Using short anecdotes as definitions for a variety of words, the narrator tells his love story. With its effort to share the reality of love’s ambiguous nature in an entertaining and unique manner, the author has created a poignant and relatable tale. The story is not told chronologically, but instead alphabetically by definition. The words which are defined include ones such as: aberrant, ephemeral and zenith. The definitions are rather abstract so a knowledge of the actual definitions is useful, but not imperative while reading the novel.

Though an extensive vocabulary is useful when reading this book, the intended audience is the general fiction reader. The book would probably be most enjoyable to those who like to read novels that deviate from the typical format. It would be an interesting book for discussion by a book club or a fiction literature class.

The book is an approachable read and the definitions provide at least a vague understanding of the words meanings, but a large vocabulary or a nearby dictionary would be useful when reading this novel. Even without a dictionary the essence of the story is accessible to the typical reader. During the process of reading this book, the reader may simulataneously increase his or her vocabulary.

This was a very enjoyable and quick read. It was a unique approach to a love story which made the relationship seem more real. In reality relationships are not happily ever after, but instead a series of highs and lows on which love is built. Readers will feel better able to relate to this type of love story because it feels more genuine. The fact that the readers only get snippets of the story in haphazard order, makes it intriquing. In the beginning its not certain why the narrator is upset or even if he is upset about anything in particular, or even if the narrator is a male. As parts of the story are revealed the reader is able to build on the story to understand the relationship. The way the story is written makes such a simple and almost predictable tale incredibly  interesting. This would definitely be a great addition to a library collection.

© 2011 Natalie Kelley-Wilson

Natalie Kelley-Wilson graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in English Lit. and from Clarion University with a Masters in Library Science. Currently she works at her town’s public library and the county historical society. Email: nataliekelleywilson82@gmail.com