The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P.

Nathaniel P. is a type-A guy readers have previously encountered in many a chick lit novel. The sensitive, artistic sort who secretly turns out to be passive-aggressive and adverse to long-term commitment, this archetype is usually the stumbling block to true romance, appearing in early chapters but quickly dispatched to make room for the hero. Waldman's debut differs in that she makes this character the protagonist, and she builds such a solid point of view for her creation that the reader is drawn in despite the somewhat depressing subject matter (commitment-adverse Brooklyn writer finds perfect girl and proceeds to play mind games with her before ultimately learning important life lessons that he may then forget). The plot is the book's weakness. Tales of relationship struggles are common, and for readers' who enjoy that kind of narrative, this story provides plenty of angst. For those who are not fans of couple drama, the strong characterization will appeal. Waldman takes a cliché and turns it on its ear, and while the book may not be a breezy summer read, Nathaniel P. certainly makes an impression.