The Boyfriend Test: How to Evaluate His Potential Before You Lose Your Heart

Walsh's appealing personality and empowering attitude set this small book of dating advice apart from standard magazine fare. The 20- and 30-something women she targets could do worse than listen to these zesty, positive tips for sizing up prospective dates. A former model and news anchor who's now a happily coupled mother, Walsh includes anecdotes from her own dating adventures that might seem tony and glamorous to many women (e.g., making out with Dennis Rodman and cavorting with Hollywood types). Still, she's had her share of mishaps and disappointments. Hers is not a Rules-like strategy for snaring a man, but an upbeat effort to keep women in the driver's seat by establishing a list of acceptable male behaviors. A ""Boyfriend"" must prove himself on several counts: including how he ""meets and greets,"" his telephone skills and how he behaves on the first date. Walsh prompts another evaluation after five dates. Most of the ""boyfriend"" criteria are based on common sense, such as his ability to respect a woman's boundaries. Sounding like a savvy big sister, Walsh knows that sometimes one's heart or hormones may overtake judgment; she's at the ready with lighthearted, pragmatic help. Exercises and quizzes--such as the ""Create your own perfect man"" exercise, and several questions that determine one's relationship readiness--make the book fun and promotable. Walsh smartly says that a relationship shouldn't end until ""all the lessons have been learned on both sides of the union."" (Feb.) Forecast: Timed for Valentine's Day, this stylish and savvy primer should do well if given prominent display, and the author's media savvy should, if tapped into by the publisher, help the book immensely.