All of the Above

November 6, 2017
Anderson (The Other Five Percent) hits the mark with this contemporary about a romantic cosmetologist in training and the sometimes-judgmental man of his dreams. Brendon falls in love with writer Matthew after reading one of his quizzes in a local magazine; the questions and answers have Brendon convinced that Matt would be his perfect partner if he could just meet the guy in person. Using clues from Matt’s writing, Brendon engineers a meet-cute, a seemingly spontaneous encounter that just happens to press all of Matt’s buttons. It works at first, but when Matt makes it clear that he won’t tolerate lying—not even for a good cause—their relationship hits a major speed bump. Anderson creates an adorably flawed, humorous character in Brendon. Matt’s attitude grates at times, but he’s appealing enough—especially when he presents Brendon with “Brendon and Matt’s Choose Your Own Date Book”—that readers will like him, too. Arjun and Sasha, a married couple Brendon knows, add color and humor. The tear-jerking conclusion puts the final finishing flourish on a witty, well-paced, and very appealing story.