Available

A Memoir of Heartbreak, Hookups, Love and Brunch

By: Matteson Perry

Narrated by: Matteson Perry

Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

From a breakout storytelling star at The Moth, a real-life romantic comedy about a guy and a girl - and 29 other girls: a memoir about an unexpected break-up, one self-imposed year of being single, and how a "nice guy" survived dating in the 21st century.

Matteson Perry is a Nice Guy. He remembers birthdays, politely averts his eyes on the subway, and enjoys backgammon. A serial monogamist, he's never asked a stranger out. But when the girl he thought might be The One dumps him, he decides to turn his life around. He comes up with The Plan: 1. Be single for a year. 2. Date a lot of women. 3. Hurt no one's feelings. He's not out to get revenge or to become a pickup artist; he just wants to disrupt his pattern, have some fun, and discover who he is.

A quick-witted Everyman, Perry throws himself into the modern world of courtship and digital dating only to discover that even the best-laid plans won't necessarily get you laid. Over the course of a year, he dates almost 30 different women, including a Swedish tourist, a former high school crush, a born-again virgin, a groupie, an actress, a lesbian, and a biter.

In Available, award-winning storyteller Matteson Perry brings us into the inner sanctum of failed pickup lines, uncomfortable courtships, awkward texts, and self-discovery, charting the highs and lows of single life and the lessons he learns along the way. Candid, empathetic, and devastatingly funny, Available is the ultimate real-life rom-com about learning to date, finding love, and becoming better at life.

©2016 Matteson Perry (P)2016 Random House Audio

Very honest look inside the mind of guys

It's not everyday that you read a book written by a man that exhibits such vulnerability. This book could have been a cavalier memoir of sexual conquests and exploits, with some Yelp suggestions. It took bravery to speak from the heart, to examine and re-examine choices, face consequences and take accountability for the roles we play. Because of this, Mr. Perry's work goes beyond the personal and delivers a huge blow to the theory that men and women are very different. We all fret about who we are and how that attracts or doesn't attract people. We all indulge in a public image of ourselves - neurotically crafting dating profiles, editing and re-editing texts that have the correct subtext, playing the game. This isn't just a woman thing. Men talk. Men worry. Men question, and get insecure. Men need boyfriends.

I've never read a book that so explicitly details the inner workings of male relationships quite like his. It's an important read for men and women alike.

Entertaining listen

I loved the story and had laugh out loud moments. His memoirs really can be easy to relate too

Hilarious, informative, and very relatable!

Very entertaining, kept me listening every opportunity I had. Would definitely recommend to anyone who's single or otherwise. The stories are all very entertaining, funny, and relatable.

A Hopeful Guide for Young Men Dreaming of Love

As a 24 year old who has been in a long term relationship and has been single for a while, my experiences dating have been numerous yet disheartening. Matteson Perry's book was relateable, funny and witty, and offers someone in my position hope that I have plenty of years to fill with girlfriends and brunch. Have recommended it to all my pals and look forward to meeting him someday!

Decent listen

from a 50 year old women's perspective...I was midly amuzed. have more little more insight into milenial male's dating world. Loved the main character's learned confidence over time. Was light and uplifting, some funnyish lines, but nothing that made my stomach hurt funny. best audience probably a dude in 20s.

Chick flick

A total chick flick by a dude, LOVE IT! Can totally relate to feelings and stories

Refreshingly honest, funny and relatable

Matteson tells his story with captivating clarity, lots of reflection and a unique sense of humor! I absolutely loved listening to his book.

An insightful and amusing memoir

I first became aware of Matteson and this book at the National Storytelling Festival, where he presented some of his life stories. He represented a more modern and sophisticated voice than is usually heard by the usual demographic for the festival. But, since I have a son in his thirties who is grappling with relationship issues, I wanted to hear more of Matteson's experiences and storytelling style. The book did not disappoint, although others in my age group (i.e. "old") might find some of the mores and dating practices rather racy or even scandalous! I enjoyed this book. Especially the last, more introspective chapters. I now am interested in viewing him on Youtube, and also watching other Moth storytellers.

SO GREAT

This book is amazing. I don't normally write reviews, but this is worth it. It's tastefully (sort of haha) hilarious and has good lessons learned and whatnot to make you think about love and heartbreak but not in a preachy way. Recommend to everyone

Nailed it

Insightful and hilarious. I laughed out loud at least 20 times during this (very quick) read. For anyone, particularly men, with experience online dating, this is a perhaps too recognizable story, articulated extremely well. The author is incredibly honest, and it serves the story. I will say it drags for a few chapters just after the midpoint, but even that serves a purpose. I also found listening at 1.25x to be a better speed. Can not recommend highly enough.