The Spirited Book Launch of 50 Something Dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs

The author's book on display at the book launch.

The jury is still out on whether this book is yet another man-bashing title. Perhaps that is why Bookophilia bookstore on Hope Road was full and overflowing with both men and women for the Thursday night book launch of 50 Dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs: Lessons from a Dating Repository. The slightly ill disposed self-published author, Chénelle Taylor, was encouraged to document and share her stories in book form by a friend. She used the launch not only to share a few of her personal stories but also give voice to some of the men and women who freely shared their own dating tales and allowed everyone to ask some pressing and interesting questions.
 

Author, Chenelle Taylor at the launch of her new book, 50 Something Dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs

Chénelle may not be a certified dating expert but the many experiences and comments that were shared by attendees during the launch echoed her cries of disappointment. A number of stories were given of poor dating experiences and the crowd was not shy in cracking a few jokes at some of the storytellers or sharing their own dating advice. Nevertheless, Chénelle explained that 50 Dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs it is not your average dating book and is not meant to bash all men. It is really an anthology of the author’s factual dating experiences followed by lessons from the author at the end of the sections.
 

Excerpt being read by Attorney-at-law, Shannon Hendricks

Excerpts were read by Attorney-at law, Shannon Hendricks, Clinical Psychologist, Ava Smith and Technology Specialist, André Brown. No tips or lessons from the book were revealed. Ms. Sasha Solomon of Bookophilia led the evening’s proceedings. Not all of Chénelle’s stories surrounded horrible men. According to Chénelle, some of those men that could have been good options were just “not that into her.” The night rolled on with a discussion section where the audience shot questions at the author regarding her choices in the book such as why some men got a second date. Not all of the questions were answered but most answers were satisfying. Unlike the traditional book launch, the night didn’t end there.

Attendees enjoyed the entertaining and comedy-filled book launch 

Men and women were encouraged to use an open-discussion forum to ask questions of the other sex. One questioned why good men go after good girls to get “bad” things and a discussion ensued on how to handle a man who wants to take you on a date to KFC. Others questioned why men date mean girls and why women go after money instead of holding out for a decent man. The conversations were spirited and highly entertaining. Everyone was engaged and participation in the discussion section was passionate and, at times, simply loud though always respectful. Some of these discussions clearly pressed on a few hearts and a few corns.

 

Chénelle poses with her supportive family

Bookophilia Bookstore was full and overflowing.

Chénelle affirms that “writing 50 Something Dates with 17 Mr. Wrongs: Lessons from a Dating Repository was one of the best experiences of her life because it not only offered catharsis, but also an opportunity to connect with emotions.” After attending the launch, she has certainly urged others to do the same and given voice to young Jamaican women who are dating men in Jamaica and overseas. 


Find out more about the book at facebook.com/fiftysomethingdates.