Book review: ‘I Suck At Girls’ by Justin Halpern

I Suck at GirlsAh, the first read of a squeaky-new year — and my very first digital read. Justin Halpern’s I Suck At Girls has two awesome distinctions in the wide world of Meg’s reading — and, you know, it was really funny. And secondhand embarrassing. And funny.

Halpern’s true-life account of his attempts at wooing the ladies is laced with humor and heartbreak. A quasi-follow-up to the bestselling Sh*t My Dad Says, Halpern’s story of his path to lasting romance is a quick, relatable read for both sexes. You don’t have to be a dude to appreciate the awkward fumbling of a teen asking his/her crush to the prom — and the terrible expectations that follow.

As you’d expect, though, Halpern’s caustic father totally steals the show. Sam Halpern manages to be both profane and profound, and his wisdom about Justin’s endlessly stunted love life is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Seriously, how could a man who cusses so constantly and effectively still be viewed as a modern-day philosopher? I’m honestly not sure, but Sam knows his stuff. And since he’s such a straight shooter (with his son and, um, everyone), you can’t help but respect the guy.

Anyone who has chuckled over the author’s popular Twitter feed will appreciate Halpern’s tales of growing up in San Diego, gallivanting through Ibiza, trying to impress Hooters waitresses and generally attempting to be cool. He succeeds. Halpern is sweet and endearing, and I was glad to know he finally got a (real) happy ending.

If you’re into humorous memoirs (me! me!), you can’t help but fall for Halpern. He’s our modern Everydude — a quick and talented writer who could be your brother, boyfriend or son. Though I haven’t read his rollicking debut focused on the wisdom of his wise-cracking father, it’s definitely on my list now.


4 out of 5!

ISBN: 006202728X • GoodreadsLibraryThingAmazonAuthor website
Personal copy purchased by Meg

15 thoughts on “Book review: ‘I Suck At Girls’ by Justin Halpern

  1. I adore reads like this now and again. Not long ago I read a book called “Bad Karma” about a horrible woman who dies and is reincarnated as an ant, and slowly has to redeem herself to work her way up to, like, dog or whatever. Hilarious, insightful, and a nice break from the heavy stuff. I’m going to have to read this one.

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  2. I am really pleased you have told me about this book. Don’t tell anyone but I sucked at girls myself so I already know we have something in common. I love books with humour and pithy truths in them so I will be giving this a read. Thankyou again

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  3. I really liked this book too and laughed a lot as I read it. I passed it on to my mom but wasn’t sure what her reaction would be because of the language – she ended up loving it too!

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    • Yes, this was the first book I read on an e-reader! I received a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas and am really enjoying it, though it will never completely replace my printed books. I do love that it’s portable, though, and often find myself throwing both the Kindle and a book into my bag.

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