Title: Hiding Boys in Bathrooms: A Decade of Dating Debacles
Author: Giuliana Prada
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781524668600
Pages: 192
Genre: Non Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
Hiding Boys in Bathrooms opens with the definition of blunder: “a serious or embarrassing mistake, usually the result of carelessness or ignorance.” This sets up the theme for the memoir while also adding a humorous undertone. It’s written from a present perspective as author Giuliana Prada reflects back, using a direct approach with her language as if she’s speaking to a friend.
Commentary on her past decisions foreshadows the direction each relationship will take, highlighting warning signs. This is especially prominent when she dates a man named Seamus, who would talk bad about everyone he saw at the pub. She describes how she brushed off little things, but by focusing on these moments the more serious the signs are. By going into what she overlooked she’s also teaching how people can find these signs themselves in their own relationships. Phrases such as “I reasoned,” and “didn’t understand” to show how she felt in the moment without reliving the moment. An overuse of happy details she felt, create an almost ominous tone as she builds up to the turning point.
She approaches each relationship by showing the good and the bad of each, allowing an understanding of why she made the decision to date that particular man. She doesn’t sugarcoat or undermine the relationships she’s had, instead she’s honest and straightforward, not allowing herself to be pitied. The focal point of the memoir is the emotional connection she experienced in each relationship, and the turmoil she went through. A sense of fore longing for how she could have approached each differently is present throughout most of the memoir.
Prada has a blunt approach with a slight snarky attitude, keeping her tone friendly as she discusses her mistakes and what she has gained as she reflects. Her voice reads like a real person, allowing for sympathy, understanding, and a connection to form with her. An air of sass and charm in Prada’s voice brings out the inner workings of the romantic-almost-comedy that it is. Hiding Boys in Bathrooms is Giuliana Prada’s personal journey of self-discovery as she goes through one bad experience of dating after the next, with each contributing to her personal well-being and growth.
I loved this book because it’s boldly honest, down to earth with a spice of humor. Hiding Boys in Bathrooms is a very witty and a fast read. I would recommend this to any age person who is entering the dating arena and would like to come out whole and with their integrity and soul intact.
