Why did it take me so long to read this book? I don't think I've ever read a book about college women and if I did it was a long time ago and don't remember. I loved that it was set in the 1980s and the nostalgia was fun to reminisce about and the start of the computer age.

It was a cute book about Amy and Veronica who met as roommates at in the 1980s who went to Syracuse. Before Amy left for college, her Dad told her that there are Forks, Knives, and Spoons or the Utensil Classification System as Amy called it in meeting men. Amy was a true believer but
Veronica was skeptical about the whole system and her sorority sisters and friends used to tease Amy about it until a lot of her sorority sisters and friends started talking about it.

Forks are basically cocky jerks, Spoons are geeks are nerdy and Knives are the biggest category where they will find Mr. Right.

Amy thinks she finds her Knife but does she? She has been going out with Andrew for 5 and 1/2 years despite his cheating over the years but yet she keeps taking him back and wants a commitment and marriage proposal after 5 and 1/2 years of dating in college and beyond. Veronica thinks she finds her Knive until she finds out that he's only "an electrician" and worries what her upper class parents will think.

Do Amy and Veronica end up with a Fork, Knive, or Spoon? You have to read it to find out. ( )

A special thank you to the author, Leah DeCesare, for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

When Amy York goes off to college, her dad leaves her with some practical advice when it comes to men. He classifies them into three categories: forks, knives, and spoons. Amy puts his Utensil Classification System into practice and it becomes the dating guide for her and her friends.

On their quest to find the perfect steak knife, the girls use the system to navigate their way through college relationships and beyond. But what they never bargained for was actually learning about themselves, and to never settle.

When Leah contacted me to review, I was thrilled. This book had me smitten with all of the pop culture references and I ended up down a Google rabbit hole reliving my youth.

Based on actual advice from her father, Leah's debut is is a coming-of-age story with great advice: avoid forks, spoons are dull, and knives are the way to go. Knives are in the middle, they are balanced—not too sharp, not too dull. But they have an edge, so they are sharp when they need to be, and they are smart.

Although this novel is lighthearted, and has a fun premise, DeCesare has her characters work through some weightier topics and I applaud the effort. My only criticism was that it was too long, it needed to be a little tighter.

All-in-all a fun read. Thank you, Leah for sending me a copy of the book! ( )

Amy York....college freshman, and future news journalist. Her life up to this point has been somewhat uneventful, but her first steps toward adulthood are about to get interesting thanks to a little theory introduced by dear old dad. It's the UCS, aka Utensil Classification System, and though it may sound handy in the kitchen, it's actually meant to be applied to GUYS. It's quite interesting actually and gradually evolves from the simplistic forks, knives, and spoons, to all cutlery big and small. Amy let's the system get a bit out of control, but in the end, learns that it's not simply something to be followed to the letter, but a guideline to help her find her true heart.

When not expanding on her father's theory, Amy is leading quite an interesting life. First, there's the whole freshman experience, then the almost rape, cheating friends, too-good-to-be-true boyfriends, besties for life, and super cute guy friends that are there through thick and thin. We go to dances, celebrate birthdays, skip Valentine's Day (gasp!), steal kisses, meet the green-eyed monster several times over, and watch as Amy and friends try time and again to find their way. She'll go through a lot, losing and finding herself along the way, but in the end always seems to manage not only to hold herself together, but to be part of Amy's "glue"..

In the end, I desperately wanted to fall in love with this book, but it kept me in the friend zone. While the UCS was intriguing, it often seemed like an afterthought as the story progressed. The life and times of Amy and friends was certainly story worthy, and the journey from college kid to new adult was something everyone can relate to on some level, giving this book a broader appeal than at first it may seem. Recommended read for those starting this journey in their own lives as well as those relishing the memory of what once was.


**copy was received for review ( )

Book club read.
Coming of age/ getting to know yourself book, better suited to YA. Fun 80’s references. The concept of comparing men to utensils was a little ridiculous and childish. ( )

This book begins with Amy and Veronica starting their freshman year at Syracuse. Before Amy left home her father gave her some advice about boys. Veronica and Amy dub this unique advice the UCS. The Utensil Classification System.
This story follows Amy and Veronica as they navigate the dating scene through college and beyond. Their decisions and actions cause a domino effect on their lives and others. I enjoyed these young ladies. Both seem to have a good head on their shoulders, even though they sometimes make a few stupid decisions. I chalk that up to youth.
I love how the author sprinkles in many details from the 90's, especially the music. I found myself singing songs from my past! She even mentions Danielle Steele....oh my, she was a staple for me during the 90's.
There are a lot of characters to keep up with and it can be overly dramatic in places. But the funny wit and the grand time had by all as they struggle to find the perfect steak knife, is such a treat. This is a heart warming read about relationships and life changing decisions. A real joy!

"Be sure you know yourself and what's in your heart. Remember, you have to value and love yourself first."
I received this novel from the author for a honest review. ( )