The reviews are in!
The collection is often at its best when it is at its funniest. Judy McGuire’s riff on the role of farts in relationships; Lynn Harris’s story about the differences between her and her twenty-year-old wilderness guide, (she eats sushi, he eats calf testicles); Suzanne Scholsberg’s account of going 1,358 days without sex, those alone would be worth the price of the book.
PopMatters.com, October 2007
***
One of Single State of the Union’s chief strengths is the diversity of its contributors’ experiences and viewpoints. Rather than a collection of twenty- and thirty-something Carrie Bradshaw wannabes, the authors represent a range of ages (I was surprised at how many were over fifty), relationship experience and sexual identity … Single State of the Union is an enjoyable read, often amusing and at times touching.
Feminist Review Blog, August 2007
***
If you’re annoyed with the stereotypes that Sex and the City left in its wake (e.g., the single woman is a two-dimensional character living in a world of bad dates and fabulous shoes), then pick up Single State of the Union … Edited by Diane Mapes, this collection of essays features down-to-earth meditations on going in and out of singlehood from women such as comedian Margaret Cho, who writes about feeling guilty for getting married and giving up the single life. Other topics include finding yourself single and over 50, and dealing with those pitying “you’re not married yet?” looks. Single State of the Union and its realistic take on the single life will keep you interested through the night. How many dates can you say that about?
Seattle Magazine, June 2007
***
From sex and the single girl to single motherhood, Single State of the Union exposes the mind and soul of today’s modern woman – in her own words. It’s a funny and inspiring collection … You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and no longer will you question your single status! Single State of the Union proves that being single is not a curse, but a cause for celebration.
Singleandfab.com, June 2007
***
This series of essays goes further than the usual sex, dating, and “you and your cat” writing that readers might expect from a book about being single women … The essays are deftly written, often include fast-paced witty dialogue, and tell concisely constructed stories … Single State of the Union makes its best impression when it takes on the customary or tedious notions our society projects onto unmarried women, turns them back on themselves, and does so in a way that makes the reader laugh out loud … A thoroughly modern take on singlehood.
ForeWord Magazine, May/June 2007
***
Single women strike back in this compilation of essays … in which they discuss with candor and courage their own experiences outside of the domestic partnership paradigm.
Publishers Weekly, May 2007
***
A crackerjack collection of essays by single women who write with utter frankness about the joys and challenges of singlehood, with emphasis on its considerable joys.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 11, 2007
***
A collection of smart and funny stories by single and formerly single writers.
Bust, April/May 2007
***
While I was single for a very long time, I acquired a strong distaste for books written to single women, and an accompanying voracity for essays written by women about their experiences as singles. This book is an excellent example of the latter, and it’s not just any collection. The subtitle is key: These writers are pursuing happiness, not merely landing themselves a husband, and it can be a lonely but ultimately fulfilling choice. Whereas the singlehood nonfiction I usually consume is written by women in my approximate age range, this selection represents women of many ages, viewpoints, and statuses, from single mothers to happily coupled to quirkyalone (including a contribution from quirkyalone queen Sasha Cagen).
My one complaint: Margaret Cho’s “I Am Getting Married” quickly made me smile; and just as I settled in for awesomeness, it ended too soon. This is essential reading for anyone inclined to think outside the hope chest, and anyone coming to terms with her status as an independent woman.
Playgirl, April 2007
***
Fascinating, funny, inspiring! Single State of the Union offers a peephole into the bedrooms, minds, joys, sorrows, and adventures of today’s most independent single women. Once you start reading, you won’t want to look away.
– Cameron Tuttle, author of The Bad Girl’s Guide series
