Live Alone and Like It: The Classic Guide for the Single Woman Paperback – June 13, 2008

I signed a lease alone twice in my life, once at 24 (in NYC) and once at 34 (in Boston). Really wish I had this book the first time around. Might have shortened the six months of gloom the second time around (though the author allows us one.)This provides a good talking-to and elixir from those suffering from the fear (still real today) of what it means to live alone indefinitely - whether by choice or circumstance (or both). And also champions the practical benefits in a way I have never seen in current literature.Surprisingly current despite being written in the 1930s, only ~20% feels dated (though skip the second introduction entirely).This book is a delight.

...I've hunted down used copies for a half-dozen people, and now gift-giving will be a lot easier.This book is more than just a primer for living alone happily; it's a primer for living happily and independently, no matter your age or marital status. While there's considerable "period" charm to be found in her stories and advice, this book is by no means a quaint period piece. It's packed full of (often very funny) practical wisdom that's just as vibrant for a woman living today as in the 1930s.Be warned, though: one thing Miss Hillis cannot abide is self-pity, so this book offers several invigorating slaps to those who see loneliness as "an affliction sent by Providence like a hare-lip, instead of self-inflicted torture, like a hair shirt". Her advice on living a rich and full single life is so inspiring that it's a bit of a pity to find out that she eventually forsook "the pleasures of a single bed."Highly, highly recommended.

The social norms and economic of living may have changed since the book was first published (e.g. most people do not have servants any more, and single people by default do not live in 3- or 4- bedroom apartments), but it is still a fun, well-written read!

The kindle edition is riddled with typos and misspellings. I have only read up until page 202 but there are already so many mistakes that I want to give up reading.The mistakes really distract from the text; in one occurrence a brace "}" was inserted instead of a space in between two words. Repeatedly vowels are substituted for others in words (it instead of at, sock instead of sick, etc.).

this is a great book for any woman, young or old, single or wretchedly or happily married, living alone or domesticated as a housecat, what ever. it is a guide to how to live, it is empowering. i read it, i'm in my mid twenties living alone and loving it (before and after reading!), i made my mother read it, i would thrust it into the hands of any friend including some gentlemen who i think could use a push in the right direction. the tone is hilarious, and the advice is timeless and i love her preoccupation with bathrobes and the opinions of the sheep. the anecdotes about so and so who lives x way are perfect this book is perfect.

I read the Kindle version and loved it! Not only does Marjorie Hillis have good advice for single women, much of which still applies today, but her common sense suggestions are also helpful for married women. Cultivating good habits and great attitudes are always helpful!The Kindle version needs copy editing. It appears to have been scanned from a print version and not proofread. Numerous punctuation errors and a few spelling irregularities mar the wonderful writing. This was a little distracting, but not enough to spoil the humor of Ms. Hillis' writing.I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a time-tested prescription for a fulfilling life.

I love vintage advice books, but this one is timeless. Bracing, practical and cheerful advice for any woman on how to enjoy life without waiting for anyone else to plan it for her. Actually, I am married, but my husband travels a LOT, and I found this book full of ideas for getting "my groove back" as I approach middle age. I've already ordered new pajamas and prettier dresses to lounge around the house in, and a manicure/haircut is on my calender! Goodbye Old Mother Hubbard,Hellllooooo Auntie Mame!

Tips for living even in a modern world.I have to preface this review by noting this book is a reprint of the version that was a bestseller in 1936. It is dated. Yes, I know that. But that’s a lot of the charm of this book.The tips are geared toward the 1936 woman and some if it won’t fly in modern times. That’s where going into this book by looking at is as a slice of the past helps. Take it for the time it was written. Not many people are running around in mink coats any longer, but the stories are cute. There are practical tips about knowing you are enough and can achieve what you want if you put the work in.Go into this book with an open mind and expect a dated read that has funny moments and those to make you think. You’ll be glad you did.originally posted at long and short reviews