Single Girl's To-Do List [Paperback]

The Single Girl's To Do List is probably just as light a read as I Heart New York (and Hollywood and undoubtedly Paris) was. But for me, there's a big difference: the idea of the novel is different and not something I've read before and the characters are infinitely better. There's a very small part of me that wonders if everything that happens throughout The Single Girl's To Do List can really happen in two weeks as that's the general time-frame of the book. But rather than overly question it and ruin the novel for myself, I instead ran with it and found myself very entertained. I hitched myself to its pages and I enjoyed the ride, finishing the novel in just two sittings.

I like the idea Kelk presents that there's a `list' every girl should complete to really feel single. Some of the items on Rachel's list are totally insane - bungy jumping, anyone? But I loved the majority of the items and they are totally what you'd find in any break-up bible. Makeover? Check. Tattoo? Check. Write a letter to your feckless ex? Check. Rachel is a girl after my own heart with her list-making. I see myself as a rather organised person, but I'm no list maker. Mainly because I end up getting distracted if I write down the tasks I need to do and, instead, I go and procrastinate meaning I don't get to check off any of my objectives. Don't ask why I'm allergic to writing a to-do list, I just am. I'm much better just trying to remember it in my head, although invariably I do forget, meaning a list would have been a good idea (I'm the same with books I need to read, I don't like telling myself what I have to read otherwise I won't want to read them). Yes. I am a freak. I love organised female characters who keep lists, they're what I aspire to be!

I absolutely loved Rachel. From the first page, I absolutely loved her (despite the fact she has Angela's `boy' affliction. They're men. Or guys. Even dudes. But they're not boys.). I do think that I'd have enjoyed the I Heart novels more if the character was more like Rachel, because she's infinitely likeable. I liked how she threw herself into Emelie and Matthew's to-do list rather than barricading herself in her bedroom when Simon dumped her. Her best mates Emelie and Matthew (not Matt) really push the novel along, too, with their quirky ways and their inability to let their best friend wallow in her pity and sadness. They were quite a trio, actually, Rachel, Matthew and Emelie, and I loved all three of them. Unsurprisingly, I wasn't a fan of Rachel's ex Simon. He was a bit of an tool. I did, however, absolutely love photographer Dan, who Rachel (a make-up artist) works with on photo-shoots. He sounded drop dead gorgeous.

The Single Girl's To Do List is one of the lightest reads I've read all year, but it was exactly what I was looking for. I loved it, I really did. The pages practically turned themselves and I was pleased to get to meet this new crop of characters. Lindsey's writing style, boys aside, is so so easy to get lost in. Honestly, it just flows brilliantly and I was sucked up into the book from page one. I didn't have any particular niggles with the book, though at times Rachel doesn't exactly come across in the best light, and I hope Kelk sticks with writing standalone novels like The Single Girl's To Do List. She definitely has the ability to become big in Chick Lit because she has a fresh and funny style and I laughed numerous times whilst reading the novel. The novel was definitely a triumph, and I'm pleased to say that the books ends so well that there is no need for a sequel. I enjoyed getting to know Rachel, Emelie, Matthew and co. but I don't think a second novel would work. I'm looking forward to Kelk's next novel and I'm hoping it's one of two things: A Jenny Lopez full-length novel or another stand-alone novel. I'll be first in the queue to buy either of those. Definitely pick this one up, you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

I enjoyed reading Lindsey Kelk's book `I Heart Hollywood' but I wasn't prepared for just how much I would love this one. The whole point of reading this type of book is the fact that they are usually fun and light hearted. Sometimes the storylines are predictable but in a way I kind of like knowing I will get the ending I want. When I started reading this book I found myself smiling and smirking as I painfully re-lived moments in my younger years where I was experiencing `the single life'.

The book is a respectable 400 pages, but I have to be truthful and say that the humour started from the time I opened the book. The main character Rachel Summers is an absolute sweetheart who I fell in love with immediately. Her predicament is one that I am sure many readers can sympathise with. Don't get me wrong, it isn't your rip-roaring, tears streaming down the face kind of humour, but it touched chords with the scenarios and situations Rachel seems to get herself in to.

Add in to the mix Rachel's two best friends and this book was made for me. Emilie is a woman that is addicted to men, whether it be flirting with them, sleeping with them or getting free drinks off them. Matthew is the six foot plus stunner, who also happens to be gay but definitely not camp. The three of them make an unlikely trio, but their characters are what made this book for me.

We get to see Rachel's journey from hell as she tries to adapt to a single life. The list is what started her strange journey and it is ultimately the list that creates some very crazy and humorous scenarios. As time went on you could see Rachel getting braver and more daring with herself, and you get the distinct impression you are party of watching her become a stronger person. The book takes us and the trio of friends from London to Canada and watches all three of them struggle to keep up with the craziness.

There were moments in this book when I did laugh out loud and moments where I was smirking to myself, but I cannot fault this book one little bit. I adored everything about it from the people to the places to the crazy and daring challenges Rachel faces. The ending was perfect for me and when I had finished I was truly disappointed.

No, this won't be everybody's cup of tea, but it was certainly mine. It's not intellectually challenging, but frankly when a book makes me smile this much I really don't care. HIGHLY recommended! Can't wait to see what Lindsey comes up with next!

If you're looking for some light, fun, grrrrls-only reading material, then the Single Girls To-Do List is for you. I read this book in one sitting and heartily chuckled my way through it. I've since passed the book onto my sister and girlfriends, and everyone loves it. I'll be sure to pick up Lindsey Kelk's next book.

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