Recently, Mrs. Symons, the journalism teacher, received a special package in the mail. Author Daria Snadowsky sent her newest book, Anatomy of a Single Girl, to JHS with the specific request that a journalism student read the book and write a review on it to be published in the school newspaper. To add to the novelty of an author contacting us directly, this book will not be available for stores in paperback until March. I was honored to be chosen to read the book and write a review for it as well.
Honestly, I was a bit wary of reading Anatomy of a Single Girl because I tend to prefer books that are classified under the “young adult fiction” category. This book is a very realistic story of a normal girl with no magical powers, no vampire boyfriend, and no hand in an upcoming end-of-the-world catastrophe. That being said, I was afraid I wouldn’t like it. However, a change of pace for me was refreshing, intriguing, and simply enjoyable.
The book’s main character is Dominique Baylor who is just returning home for the summer from her first year of college. Dominque, or Dom, is still recovering from a difficult breakup last winter and is finding it hard to forget about her first and last boyfriend, Wes. Dom thinks she will never date again until she meets Guy Davies. Dom and Guy have chemistry from the moment they meet and Dom hopes she found her next love but things are never that uncomplicated.
Throughout the summer, Dom is faced with unwanted change, a stained friendship, her self-conscious fears, jealousy, confusion, and the struggle to understand love. By the end of the summer, Dom changes into a new and better version of herself that was only accomplished by facing her problems with courage and fighting through the difficult parts of her life. Dominque’s courage, determination, and confidence make her a character to be admired.
Anatomy of a Single Girl is author Daria Snadowsky’s second book. Her first book, Anatomy of a Boyfriend, follows Dominique’s story in high school with her first boyfriend, Wes. Although her first book is not available in our public or school library, Anatomy of a Single Girl will be donated to the JHS media center later this school year.
If you have a chance, I encourage you to read this book. It was exciting with relatable characters and gives the reader a chance to come to their own conclusions about intimacy.