The Dating Diaries
#1 in Peech Series
on Goodreads (117)
What’s inside...
Having dated the same boy since seventh grade, Katie James is suddenly dumped after five years and decides to go on a dating rampage to make up for lost time, but things don't go exactly as planned. Twelve dates. Twelve weeks. A buoyant and observant comedy about having a long-term relationship end -- and discovering what life is like outside of it. Katie James has been dating Paul for the past five years, since seventh grade. Then, as the prom approaches, he dumps her. The last time she was on her own, she was wearing a training bra. Now she's about to see what life is like without Paul -- and what it's like to date. She makes a resolution -- she will date twelve guys in twelve weeks, making up for all the time she wasted with Paul. But nothing quite goes the way she plans. Dating is difficult -- and difficult can be both fraught and fun. Katie's about to find out what she's been missing . . . and how to be herself without a guy.
Discussion points
How do the characters in the book demonstrate resilience in facing their emotional challenges?
What does the story teach us about the importance of honesty and communication in relationships?
In what ways do the characters in 'The Dating Diaries' grow or change by the end of the book?
How does the book address the idea of self-discovery, and what can we learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes to create a comfortable talking environment.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the scenarios in the book and real-life situations they or their friends might encounter.
Ask your child how they might handle similar situations differently and why.
Reinforce the values and lessons from the book by discussing how they apply in everyday interpersonal interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist navigates various social situations and learns to understand different perspectives, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering their peers’ feelings and viewpoints, fostering more harmonious interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility in relationships
Explanation: Characters in the story learn the importance of honesty and accountability in their interactions, highlighting responsible behavior.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice honesty and reliability in their own friendships and daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Handling rejection positively
Explanation: The book shows characters dealing with rejection in constructive ways, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept and grow from rejection, whether in friendships or other areas of life, rather than dwelling on negative outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Through various scenarios, the importance of clear and open communication is emphasized to solve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and personal growth
Explanation: The protagonist's journey includes moments of self-reflection leading to personal development.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and learn from them, aiding their emotional and personal growth.