LIVING ALONE CREATIVELY: HOW TWELVE PEOPLE DO IT

by Stanley E. Ely

Millions of Americans are living fulfilling lives without partners today. This book profiles twelve."Singles, be prepared to be inspired, uplifted, and validated by reading this book. It shows the single lifestyle as (contrary to popular opinion) an opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life."Jean Zartner, Author of Upside of Being Single"Living alone does not mean being isolated as Stanley Ely illustrates in these fascinating interviews with a diverse group of people. Here we get to know how single people stay connected and remain involved with their passions and interests. Read their stories, see how they create full lives, and get ideas that you can use to enrich your own life."-Peter M. Nardi, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and author, Pitzer College."If anyone has a lingering regret about not sharing his life with another, Stanley Ely's true stories will dispel that cloud. Anyone without a partner can use this book to find a way through the forest or reinforce the path already taken."-Pauline Graivier, The Dallas Morning News columnist and personal communications consultant.

126 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2006

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Less an inspirational book about people who choose to live alone and more of a book on those who do live alone by circumstance and deal with it; divorce being an example. The interviews focused mainly on how each individual managed to create a life for themselves being alone. Stories on creating a network of friends to rely on or being connected with children or the larger community seem to have a sense of resignation by the subjects. These are the cards they were dealt and they work with trying to make the best of them.

There are only two stories of individuals who are truly making a life on their own. One, a nun, who seems very happy with organizing dinners and other functions for her convent and the other an artist. The latter puts the choice of being alone in the best summation; when you realize that you enjoy your time alone, and you have more of those days than not, you realize that a partnership with someone just isn't for you.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an OK read. The stories were somewhat interesting but not organized well. The telling of each felt disjointed. I thought I would learn some new facet of singledoom, but all were fairly typical and a few had a hint of unresolved personal/emotional issues. I didn't find it overly inspiring and a few of the stories made me sad.