Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent [Paperback]

Judy Ford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

Single is...

...not a condition to be cured...it's just as natural as being part of a couple. Its wisdom is contagious. Its message is powerful.

...a one-of-a-kind book that speaks a universal language to single women everywhere.

...a sometimes funny, sometimes, touching, and always uplifing collection of true-life experiences and practical wisdom that helps you celebrate your single status.

Single is about upholding the most enduring relationship of all: the one we have with ourselves.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Being single is not a condition to be cured"-especially when the remedy possibly means riding a marry-and-divorce roller-coaster just to avoid loneliness-says author and psychotherapist Ford (Wonderful Ways series; Between Mother and Daughter, Getting over Getting Mad). Instead, singles (this book is ostensibly written for all, but may resonate more with women) should reject the lonely and pathetic stereotypes this status usually carries and embrace life's most lasting relationship-the one with themselves. While some may dismiss this advice as a desperate mantra, Ford skillfully uses her own story and others' anecdotes to show that it's possible to be single and content. As a once happily married young woman, a sudden widow at age 29, then a miserably remarried woman, and finally an abandoned divorcée with a baby and an immense debt, Ford knows how precarious it is to put her happiness in the hands of another. In amusing lessons divided among six sections, she counsels readers on how to marshal their singleness to confront whatever adversities they may be forced endure. This fundamental wisdom should not be lost on couples either; after all, everyone must tread solo sometimes. Ford's playful poking at her own past misadventures in love and denial (like when she went solo to a movie and ordered drinks and popcorn for two) will endear her to struggling singles and inspire many to rejoice in life's singular potential.
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About the Author

Judy Ford is the author of the award-winning Wonderful Ways series. Her articles have appeared in Family Circle Magazine, USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Women's World, and Glamour. Her media appearances include Oprah, CNN and National Public Radio. She lives in Kirkland, Washington, where she maintains a psychotherapy practice and keeps a regular speaking and workshop schedule throughout the year.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593371543
• ISBN-13: 978-1593371548
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Judy Ford, a trained professional with heart, soul, and life experience, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also a best selling author, mother, friend, and some say inspirational role model. She has been studying love and relationships for over three decades specializing in love, loss, and the things that matter most.

Articles on her work have appeared in Oprah Magazine, Family Circle, Women's World, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Glamour, Woman's Day, among others. Her media appearances have included Oprah, CNN, and National Public Radio. She lives in teh Seattle area, where she maintains a psychotherapy practice and keeps a regular speaking schedule. With compassion and candor, her work speaks to the heart, inspiring us to love life, to persevere through its challenges and to share our gifts with others.

Check out her web site: www.judyford.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars A little superficial, know who it's for. January 19, 2011

By Galli

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The author is a widow and a divorcee, as one she mainly speaks to singles in their 30s and 40s looking to desperately settle down, showing them that there is a way of living happily single, even if it means forever.

What she doesn't do is convince you with applicable, viable examples of day to day life. For instance, she tells the story of how she was dreading to go to the theater alone on a Saturday night after her husband had passed away. She describes that she felt miserable, and like everyone was probably looking at her and feeling sorry, pity for or even disdain from her. Instead of explaining how she mustered the courage to stand, alone, in line for a ticket, she's abysmally mortified by how daunting the situation is, and instead of buying herself a popcorn and a soda, she buys herself 2 popcorns and 2 sodas, thereby "tricking" the popcorn lady and solving the situation (at least so it seems, since the author then concludes that "it's not so bad to go to the theater alone"). Is this the kind of advice that will get you signing up to singleness? So every time I encounter an awkward situation I need to go out of my means to assure the environment there's nothing wrong with me?

I know this was a bit long but that really stuck out to me and I felt like the author wasn't really being sincere with her advice. I mean, if she can't be truly happy being single, and it's all a sham, why would I take her word for how ostensibly great it is?

The book is also a bit cheesy and sophomoric in its "tips". One of her regulars in every chapter is "spread your arms to the heavens and shout "YES!"". Seriously?

Maybe I'm just not the one to particularly respond to this kind of literature. I was looking for a guidance book to help me overcome my obsession with partnering up, and just being fulfilled being on my own. The book starts out very well, but it just goes downhill from there.

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Serendipitous Find August 26, 2004

By J. G. Theisen

Format:Paperback

I was looking for the perfect book as a gift to my sister, when Judy Ford's book, "Single" caught my eye.

In the past I have attended one of Judy Ford's workshops, and I have also read several of her other books, all which have been positive experiences. As I read through the comments and scanned the chapters, I knew instantly this was it.

When I got home I intended to wrap it up, but I opened it again and soon realized that I was caught up in reading the book myself.

I love this book!

The author's approach to the condition of being single is refreshing, and she keeps it honest. It defines why it is so important to cast aside the tired and outdated stereotype of what being single means. There is something for everyone here, and this book recognizes that we are all individuals who approach the world differently. Judy Ford's book encourages singles to embrace the person they are, living life to the fullest.

I especially like the way this book provides specific exercises that help realize self confidence and personal awareness. This is all done in a warm humorous manner that makes this book useful, informative and fun to read. I highly recommend it.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, Wise and Heartstopping October 6, 2004

By ladybookworm

Format:Paperback

I do not know what I expectd when I bought this book, but what I got was much more than I thought it would be. This is not an easy book for me to read, but it is illuminating. I have been divorced for three years and while reading this book, I realized that without intending to I have put my life on hold. I've been waiting for the right someone to come along so that I can start enjoying my life again. This is not a good way to live. This book has gently shocked me into facing the reality that right now I am single. I have felt sad and ashamed about my situation, but after reading the author's story, I felt proud of her and of all single men and women who refuse to settle for less and have figured out how to be satisifed, fulfilled,and independent. I want to be one of those too. The author's funny and wise words have inspired me. The tips at the end of the each section are genius.