So you're single!

by Edith Margaret Clarkson

It is refreshing to read a book on such a theme which is free both from cheap psychological jargon and religious mush. In place of the latter, Clarkson offers godliness, pointing us to the twin starts of God's sovereignty and goodness. Her book is more than a call to courage. The later chapters are filled with practical suggestions worked out in her years of singleness. She gives touching and amusing insights which will reassure singles and open the eyes of marrieds. She sharply challenges insensitive behavior. She makes discerning suggestions the the church. She displays the poet's gift of perception, presenting the truth in such a way that it convinces and moves us. John White, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba

Genres: Nonfiction

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Acacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that so many times said exactly what I've wanted to express in my own words for years... I can't wait someday to meet Margaret Clarkson in heaven and thank her for her faithfulness in being a Godly example and sharing this book and her experiences with us!

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was at a thrift store yesterday and a friend found this book for 59 cents and bought it for me. It was written in 1978 by a woman in her late 60’s that had never been married. As a heads up, it’s a very Christian book, with words like, God, Jesus, and sovereignty showing up in nearly every sentence. I was a little nervous at first to read it (seeing chapter headings such as “sexuality” and “human needs”. But don’t worry. She says we can enjoy our sexuality without sex in everyday activities such as decorating a house, and she definitely maintains the Christian values of no sex out of marriage. We are told to “relinquish” all desires to God and we will not suffer- she goes on for a few pages about how you can have a fulfilled life without sex).

While I like her attitude, agree strongly with her on some points and admire the relationship she maintained with her Heavenly Father and Jesus throughout her life, some of her thoughts aren’t doctrinally sound and I strongly disagreed with other things she talks about that made it difficult to read through some chapters. While it’s a book for single people, I didn’t feel enlightened, uplifted or hopeful at the end of it, even though she did her best to prove that your life can be just as good and perhaps even more fulfilled in Christ than our married counterparts. It was a bit boring, and kind of preachy. I felt like it was a defensive cover to the world to prove she wasn’t sad she never got married and a topic such as this could have used a little more humor. It felt very heavy. I mostly enjoyed reading about her personal life experiences (especially since she was an older single never married-which is interesting to me), but they were few and far between the sermons.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 173.1 CLA

Available.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the single women in my church read this book and I followed suit. I didn't actually like the book very much.

[Sharla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book!

[Emily Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly phenomenal book. Highly recommended for singles (and those who minister to singles, especially those who are over 30!)