While being single has taught me many things, so far my main takeaway has honestly been that dating is actually just that absurd. From spending a first date at a grandfather’s funeral to being strung along by someone who left to pursue a passion for puppeteering, I’ve had my fair share of strange encounters with potential soulmates. And while I’m certain that my attraction to eccentric characters and eagerness to indulge in quirky experiences have something to do with my more ridiculous romantic forays, I am still not convinced that finding the right person at the right time is any less absurd than finding yourself on a bizarre first date to begin with. These oddball audiobooks tend to agree with me, taking listeners along for some truly bonkers romps through modern romance that prove that, when it comes to dating, finding humor is just as important as finding a happily-ever-after.
The Husbands is one of the first audiobooks to find me in the aftermath of my last serious relationship, and remains my go-to recommendation for anyone—single or taken—who could use a little levity while navigating a major life transition. Day in and day out, Lauren grapples with the sudden enchantment of her attic, which swaps out one new husband for another on a seemingly endless loop in this delightfully dizzying debut from Holly Gramazio. And while, yes, some of the men manage to woo her in the little time they spend together, this novel is about so much more than finding romance (though Gramazio did share some dating advice when we had the chance to chat). The story ultimately reminds us that adjusting to change, even when positive, almost always feels disorienting—but it’s worth it for the personal character development.
Another subversive tale of self-discovery, Mariam Rahmani’s Liquid asks, "What’s so wrong with setting high standards for your future husband?" Committed to marrying rich, the unnamed narrator in this sharp debut gives up her career as an adjunct professor to go on 100 consecutive dates, all of which she meticulously logs in a very satisfying spreadsheet. Imbued with a casual cleverness while effortlessly tackling themes of desire, ambition, and class, this one is for anyone who knows that dating is all about balancing priorities—and who wouldn't mind a few tips for keeping track of every time they have ever felt the "ick."
Now that I am a bit older than I was the last time I was single, I am surprised to discover which traits hold new importance for me in a partner. For example, though religion never played a major role in my past relationships, I am finding myself gravitating toward more fellow Jewish men than ever before. Turns out, our romantic interests often evolve in unexpected ways—just as tales about golems tend to do! To honor this reality, it's time to spread some love for this exceptionally sweet yet strange “Broad City meets Shaun of the Dead at Hanukkah” story, which left me in such a flurry of emotions around the holidays that I still haven’t entirely settled back down. When I got the chance to interview the author, I learned all about the biggest red flags of dating a golem, as well as how this heartwarming rom-com found its final form.
I introduced you to the handsome hunk of clay that is Paul Mudd with that last audiobook, by Beth Kander. Now it’s time to meet Bob the blob, the leading amorphous bachelor at the heart of Maggie Su’s brilliant novel. I dissolved into a formless mass of pure, uncontainable joy over this absurdist story about a young woman who finds an unidentified creature in a parking lot then literally shapes it into her perfect boyfriend. I’m taking this one as a reminder that, despite the fact that I think I'm moving closer to understanding what I'm looking for in a partner, love really can surprise us, taking all shapes and forms.
While undeniably absurd, these novels still resonate as laughably relatable because, when it comes to meeting strangers, we are basically just one wrong swipe away from becoming entangled in a stranger-than-fiction situationship. In her jaw-dropping memoir, Anna Akbari tells a true story from the especially messy early days of online dating, when she was lured in by a clever catfish named “Ethan.” Not only did this real-life dating horror story remind me that being single isn't the worst-case scenario, but the kinship that Akbari finds with her fellow victims proves that bad dating experiences aren't always for nothing: They often lay the foundation for life-long friendships, too. (For more tips on staying safe while online dating, check out Gabi Conti's hilarious yet hard-hitting podcast, Am I Dating a Serial Killer?.)
Speaking of serial killers, Oyinkan Braithwaite put a refreshing twist on the concept with her edgy debut that explores the worst-case dating scenario with a twisted-sister dynamic. Just as the younger Ayoola has embraced her role as the pretty, spoiled one in the family, Korede has taken her role as the forgettable, responsible one to a new level as she expertly covers up her sister’s nasty little habit of killing her suitors. The real question becomes how far she will go when the next one in her sister’s path of destruction is a man Korede dreams of for herself. As the final title on my list, take this as one last reminder that even if someone breaks your heart, it's never too late to get the last laugh ... at least through fiction.
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