DSI--Date Scene Investigation CD: The Diagnostic Manual of Dating Disorders

by Ian Kerner

Names have been changed to protect the brokenhearted. Someone you know is stuck in a dead-end relationship. Perhaps thaT someone is you. Have you been read your rights? In this hilarious and helpful handbook, best-selling author Ian Kerner introduces us to the DSI team, a top-secret unit within the FBI (that's the Federal Bureau of Intimacy) whose sole mission is to investigate dating dilemmas and equip you with the skills you need so you're never again a dating victim. Through humorous and engaging case studies, you'll read about boyfriends who might be gay, gamers who won't step up to the plate, and wimps who won't go down for the count. You'll gain unprecedented access to previously classified relationship rap detailed reports that reveal interpersonal infractions, mating misdemeanors, and flirtatious felonies. From testing for SPARK (Sexual Potential and Romantic Kinship), to consulting with undercover agents in the MBU (Missing Boyfriends Unit), Kerner ventures above the law and beneath the covers. You have the right NOT to remain silent!

Genres: Nonfiction, Relationships

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Ian Kerner is a nationally-recognized sexuality counselor and New York Times best-selling author of numerous books including the ever-popular She Comes First (Harper Collins). He writes a well known column for CNN and can often be seen on the TODAY Show and the Dr. Oz Show amongst others. He is regularly quoted as an expert in print and online media.

Ian is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors (AASECT) and addresses issues that are common to the "American bedroom." He frequently lectures on topics related to human sexuality, with recent appearances at New York University, Yale and Princeton. Ian is the founder of Good in Bed, an online destination that brings together many of the country's leading sex and relationship experts. Ian was born and raised in New York City, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess by the title and the cover, you can't expect this to be a serious read.
The acronymizing and satirical theme is only funny for about 5 minutes, then it gets lame. It's like a joke that you might think is hilarious when you're drunk or stoned, but then the next day you can't figure out why it was so funny. Or like a dad joke or something that just goes on for far too long.
Anyway, I still give it three stars, because in amongst the lameness and the mildly amusing stories and anecdotes of dating scenarios, there are some pearls of wisdom. Towards the end of a chapter there would be a summarizing and reflection on the scenario that can be quite profound. Usually under the heading of "DSI Finding".
For example in the last chapter (still fresh in my mind), I found this commentary on modern dating to be right on point:
"Our societal reliance on electronic forms of communication makes the 'fade-out' that much easier, as it easy to be in touch without putting anything at stake. While communicating electronically has the positive effect of allowing people to get to know each other better in a non-sexual setting, especially when hectic work schedules make physical presence untenable, the impersonal nature of the medium makes it easier for us to devalue the flesh-and-blood person who resides at the other end of the cyber sphere. The compounded online opportunities for pursuing new relationships without sacrificing too much time or risk has also contributed to the commoditization of dating into a virtual marketplace where ready-supply has cheapened demand. ...
While the internet and its off-shoots make it easier to meet people, they've also served to devalue relationships. All too often, people who date treat each other like virtual commodities, not human beings."
These profundities here and there in this book, did make it a worthwhile read overall.
This review is based on casually listening to the book in Audible rather than reading a written copy. Because this is often done while driving or doing some other activity I don't always have my full attention on it and may have missed bits and pieces.

[Busy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this a dating advice book? No. Is it a collection of case studies written by a therapist? Yes. Did that therapist stretch a joke about a fictional law enforcement agency too thin? Debatable. I loved this book because it straight spilled the tea on some dating dorks. I have read a lot of relationship books but this one with its humorous, non-sappy tell all style gave me some kind of weird closure for a few of my exes who did dick things like text message breakup after long romantic weekends or faded away after I cooked them dinner. While it won't help you find your true love, it is an illuminating look at how weird some people's (including yours!) thought processes can be.

[Casey McDonagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty corny and a lot of the information seemed simple, but it was over-explain or explained in a roundabout way to seem more complicated. A few decent tips, worth reading if you're just looking for more info, but nothing really revolutionary is in here, in my opinion.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is enjoyable but it probably would have been a lot funnier 10 years ago.

[Chirag · Rating 3 out of 5]

The acronyms were a big turnoff.
Throughout the book, I was never sure what was the purpose of this book.
It looked like the author's childhood fantasy and I'm glad he finally fulfilled it.

[Vovka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful as a review of different scenarios one might encounter (good for the inexperienced, perhaps, so that they might recognize problems before they have the misfortune of experiencing those problems), but the humorous schtick wears thin quickly, and the lessons are buried in overwrought dramatizations and shallow characterizations that detract from the value of the book.

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute idea, but the theme became grating after a couple chapters.

The content was mediocre... Not a relationship book I'd recommend.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I get the feeling this was supposed to be a humorous read. It didn't do that for me.

[Elmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

UAOA (Unnecessary Amount Of Acronyms).

[Elenute · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining and right-on