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How to be Happy Alone: A single's guide to a satisfying life
Welcome to single town, a place of opportunity, renewed energy, and plenty of good company! This is the ultimate guide to a satisfying life as a single. Learn how to be happy alone through pages filled with beautiful images and helpful advice on exploring you, healthy mind and body, cures for loneliness, and much more. "How to be Happy Alone" is the first in Coggeshall's self help series. The second installment is due late 2017.
5-Star Review from Reader's Favorite:
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
How to be Happy Alone: A Single's Guide to a Satisfying Life by Katharine Benelli Coggeshall is an insightful and motivating book for readers who are single and trying to find themselves. The book guides them to appreciate the wonders of being in single town and understand their road well so that they are able to accept it. The author encourages readers who are single to embrace their healing time and leave single town at the right time without being hasty. The book tells readers that single town is far from being deserted and time well spent there will definitely help in forming strong relationships in the future.
The best thing that makes this book stand out is that the author does not ask single people to find their Mr/Ms Right, but instead guides and asks them to spend their energy in healing themselves, to embrace their single status, and become a complete person all over again. I like the manner in which the author discusses trying new things, making time for old things, and finding joy in small satisfactions like learning a new language, or taking a dance class. The book shows how much freedom and opportunity there is while being single. Reading this book is comforting and takes single people to a good space where they will become confident to try new things, take chances, and make their own mistakes. It is a must-read for all those readers who are single as it will help them embrace their singlehood and a enjoy a wonderful time of life and self-discovery.
5-Star Review from Reader's Favorite:
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
How to be Happy Alone: A Single's Guide to a Satisfying Life by Katharine Benelli Coggeshall is an insightful and motivating book for readers who are single and trying to find themselves. The book guides them to appreciate the wonders of being in single town and understand their road well so that they are able to accept it. The author encourages readers who are single to embrace their healing time and leave single town at the right time without being hasty. The book tells readers that single town is far from being deserted and time well spent there will definitely help in forming strong relationships in the future.
The best thing that makes this book stand out is that the author does not ask single people to find their Mr/Ms Right, but instead guides and asks them to spend their energy in healing themselves, to embrace their single status, and become a complete person all over again. I like the manner in which the author discusses trying new things, making time for old things, and finding joy in small satisfactions like learning a new language, or taking a dance class. The book shows how much freedom and opportunity there is while being single. Reading this book is comforting and takes single people to a good space where they will become confident to try new things, take chances, and make their own mistakes. It is a must-read for all those readers who are single as it will help them embrace their singlehood and a enjoy a wonderful time of life and self-discovery.
- GenresNonfiction
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2017
51 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Coggeshall
10 books42 followersKatharine Coggeshall is a science writer and blogger. You can see her recent posts at thehealthyhappyblog.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 20, 2017
This book is an excellent guide for a depressed person who always feel him/herself alone. Katherine has explored many opportunities for singles and discussed many techniques for the healthiness, fitness and mindfulness. She touched every aspect well whether it's meditation or massage, hobby or passion.
Really enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed it.
November 14, 2018
I am on a non-fiction read / write spree and I found this book in one of the many GR groups.
I am glad that I visited that thread.
Please read full review < a href="https://theothermeunfolded.wordpress....
I am glad that I visited that thread.
Please read full review < a href="https://theothermeunfolded.wordpress....
October 14, 2017
This book, I think, seems like it would be a great read for a person newly single. In any way, be it divorce or a break up, or something just a heart breaking. I think the advice is good but I have heard much of it before. * I received this book for free and this is my honest review*
August 18, 2017
An accessible self help guide.
In a world that caters primarily to couples, this book offers guidance on how to create a strong and healthy identity as a single person. Several elements are important, coming to terms with singleness, creating community while single, as well as cultivating one's emotional and physical well being. Although the book is targeted to singles, it is useful for any reader interested in a primer or a review of effective techniques for self care and improvement.
In a world that caters primarily to couples, this book offers guidance on how to create a strong and healthy identity as a single person. Several elements are important, coming to terms with singleness, creating community while single, as well as cultivating one's emotional and physical well being. Although the book is targeted to singles, it is useful for any reader interested in a primer or a review of effective techniques for self care and improvement.
August 8, 2017
A book to inspire and assist anyone transitioning to be single, happy, and content. Many good suggestions to enrich your life as a single yet stay connected and engaged in life. One to keep by your bedside table for inspiration and comfort.
September 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book on how to be single and happy. Many of the ideas are common sense, but we do need to read them all and provoke ourselves (once in a while) to make sure our ships are on course in a world of singles.
I liked the reference to eating and drinking nourishment from the raw earth, and avoiding overly processed foods. Plus the emphasis on fun, gentle exercise. As the author points out, find the things you like to do within those healthy regimens, otherwise if your mind perceives it as punishment, your newly acquired healthy ways won’t last very long. For example, for the past several years I’ve had a daily swimming and jogging schedule, alternating. In the past I used to push myself to go farther, faster, but nowadays I’m content with my pre-set limits and just do half an hour of either activity. The key thing is consistency. Also, incorporating everyday exertion in your routine, such as getting up and down in an office job, taking a few flights of stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the local store instead of driving, and so on.
One thing that surprised me is that the author develops an entire chapter to meditation but makes no mention of yoga in that chapter, although she mentions yoga in a list of activities elsewhere. I thought yoga was the most common form of meditation in western civilization North America? Also, she describes the initial experience in meditation so negatively, I was surprised that it could be that unpleasant and that this feeling must be overcome. I haven’t tried meditation yet, but hearing this makes me wonder, because I haven’t heard of any negative experiences with meditation, as it’s supposed to be a very gentle activity. Also, she warns about taking unregulated herbal medicine, and one thing that is tricky to do is to please everyone, so that line may not go over well with people who are passionate about herbal medicine (true, some herbs are dangerous in large dosages, but the proponents of herbal medicine are aghast at having to defend what are essentially natural and gentle substances versus the far more invasive and manufactured chemicals of pharmaceuticals).
One other excerpt that raised my eyebrows was a mention of SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) if addressing depression or anxiety. The author wisely refers to seeking medical advice first, and not judging people by the medications they take, but it seems to be that any medication that is not herbal and may require a prescription is somewhat controversial, and may not fit the overall moderate theme of the entire book. And why only that class of medicine mentioned and not any others? I felt that this small reference could be removed entirely without any impact on the rest of this very helpful book.
I also found helpful the other recommendations such as seeking massage therapy (recreational) to make up for the lack of touch that comes from being single. As well, meeting other people with similar interests and enjoying activities such as cooking and gardening.
I liked the reference to eating and drinking nourishment from the raw earth, and avoiding overly processed foods. Plus the emphasis on fun, gentle exercise. As the author points out, find the things you like to do within those healthy regimens, otherwise if your mind perceives it as punishment, your newly acquired healthy ways won’t last very long. For example, for the past several years I’ve had a daily swimming and jogging schedule, alternating. In the past I used to push myself to go farther, faster, but nowadays I’m content with my pre-set limits and just do half an hour of either activity. The key thing is consistency. Also, incorporating everyday exertion in your routine, such as getting up and down in an office job, taking a few flights of stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the local store instead of driving, and so on.
One thing that surprised me is that the author develops an entire chapter to meditation but makes no mention of yoga in that chapter, although she mentions yoga in a list of activities elsewhere. I thought yoga was the most common form of meditation in western civilization North America? Also, she describes the initial experience in meditation so negatively, I was surprised that it could be that unpleasant and that this feeling must be overcome. I haven’t tried meditation yet, but hearing this makes me wonder, because I haven’t heard of any negative experiences with meditation, as it’s supposed to be a very gentle activity. Also, she warns about taking unregulated herbal medicine, and one thing that is tricky to do is to please everyone, so that line may not go over well with people who are passionate about herbal medicine (true, some herbs are dangerous in large dosages, but the proponents of herbal medicine are aghast at having to defend what are essentially natural and gentle substances versus the far more invasive and manufactured chemicals of pharmaceuticals).
One other excerpt that raised my eyebrows was a mention of SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) if addressing depression or anxiety. The author wisely refers to seeking medical advice first, and not judging people by the medications they take, but it seems to be that any medication that is not herbal and may require a prescription is somewhat controversial, and may not fit the overall moderate theme of the entire book. And why only that class of medicine mentioned and not any others? I felt that this small reference could be removed entirely without any impact on the rest of this very helpful book.
I also found helpful the other recommendations such as seeking massage therapy (recreational) to make up for the lack of touch that comes from being single. As well, meeting other people with similar interests and enjoying activities such as cooking and gardening.
September 8, 2017
Most books written for unhappy singles are designed to help the reader find Mr. or Mrs. Right. They may offer personality tests to help you discover what kind of person you would be most compatible with. Others are focused on "hunting" strategies: where to look, how to dress, what to say, etc. Some books review and rate matchmaking services, both on and off-line. How to be Happy Alone: A single's guide to a satisfying life by Katharine Benelli Coggeshall is not that kind of book. That's not to say that singles seeking a significant other won't benefit from reading it, it's just not the focus.
No, the primary purpose of "How to be Happy Alone" is helping singles who are not completely content with their lives find happiness and fulfillment as single person. The book is relatively short at 64 pages. So it is not so much a "how-to" guide but more a "what if" idea generator. For example, the author's chapter on exploring new hobbies has just three paragraphs describing her own hobbies but over 70 ideas for the reader to consider. Moreover, she manages to cover a lot of ground in her short space: "Single is a Choice," "Single, Not Alone," "Exploring You," "Cures for Loneliness," and "Healthy Mind and Body" are just some of the topics discussed.
Full disclosure: I am a widower who lost the love of my life about ten years ago to an incurable form of cancer. She left me with two beautiful young daughters who love me unconditionally and 20 years of beautiful memories. Although my life is far from perfect, I did not expect this book to offer much to me personally. Much to my surprise, I found that it has made me think and to see some areas where I could be doing better. And that is reason enough to read this book.
Rating: 7.5/10 stars.
No, the primary purpose of "How to be Happy Alone" is helping singles who are not completely content with their lives find happiness and fulfillment as single person. The book is relatively short at 64 pages. So it is not so much a "how-to" guide but more a "what if" idea generator. For example, the author's chapter on exploring new hobbies has just three paragraphs describing her own hobbies but over 70 ideas for the reader to consider. Moreover, she manages to cover a lot of ground in her short space: "Single is a Choice," "Single, Not Alone," "Exploring You," "Cures for Loneliness," and "Healthy Mind and Body" are just some of the topics discussed.
Full disclosure: I am a widower who lost the love of my life about ten years ago to an incurable form of cancer. She left me with two beautiful young daughters who love me unconditionally and 20 years of beautiful memories. Although my life is far from perfect, I did not expect this book to offer much to me personally. Much to my surprise, I found that it has made me think and to see some areas where I could be doing better. And that is reason enough to read this book.
Rating: 7.5/10 stars.
August 21, 2017
I review from the perspective of being single most of my life. The book talks about a place called "Single Town" this is fun and gives me a place to "fit in". It is easy to think that coupledom is the normal life default. It isn't anymore.
I agree with most of what this book offers, having visited its ideas myself over the years of living in Single Town. Where I feel this book scores is for the new recruits who are a little lost and need a helping hand. The ideas are solid and sensible and written in a way that requires just gentle effort to absorb, perfect for the divorcee or the bereaved who maybe full of emotions.
For us lifers of Single Town another of Katherine's self help books as a supplement may be needed. Loneliness is an epidemic of the 21st century and is now known to be one of the biggest health risks over and above smoking. The book address's loneliness in a practical solution kinda way.
All in all a safe bet to recommend to a friend who is struggling with a single life.
I agree with most of what this book offers, having visited its ideas myself over the years of living in Single Town. Where I feel this book scores is for the new recruits who are a little lost and need a helping hand. The ideas are solid and sensible and written in a way that requires just gentle effort to absorb, perfect for the divorcee or the bereaved who maybe full of emotions.
For us lifers of Single Town another of Katherine's self help books as a supplement may be needed. Loneliness is an epidemic of the 21st century and is now known to be one of the biggest health risks over and above smoking. The book address's loneliness in a practical solution kinda way.
All in all a safe bet to recommend to a friend who is struggling with a single life.
July 2, 2018
This is an uplifting book that emphasizes self-enjoyment. What a positive perspective. Rather than focus on how to find someone special, Katherine Coggeshall reminds readers that being single is a terrific choice. And it can be a positive interim between relationships that allows for self-growth and exploration.
The photos are lovely. This book would make a beautiful coffee table book with its colorful photos, tidy chapters, and organized resources at the end of the book.
Although most of us know the importance of body/mind balance, mediation, and exercise, what I like about this book is that the author is not pushy about these topics. She uses a suggestive approach, emphasizing opportunities to live better lives. She dares her readers to try new things and realize happiness in lieu of living according to others' rules and expectations. After all, there is no shame in being single. In fact, according to this author, a solo journey can be a lot of fun.
The photos are lovely. This book would make a beautiful coffee table book with its colorful photos, tidy chapters, and organized resources at the end of the book.
Although most of us know the importance of body/mind balance, mediation, and exercise, what I like about this book is that the author is not pushy about these topics. She uses a suggestive approach, emphasizing opportunities to live better lives. She dares her readers to try new things and realize happiness in lieu of living according to others' rules and expectations. After all, there is no shame in being single. In fact, according to this author, a solo journey can be a lot of fun.
November 16, 2018
How to be happy alone by Coggeshall. I am not single and was given a copy of this book by the author. This is my honest review. Not having been in 'Singletown' for over 10 years, I thought I would skim through this short, chatty book. However, there were a few reminders health-wise that I need to address. I live in the tropics now so it is too hot during the day to walk a short distance, but up a steep hill, to the shopping center, the cinema and the doctor's. I don't like to overdo it as I am on heart medication. The dog is too old to be walked so that is off the list. I have my weights sitting in the cupboard, accusing me every time I open it. So back to what I used to do and meditate first thing and then back to reading and writing.
August 26, 2017
Coggeshall has written a helpful book on embracing singlehood. The advice she gives is sound advice, though I may have heard much of it before, having gone through a divorce. Nevertheless, a person who is looking for peace of mind after suddenly being single again would find this book a comfort. It includes suggested socialization and relaxation therapies as well as resources to find more information on them. In addition, she discusses ways to practice a healthy mindset. She does not focus on "finding love again," but rather, on becoming a single person who is a whole human being, which is quite applaudable.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews