Single Woman of a Certain Age: 29 Women Writers on the Unmarried Midlife -- Romantic Escapades, Heavy Petting, Empty Nests, Shifting Shapes and Serene Independence

by Jane Ganahl (Editor)

In Single Woman of a Certain Age, Jane Ganahl assembles a chorus of sophisticated and witty voices for this revealing anthology about flying solo in midlife. Joyce Maynard and Dakota Cassidy try online hookups, Debra Ginsberg brings up the M-word, Cameron Tuttle goes on a date (with herself), Susan Griffin finds joy in solitude, and Rachel Toor finally finds companionship — the four-legged kind.

Reflecting on the (mostly) ups and (sometimes) downs of women cruising past 40, these writers address the challenges and rewards of growing older as a single woman: sex, loneliness, motherhood, learning to live alone, financial struggles, blossoming careers, menopause, and more. Contributors include April Sinclair, Cameron Tuttle, Spike Gillespie, Laura Fraser, Susan Griffin, Jane Juska, Joyce Maynard, Sunny Singh and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Short Stories

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2005

About the author

Jane Ganahl is the author of the novelized memoir Naked on the Page: the Misadventures of My Unmarried Midlife, and editor of the anthology Single Woman of a Certain Age. She has been a journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area for 25 years, and during her years at the Chronicle, was columnist of the popular Single Minded feature. For her outspokenness, Jane was named to MSN.com's Singles Hall of Fame, alongside Maureen Dowd and Oprah Winfrey. Of her work, MSN wrote: Jane Ganahl is not only a keen observer of single life - she's also a champion of it. She also co-directs the Litquake literary festival, owns cats (of course), dotes on her grown-up daughter and cooks a mean paella. "

Reviews

[Lore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a few years old, and sometimes feels it. But the personal essays from single women are interesting, trenchant, and relatable. Any collection that includes writing by Merrill Markoe is a win in my book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not quite finished, but I have noticed that pets fill a large role in the serenely independent woman's life....

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "serene independence" part must come later in the book, because I wasn't able to make it past page 50 or so. I was looking for something a bit more positive and with less of a man-shaped hole in it. Lines like "It's been thirty years since I sat across a dinner table from someone whose underwear I didn't buy, and I don't know the rules any more" are funny but don't really resonate with my experience.

[Niya · Rating 2 out of 5]

What bills itself as an insightful anthology of stories from single woman of a certain age seems painfully self aware, mildly apologetic and slightly bored with men and life. There are no deep awakenings, no useful lessons learned and nothing truly memorable about what could have been an inspiring collection of musings from a generation that grew up with feminism and has come to see a wide range of results.

[Anita Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some short stories I enjoyed more than others, but that is to be expected in a short story collection. Some stories were boring and I skipped altogether. But for the most part, I enjoyed this! Definitely inspiring to all the happily single ladies out there. :-D

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Thought the writers would be older. At 57 I don't consider the 40's to be an older woman. A matter of perspective, I suppose. Guess I was looking for more "crone" perspective. ;) Will definitely be checking out more by Jane Juska. Already have one on order.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not as old as the women in this book. The youngest writer was in her 40s. It was okay. Many of the women had kids, which I can't identify with. But, I will definitely be happy if I never marry.

[Lisa C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was hoping to read inspiring stories from women who are single and fulfilled- these women weren't - too much lamenting over love lost or never found.

[Della Scott]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12865242