Live Alone and Like It - Marjorie Hillis

New Yorker's Timeless Guide for Single Women on Their Own

Jul 19, 2008

Odds are, at some point, most women will live alone. Whether divorced, never married or widowed, his book explains how to not only live by yourself, but to enjoy it.

This book is not to sing the praises of living on your own. Rather, it’s purpose is to give advice to women living alone on how to decide the life they want, and then achieve it. Whether you view it as a death sentence or an adventure, the author wrote, there are ways to cope and to make the best of your situation.

How to Thrive as the 'Extra Woman'

Marjorie Hillis’ archly funny manifesto for single women is a gentle guide for the “extra woman” on how to thrive. While this book was first published in 1936, and has been passed down through generations of women, its message is still relevant today.

The book walks the reader through the basics of living alone – from the importance of making your home as lovely as you can to having hobbies that remove you from your home, to explaining how to decline invitations.

“Solitary Refinement”

Hillis explains in this chapter how independence is its own reward by way of three case studies that illustrate her point.

“When a Lady Needs a Friend”

Companionship, she wrote, is the key to happiness. The book suggests that single women should strive to be interesting by joining clubs, meeting people and building a circle of friends around themselves.

“Setting up for a Solo Act”

Hillis wrote that a single woman’s home should be charming, chic and comfortable. Yes, it may only be you living there, but the atmosphere and décor that you present will affect your mood and outlook. Make it a positive one.

Updates

This new edition features a new preface by Laurie Graff, author of the books You Have to Kiss A Lot of Frogs (2004), Looking for Mr. Goodfrog (2006) and Scenes From a Holiday (2006). Her latest novel, The Shiksa Syndrome, will be available in November 2008.

About the Author

Marjorie Hillis, a true bon vivant, had had enough of listening to single women carping about their living arrangements and lonely lives; this book is her wake-up call for single women to take control and enjoy their circumstances. Hillis was an editor at Vogue and the author of indispensable guides for the single woman. She also published:

The copyright of the article Live Alone and Like It - Marjorie Hillis in Humorous Writing/Books is owned by Teresa Shaw. Permission to republish Live Alone and Like It - Marjorie Hillis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.