Review: 16 Swipes: No Breakfast by Mark Powell

5 stars for 16 Swipes: No Breakfast by Mark Powell.

End December 2020. I was scanning the library shelves for books to kick-start the new year with and my eyes settled on 16 Swipes. It is a book that is most unlike me to read, least of all as first book of the year. But my interest got piqued as I flipped through the book and found that it is written by a British-born novelist currently residing in Singapore. And not just a writer, but also a playwright and screenwriter. Now I am truly curious. What will this British-born author say about Singapore and its people? Then I thought to myself "Hey, why not? I should try something different to start off the new year with, for a change." With that in mind, I have this book borrowed and tucked in my bag, ready to go on a journey of discovery once I am comfortably settled back home.

16 Swipes: No Breakfast is an interesting, relaxing read, entertaining and hilarious even, unfortunately at the expense of the writer. He shares his most memorable Tinder dates, 16 of them, hence the title 16 Swipes. Each swipe is a Tinder adventure that while short, provides just enough details and explanations on why that date falls through and his search for a soulmate continues. Not to be a spoiler but just so you know, not all the author's swipes are negative and end badly. Sometimes the ladies he meets become his good friends. And yes, he does get lucky in one of his matched swipes and meets someone magical.

Since this is a book on Tinder and meeting people, it is quite natural that the author provides tips on dating. Some of his tips may seem like he is stating the obvious, but well, you will be surprised at how some of the ladies he has the fortune or misfortune to match up with are so thoughtless and self-centered that the author has to state the obvious under his tip #6: Be polite and respect the other party's time. Plan ahead to reach your destination on time. This respect goes a long way to make a positive first impression.

As I read on, I cannot help but think that perhaps there is something not quite there with those who register with this online dating app. The author certainly has many strange encounters, some of which are so weird to the extent of comical to leave a lasting impression on him, and even me the reader. Perhaps because of their shortcomings such as body odour, bad breath, blatant disregard for other people's time, tendency to saying negative things about former partners, etc, men and women alike have need of this Tinder app for matchmaking. Then again, based on what I can glean of the author's character from the sharing of his personal Tinder experiences, he comes across as perfectly normal, genuine and thoughtful with a good sense of humour and most notably, he is one of the old school of English gentlemen. So, I think it all boils down to luck and being in the right place at the right time with the right swipe, of course.

In any case, there are two sides to every coin. This is, after all, only one side of the story, the version as shared from the eyes of a guy who enters the dating scene via the world of online dating. Who knows? If each of the sixteen account is told from the perspective of the fair lady, it may be a different story altogether. This brings me to say that it is good to know the author is now working on a sequel, 16 Swipes: The Other Perspective. If the sequel is about what I think it is, then aha, the author has read my mind, in advance. I certainly look forward to what the author has to share in his follow-up to No Breakfast.

I have chosen to kick start Year 2021 with a book that is most unlike me to do so. No regrets there as I have an enjoyable time swiping, not on my mobile Tinder app though but the dead tree version of a book. Having swipe the page to the end of the book, I count my blessings. I am thankful that I have no need for Tinder or any other similar dating apps for that mater. I know how tiring it can be to get to know people, all in the hope of searching for The One. If the chanced relationship works out well, hurray. But if it doesn't, one has to start the draining cycle of finding, introducing, texting, meeting and familiarising all over again. To that, I am happy for author Mark Powell for he is done with swiping. I wish him well and hurray for his many breakfasts with that someone special.

As for me, I hope this book is a good start to a relaxing year with great, enjoyable reads.


Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd
Publication date: 15 Dec 2019

*** Favourite Quote ***

We're all on these sorts of apps for different things, but clarity, transparency and honesty are all good things to show off for yourself.

~ 16 Swipes: No Breakfast
Mark Powell

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Set in Singapore, 16 Swipes takes you on a journey of discovery through a rinse cycle of Tinder dates, personal encounters, and struggles, as author Mark Powell navigates the sea of online profiles in search of his soulmate.

*Blurb from Goodreads*

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