Birding with Benefits: A Novel

Sarah T. Dubb’s debut novel, “Birding with Benefits,” presents a captivating middle-aged fake dating romance with a unique twist centered around birdwatching. Celeste Johansson, a forty-two-year-old language arts teacher at a public middle school in Tucson, Arizona, is navigating a pivotal time in her life. With her daughter about to leave for college, Celeste is embracing a newfound sense of independence and self-discovery. Her journey toward living for herself—rather than for a partner—leads her to an intriguing opportunity when a new acquaintance at a bar suggests she accompany a man named John as his fake girlfriend. Eager to continue her year of saying yes to new experiences, Celeste seizes the chance. John Maguire, recently single after catching his ex-girlfriend, Breena, cheating, urgently needs a partner for the Arizona Ornithological Society’s birdwatching contest, "Bird Binge." His best friend, who was supposed to be his partner, bails at the last minute, leaving John in a bind. When Celeste shows up, a mix-up becomes apparent, but she decides to play along as John’s fake girlfriend to both make Breena jealous and deflect questions from those around her about moving on from her ex-husband. Though Celeste struggles with identifying birds, John helps her learn, using their time together as practice for his future bird guiding business. Over the course of forty-two days, their interactions shift from a pretense to a genuine connection. As they embark on birdwatching expeditions and attend events at Celeste’s workplace, their relationship evolves into a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Both are hesitant to pursue a full-fledged relationship—John is still healing from his breakup, and Celeste is focused on her own personal growth. The birding facts sprinkled throughout the novel lend authenticity to the competition backdrop, while the mature, well-communicated romance between Celeste and John stands out. Their well-developed lives and the realistic portrayal of their fears about vulnerability and potential heartache contribute to the story's depth. The lack of miscommunication is a refreshing element in their relationship. I appreciated the outcome of the birding competition and Dubb’s decision to avoid a typical Cinderella narrative. Celeste’s habit of writing inspiring quotes on post-its and placing them on her bathroom mirror is a charming touch. Her journey from self-neglect to prioritizing her own needs is compelling. However, Celeste’s struggle to recognize that she can both prioritize herself and be in a relationship is somewhat frustrating. Despite this, the novel’s portrayal of a middle-aged couple navigating romance and personal growth is both original and engaging.