What's Your Number?

What's Your Number?

2011 • Comedy, RomanceR
Ally Darling is realizing she's a little lost in life. Her latest romance has just fizzled out, and she's just been fired from her marketing job. Then she reads an eye-opening magazine article that warns that 96 percent of women who've been with 20 or more lovers are unlikely to find a husband. Determined to turn her life around and prove the article wrong, Ally embarks on a mission to find the perfect mate from among her numerous ex-boyfriends.
Runtime: 1h 46m

Why you should read the novel

If you loved the movie What's Your Number?, you won't want to miss the witty novel it's based on, 20 Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak. The book dives deeper into the main character's journey of self-exploration and romantic misadventure, offering readers laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming insight. Reading the original novel allows you to experience far more nuance and character development than the film adaptation delivers, making it a must-read for fans of romantic comedy and contemporary fiction enthusiasts alike. By choosing to read 20 Times a Lady, you'll discover intricate details, unique back stories, and side characters omitted from the movie. Karyn Bosnak's narrative style gives readers an entertaining inside look into the protagonist's thoughts and decisions, granting a richer understanding of her hilarious and sometimes poignant quest to find true love. If you're interested in sharp, clever writing and a deeper emotional journey, the novel is your best bet. Escape into the original book and experience a fresh perspective on finding love and owning your past, all while laughing out loud. For anyone who enjoys lighthearted romance with substance, 20 Times a Lady stands out. Be sure to pick up the novel for the complete story and indulge in an experience beyond the screen!

Adaptation differences

There are notable differences between What's Your Number? and its source novel, 20 Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak. One major adaptation change is the setting and cultural tone; the book is rooted heavily in New York with a distinct East Coast sensibility, while the movie shifts the action to Boston, altering the protagonist's context and some key plot points. The main character, Delilah Darling in the novel, becomes Ally Darling in the film. This name change is not just superficial — it sets a different tone for the character's personality and backstory. The movie adds Hollywood-friendly comedic scenarios and simplifies some of the darker or more complex elements of Delilah's journey to make it fit the romantic comedy mold. Significantly, the relationships and the number of exes Ally/Delilah revisits are portrayed differently. The novel provides a more in-depth look at each past relationship, offering readers added layers of emotional growth and self-reflection. The film, in contrast, streamlines these encounters and changes the nature of several ex-boyfriends to fit a quicker on-screen narrative. Another main difference lies in the tone and ending. While both the book and the film offer humor and romance, the novel dives deeper into themes of self-acceptance and growth, taking time to explore Delilah's inner conflicts and personal evolution. The movie, meanwhile, focuses more on comedic timing and feel-good resolutions, making substantial changes to key plot developments and supporting characters. Fans of the book will appreciate how the original story gives more weight to personal transformation and emotional authenticity.

What's Your Number? inspired from

20 Times a Lady
by Karyn Bosnak