Here is a totally random collection of books that might be useful to singles. I will add them as I run across books… If I’ve read them, I’ll give my totally biased two cents… Unless the text is in brackets [ ], I shamelessly copied it from somewhere else, most often from the book’s page.

Women on Their Own: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Being Single, edited by Rudolph M. Bell and Virginia Yans has just been published by Rutgers University Press. The volume consists of eleven essays concerning 19th and 20th century single women in Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. Historians and social scientists are the contributors. An editor’s Introduction places the essays within the current context of “singleness studies” during this, its foundational period. The essays include discussions of theories about singleness, widowhood, single motherhood, disability, work, ideology, and the psychology of single women. The book arose from a conference and yearlong interdisciplinary seminar in 2003-2004 sponsored by the Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis.

Singled Out, by Bella DePaulo. In depth research about the myths surrounding singlehood written in an easily accessible way. [If you haven't figured out by now that I like this book, you haven't read enough on this Website ;-)]

The New Single Woman, by Kay Trimberger. The book tackles one of the largest social phenomena of our times: the increasing number of single women over 35. Drawing on the diverse personal stories of long-term single women, including herself, Trimberger explodes the idea that fulfillment comes only through finding a soul mate. [I highly recommend this book, too. The stories are very inspiring and the conclusions that Trimberger draws are very useful.]

With or Without A Man, by Karen Gail Lewis. This book is different from other self-help books in its explanation for why there are so many single women today: More women than men are pursuing their personal growth, so more women than men are ready for a healthy relationship. And, women only want to be with emotionally healthy men. [Very valuable reading on how to choose being single and make it work.]

Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics, by Sasha Cagen. Quirkyalone is a bible for all who reject archaic notions of romantic relationships. The book is loaded with individual voices of people who are constructing new approaches to life and love. Don’t expect to find linear narrative or cliched self-help lingo. A quirkyalone is a person who enjoys being single (but is not opposed to being in a relationship) and generally prefers to be alone rather than dating for the sake of being in a couple. With unique traits and an optimistic spirit; a sensibility that transcends relationship status. [This is a quick, fun read. It was the first book that made me realize that being single can be a choice, not "just" an accident...]