ex-husband, Linda finds herself depressed and on the losing end of many well-meaning "fix-ups."  Lonely, and living alone in Chicago, Linda embarks on a long-distance relationship with a friend of a friend, a recently divorced dad who really isn't looking for a long-term commitment.

Ultimately, she marries, moves to New York, and slowly assimilates into a totally new "normal," which consists of navigating and working in a busy, unforgiving city, befriending her new stepchildren, and learning to trust in love all over again.

The Last Blind Date is a refreshing, intelligent memoir that delivers an emotional and comedic punch.  I found myself laughing out loud and reading different parts to my husband, who wanted to know what was so funny.  You can't help but sympathize with Linda over her squabbles with her stepchildren, especially if you have ever found yourself in the stepparent role.  Gut-wrenchingly honest, she focuses on the stepparent's need to be accepted and loved by children that see you as an outsider, and the bio-parent that doesn't really get it.

Written with honesty, this isn't a "happily-ever-after" book, but a "good-as-you-can-hope-for" story of second chances, hopeful risk taking, and boldly acclimating to a whole new life in order to have a loving, human connection.  Linda's openness when it comes to searching out friendships is very refreshing, and often humorous.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading her memoir.