The audiobook version of Modern Romance is the perfect blend of pop science, humor, and social commentary. If you like romantic sexy times, your cell phone, and laughing, give the book a go. If you are cheating on your significant other, don’t listen to this book together. Your partner will probably figure out your secret and you will have a car ride full of uncomfortable silences and side-eye. Actually, maybe that would be the best for both of you in the long run. See, the book is good for everyone!
To write the book, NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg and Ansari designed and conducted what seemed to be a very large qualitative research project in which they interviewed folks across the world about hookups, dating, long-term relationships, infidelity, and the role of technology in these relationships. I was happy to hear about the in-depth research conducted with Klinenberg because the book seemed like a chance for my favorite version of Aziz to shine. I think he does.
In the audiobook version of Modern Romance, Ansari provides a lot of observations and anecdotes from their research (ex. analyzing awful dates at a bowling alley bar, or why certain text messages lead to dates) while also interjecting his own thoughts. The book covers a lot of topics without ever getting repetitive or boring. My wife and I listened to the book on round-trip from Austin to Dallas and that was pretty much the whole book.
Aziz Ansari, like Sarah Silverman and Amy Schumer, is a comedian that I find charming in real life but sometimes grating on stage. If you don’t love his standup, you may still enjoy this book.
