Following her debut, Oh, the Pics That You’ll Post!, artist and author Maiana Rose is back with another adult picture book, this one tackling the trials and tribulations of 21st-century dating. A self-described “dating anthropologist,” Maiana is well-versed in the current dating scene. In Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date, she paints a vivid picture of what trying to find the one is like in the era of dating apps and social media. Here’s everything you need to know before the book drops on June 24!
Synopsis
With her signature witty rhymes and chic illustrations, Maiana Rose returns to take readers on a journey through the world of modern dating. While navigating her love life, she’s had to contend with ghosting, love bombing, and dating apps galore. But despite all the red flags and less-than-great dates, Maiana gained something invaluable from her experiences: a newfound self-love. Come along as she describes the epic highs and lows of online dating and reveals the secret to fostering successful romantic bonds: healing your relationship with you!
An Adult Twist on a Children’s Classic
Congratulations!
Time to find your soul mate,
Yes, you’re HOT on the market
And you’re ready to Date!
Your heart chakra is open,
To find love that is true
Or simply a hookup,
Or just anything new!
— Maiana Rose, Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date
Dr. Seuss’s beloved picture book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, is an uplifting celebration of life’s many milestones. It encourages kids to dream big and persevere in the face of setbacks, an unavoidable part of growing up. Maiana Rose’s Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date parodies that timeless structure to tell a more mature story about a specific kind of milestone, one anyone who’s dated in the last ten years will be intimately familiar with. Like many of life’s challenges, dating requires resilience, hard work, and a strong sense of self-worth — sometimes for minimal reward. If you’re patient enough to wait for it, true love will come along, but in the meantime, oh, the people you’ll date!
An Uncensored Insight Into Modern Dating
Yes you are Single
And ready to Mingle
But be warned there’s a lot you’ll go through
Cuz the dates can feel endless
And the games are relentless
Until you find one that’s for YOU
— Maiana Rose, Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date
Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date provides a searing look at 21st-century romance (or lack thereof), counting down some of the curious characters you might encounter on your own dating journey. But make no mistake, Maiana isn’t here to give relationship advice. This book simply offers a side-splitting good time for anyone looking to commiserate about the sorry state of contemporary dating. You don’t have to suffer the awkward first dates, terrible Tinder hook-ups, and relationship faux pas alone — because who among us hasn’t been there? And if you’re one of the lucky few who’s already found their perfect match, you can still find amusement in Maiana’s cautionary tales — and comfort in the fact that you’ve escaped the dating game.
An Inspiring Celebration of Self-Love
Time to heal some old wounds,
To make better decisions
Like be kind to yourself
Without guys as provisions
The next romance you find
Will be healthy and true
You’ll be feeling so loved,
But the catch is…it’s you!
— Maiana Rose, Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date
“You must love yourself before you love someone else.” As trite as this adage may be, it’s not without merit. If we can’t even respect ourselves, how can we recognize and stand up to disrespect from others?
In Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date, Maiana urges readers: Take a moment to look inward and reflect before you hop onto Tinder. What are you looking for in a romantic partner, and is that really what you need? Your relationships will be exponentially more fulfilling when you refuse to settle for less than you deserve. And if dating gets draining (as it so often does), don’t be afraid to romance yourself! Your relationship with you should always take first priority. After all, validation from romantic prospects becomes much less meaningful when you have a strong sense of self-worth to fall back on.
A Colorful Collage of Delectable Art
Dating apps fired up…
Time to find your first date!
Take a chance on some dudes…
Leave the rest up to fate
You may look like a snack
But you’re really a meal
Don’t take less than you’re worth…
Cuz you are the real deal!
— Maiana Rose, Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date
Maiana Rose’s gorgeous illustrations are a perfect complement to her laugh-out-loud lyricism. From love bombs to walking red flags to the rollercoaster ride that is romance, Maiana depicts it all in vibrant color, expressing the present-day dating experience with precision and flair. This is certainly a book readers can return to time and time again, if not for Maiana’s pointed poetry, then to admire her stunning artwork.
Final Thoughts
Maiana Rose’s Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date is an essential companion for all the romance-weary singles struggling to navigate love in the age of dating apps. It’s rough out there trying to find the one, but this book will give you the strength to keep searching for your soulmate — or at the very least, a good laugh. A relatable review of the current state of dating with an ultimately empowering message, Maiana’s second adult picture book is as insightful as it is delightful. Don’t miss out on this candid field study of contemporary dating!
You’ll love Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date if you enjoyed these titles:
- Are You My Boyfriend? by C. B. Bryza
- Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation by Ann Droyd
- Mr. Selfie by Dan Zevin
- Oh, the Places You’ll Eff Up!: A Parody for Your Twenties by Joshua Miller and Patrick Casey
- The Very Hungover Caterpillar by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
If you want to add Oh, the Dudes That You’ll Date to your TBR, you can preorder it on Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon! Thank you to Maiana Rose for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For another Bookstr starred review, click here!
To browse more books like this, check out Bookstr’s Romance shelf on Bookshop!
