alone.: An almost practical guide to surviving yourself after a breakup.

by Linda Molnarova

100% HUMAN CREATED CONTENTNobody prepared you for this. They taught you how to give CPR, cook a half-decent meal, and maybe even fix a flat tire, but did anyone ever teach you how to be alone? How to wake up in an empty bed, sit across from an empty chair, and face the unsettling silence of your own company? No one warned you that loneliness can hit harder than heartbreak itself.

This book primarily dedicated to women won’t promise you fairytale endings. What it will do is shake up everything you thought you knew—about love, about yourself, and about the lies we’ve all been told. With a sharp mix of humor, brutal honesty, and real-life lessons, Linda unpacks the raw aftermath of heartbreak and turns it into an opportunity for transformation.

"A truly honest and refreshing book, written in an engaging and accessible style. It’s filled with beautiful examples and practical tips that are easy to apply in daily life. Perfect for anyone who ever struggles with doubt—this is an absolute must-read!" -Michelle Elst

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

Reviews

[Tasadar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. The author’s sincerity comes through in every chapter, and it’s evident that much of the advice is rooted in genuine, personal experience. What stood out most was her intention to help others avoid the same pitfalls—there’s something both generous and comforting in that.

The writing is engaging and draws you into her journey, making it easy to connect with her story. While some of the advice might seem straightforward or easily found online, having it all gathered in one heartfelt, emotionally grounded guide makes it all the more impactful—especially for those navigating similar heartbreak. A thoughtful and valuable read.

[Basil Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to "Alone. An almost practical guide to surviving yourself after a breakup" by Linda Monarova because I counsel people who find themselves in the exact place Linda describes in the title. Initially I found the book sad, but beautifully honest. In her chapter "They Lied to You" she writes, "From being cherished by the universe as a symbol of creation's miracle, you now face a harsh truth: no, you are neither the most beautiful nor the most extraordinary. They lied to you." (p.9) She examines the lies that are told, with good intention, that guides a person away from the truth of who they really are.

Whilst I understood the point she made, it was sad to hear her disillusionment and disappointment. As Linda described the loneliness in her personal experience, I was drawn to her writing. I know so many whose experience has been similar, because of various circumstances: breakup, divorce, death of a loved one, and not knowing how to make and keep friends. Loneliness is an all-too-common emotion in a world that seemingly has so much connection, but connection that is far from deep, personal and able to meet an individual's needs.

I found Linda's book insightful and helpful, especially as that related to loneliness, friendship, and identity. She encourages readers to be true to themselves, rather than meeting other people's perceptions and expectations of who they could or should be. This includes defining the kind of relationship or friendship we are looking for, rather than getting caught in the trap of chasing a vision of perfection that does not exist. She reminds the reader that in pursuing our own happiness we must be willing to be flexible in those moments when we do not get what we want.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I found her 15 points of 'My Almost Practical To-Do List For You' helpful, as it summarised what she says throughout the book. It definitely is a practical list of wise thoughts that can be applied into everyday life.

[Caroline Hurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thoughtful Guide Through Heartbreak
Alone asks difficult, yet necessary questions about how we connect, grieve, react, and heal. Drawing from relatable anecdotes, Linda Molnarova’s emotional intelligence guides readers through the chaos of heartbreak with wit, self-awareness, and empathy.
Whether you’re overanalyzing dating profiles or crafting fantasy futures with someone who ghosted you after two texts, Molnarova captures that universal tendency to romanticize, project, and self-sabotage with humor and hard truths.
Emotional precision is about understanding the patterns that hold you back, the feelings you're chasing, and the expectations you have.
With practical guidance on boundaries, emotional regulation, and impulse control, Molnarova offers deeper reflections on identity, vulnerability, modern loneliness, and the societal myths we’ve absorbed around love and perfection.
From Maria Callas’s tragedy to online dating's eerie consumerist parallels, Alone reminds us that healing begins with brutal honesty. Much food for thought within these pages – I loved it!

[Susanna Eun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written insight on how to deal with a universal issue: loneliness

A brilliant, honest, and poignant story that captures a universal struggle in today’s fragmented digital society. Genuine, authentic, and mutually nourishing relationships are increasingly rare. As Linda beautifully put it: “I need to be respected, excited, loved, understood, and safe.” Who among us doesn’t long for the same? Reading her reflections, I felt as though she could be a forever friend.

Another striking truth she shared was: “I often wonder why no one prepared me for life’s inevitable disappointments.” Don’t we all?

Loneliness and being alone are interrelated yet profoundly different. Loneliness drives us to seek validation from outside sources, while solitude, when embraced, can uncover a deeper strength. In stillness, as we examine our desires, hopes, and disappointments, we may discover the extraordinary resilience and inexhaustible power already within us.

Linda shows the ways how to find extraordinary power we have within us.

[Sam S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most breakup guides sugarcoat the pain or rush you toward healing before you're ready. This one sits with you in the messy middle and acknowledges that loneliness can be more devastating than the actual relationship ending. The humor cuts through without minimizing the genuine struggle of learning to exist alone after being part of a pair. Linda's voice feels like a friend who's been there and won't let you wallow but also won't force toxic positivity down your throat.

The practical examples are specific enough to actually implement rather than vague self-help platitudes. What makes this different is the focus on unlearning all the myths about love and relationships that set us up for failure in the first place. The conversational writing style makes difficult concepts accessible without dumbing them down. This isn't about getting over someone quickly; it's about fundamentally changing your relationship with yourself. Essential reading for anyone navigating the disorienting aftermath of a breakup and ready for some uncomfortable truths.

[S Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What stands out is the bold claim that loneliness after a breakup can hurt worse than the actual relationship ending, which flips the typical breakup narrative completely. Most resources focus on missing the person or processing the loss, but this zeroes in on the terrifying experience of sitting with your own company in silence. The comparison to learning practical skills like CPR highlights how absurd it is that we're never taught how to be alone despite it being inevitable at some point. The humor mixed with real-life lessons keeps it from feeling like a therapy session.

The book works best for people early in the post-breakup phase when the empty bed and silent apartment feel overwhelming. Some readers already comfortable being alone might find the core premise less relevant. However, the examination of cultural lies about love and the transformation framework offer value beyond just breakup recovery. A useful guide for confronting the specific fear of aloneness that keeps people jumping from relationship to relationship without ever sitting still.

[Trinity Digital · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in this book feels very genuine and easy to relate to. It blends practical tips with heartfelt honesty, making it simple to connect with the author’s message. I appreciated that the author doesn’t just gloss over the tough times; instead, they recognize the pain and offer small, achievable steps to start feeling better.
What really stood out to me was how the book strikes a nice balance between thinking deeply and taking action. It encourages you to be aware of your feelings and accept where you are, while also providing helpful tools to improve your daily life and find peace in your own company. I liked the gentle reminders that healing takes time and isn't always a straight path, which made the advice feel kind and understanding. The writing has a friendly tone, almost like a friend sharing their own experiences, which made it much easier to take in the guidance.

[Pat T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sits with you in the pain without sugarcoating anything, which is exactly what makes it so comforting. Linda's voice is honest, witty, and deeply human—she captures the chaos of heartbreak with humor and hard truths that make you feel seen rather than judged. The practical strategies and reflective questions help transform loneliness from something to escape into a catalyst for real growth. The shift from self-sabotage patterns to genuine self-understanding feels empowering rather than preachy. For anyone rebuilding after a breakup or struggling with loneliness in general, this delivers the brutal honesty and gentle guidance needed to rediscover strength and joy in your own company.

[Garima Bais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a heartfelt and honest book about getting through the pain of a breakup. The author shares helpful tips and simple steps for healing and taking care of yourself, making it easy for anyone to follow. I liked how Linda uses her own experiences and thoughtful advice to encourage you when you feel lonely or lost. The book feels comforting, and the language is clear and gentle. If you’re searching for hope and strength after a difficult breakup, this book is a warm and supportive companion.

[J. Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t just talk about heartbreak, it walks beside you through it. Every chapter feels like sitting with a friend who has been there, understands the ache, and gently shows you how to breathe again. Linda’s voice is raw yet hopeful, weaving humor and wisdom into the kind of truths we rarely say out loud. It’s not about fixing yourself, it’s about finding yourself in the quiet moments after love ends. Thought-provoking, beautifully written, and deeply human, this is a guide for anyone learning to stand strong on their own two feet again.

[Liria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three chapters in and I've marked up about ten lines already. What gets me is how direct it is without feeling preachy. Linda writes from actual experience, not recycled self-help formulas.
The best part? She won't tell you everything fixes itself tomorrow if you just think positive. She hands you real tools you can use right now, even on your worst days. Her dry humor makes the heavy stuff easier to take in, like talking to someone who's been through it too.

[Bernard Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is engaging and makes you feel the author’s journey. Even if some of the tips may seem obvious, having them all in one place, grounded in real emotion and context, makes the book a meaningful read - especially for anyone going through similar pain. the valuable guide for a broken heart. As a man, I can associate with the feelings of loneliness and the need to fill in that crushing gap where your old relationship used to be. Linda Malnarova went above and beyond in terms of her ability to make light of the more serious aspects of a woman living by herself. While the book obviously caters to a specific audience, I, as a man, still found it helpful in recognizing the emotional stress that I have been through as a result of trauma from past partners and spouses. It was an insightful read.

[Kalian27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a refreshingly honest guide to surviving heartbreak and rediscovering yourself. With its mix of brutal truth, humor, and practical tips, it helped me see loneliness as an opportunity for transformation. It’s empowering, heartfelt, and easy to apply—perfect for anyone rebuilding after emotional upheaval or self-doubt.

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with lots of examples and good points on how to combat loneliness. However, I was a bit confused, as at the end of the book in the to-do list section, the author says: "You can't be alone. Loneliness kills," yet in the intro, the purpose of the book is clarified as helping you "find joy in your own company."

[tia]

Healing without pressure

This felt honest and comforting. The book offers simple, thoughtful advice for getting through the emotional ups and downs after a breakup. I found it helpful because it focuses on self understanding and healing without pressure just quiet support for finding your way back to yourself.

[Linda King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read! Engaging and its like receiving advice from a trusted friend. It has many tips on how to recover from adversity that most of us go through in life. I really like how the author gives a suggested action plan, using gratitude and asking 'pretty questions'.

[Chad O Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are more than who you are

First off, happy to read a book that isn't AI generated. Kudos!
This is a good book for those women looking for inspiration in who they are. Good book.