Live Alone and Like It: The Classic Guide for the Single Woman

I purchased this book after a breakup where I was feeling that I would live alone forever surrounded by my cats and only venture out of my bathrobe to go to work. Oddly, I find myself so enamored of this book that I think I might stay single forever just for fun! As other reviewers have pointed out, this is a reprint from a 1936 book and some of the language is a bit outmoded. However, it is remarkable to note that when Ms. Hillis was born, women did not have the right to vote.This is one of my favorite excerpts from this book on how to make a budget:"We are not advising you to save for any good and moral reason, but merely because, as time goes on, spending your own money has a kick in it, like whiskey, while having other people's money spent on you has, at best, the tame pleasure of a glass of lemondade. It is at least twice as much fun to buy something at the ten-cent store with money that is yours and mobody else's, than to have enough money doled out to cover a purchase at Cartier's."Damn straight, Ms. Hillis, damn straight.

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!

...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.

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.

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.).

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.

Although I've only read halfway through, I actually like this book. I bought it because I'm always curious about what people did "back when" and this was interesting. The case studies are a bit amusing - and to everyone stating how dated it is....Of course it's dated! The fact that the book was written in the 1930s isn't hidden from anyone wishing to purchase it. The big irony is I've found that I was living similar to her recommendations, since my divorce, before I even bought the book. Who knew huh?

I love this book. Not only is it good advise, but also an entertaining read.

The author really puts it to you what you need to do to stop yourself falling into self-pity if youre living on your own, in a humorous way, and gives you lots of ideas on how to make the most out of living alone. Some bits were subtly really funny. Although it was written in the 1930's (nearly 100 years ago, eek!!) it's all still really relevant stuff, you can easily substitute some of the things she refers to from the 30's with modern day things. You leave this book thinking its seriously possible to have a worthwhile fulfilling and interesting and happy life on your own, and theres no excuse for doing it any other way! A bit like an aunt telling you what to do, but in a funny non-patronising way. Love this wee book!

This is a wonderfully witty book full of heartening advice for singletons. Though for most people being single for a long time isn't ideal it's not a great tragedy either and this book definitely highlights the silver lining. I think the overall message of this book is for a person to be wary of feeling sorry for themselves because a good attitude can lead to contentment. Truly original and a great book.

A friend directed me to this book and I am very glad they did. It is quite dated in some respects, (although that gives it a certain charm and, considering its age, I think it stands up remarkably well to the test of time). But some of its messages are pretty ageless and I liked the author's positive approach and strong self-care message. Most of the book is just as relevant to women living alone today as when it was written.A charming and uplifting read.

A warm and witty book that may be set in the 1930s - but if you have the nous to translate it into modern terms (you probably can’t hire a maid...but could get a dishwasher) this is still excellent advice. It boils down to ‘if you choose to be a sad sack sitting at home alone expecting everyone to look after you, think again - but if you get out into the world then the world’s there waiting for you’.

I were surprised to find that a book from 1937 could be of such immense value to me in 2013. Though aimed towards women, the book is quite useful to men as well, everybody should enjoy breakfast in bed and become aware that single life could be interesting and meaningful, especially in our time when so many men and women do indeed live alone - perhaps not liking it.I have just now ordered Hills' book 'Orchids on your budget' and I am certain it shall be as useful and amusing as 'Live alone' was.Do buy, it's all you expect it to be and then some!