Table for One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness [Paperback]

Camerin Courtney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

A happy, successful, God-pleasing life comes in a variety of packages. "And contrary to what our churches, married friends, society, and nosy Aunt Marge may tell us, that includes singleness."
In this up-front book packed with girl talk and plenty of pep, Camerin Courtney reveals how she transformed from a self-conscious single girl to an I-am-single-hear-me-roar woman. While she admits that she still has "singleness stinks" days, Courtney doesn't indulge in pity parties or offer readers a guide on finding Mr. Right. Table for One is, instead, an optimistic, up-beat look at the many emotions, expectations, joys, frustrations, and privileges of singleness. It shows how to dive into God's plan and purposes for this phase of life--whether it lasts for four years or forever.
Fun and encouraging sidebars sprinkle the text, covering everything from must-see movies to a list of great things about singleness (i.e., "If we buy floral sheets, no one complains.") This savvy, girlfriend-to-girlfriend guide to singleness will delight and inspire single women. It offers great insight for friends, families, and church leaders who want to encourage them as well.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Can we talk?

I mean really talk about what it's like to be single? If you're like me, it's a roller coaster ride of loneliness when I sit in a sea of happy couples at church, joy during giggly Girls' Night Outs, exasperation at being asked for the 247th time why I'm not married yet, happiness from the freedom to travel at the spur of the moment, and grief over the unmet expectations for this phase of my life.

So pull up a chair, and I'll let you in on a few singleness survival secrets I've learned over the years-mostly through trial and error-such as creating a "family of friends," pursuing other dreams, and letting men and our families off the hook. In these pages you'll find a much-needed reminder that God's crazy about us single girls and that true satisfaction isn't found in the arms of "Mr. Right" but in making the most of wherever God has us-even if that's at a table for one.

Camerin


Camerin Courtney is an editor and writer for Today's Christian Woman magazine and a popular columnist for the Singles Channel of ChristianityToday.com. When she's not writing or helping her suburban Chicago church launch a Gen-X ministry, she enjoys hanging out at coffee shops, bookstores, movie theaters, and antique furniture stores-alone or with friends. Camerin says "there's some sort of Eiffel Tower" in every room of the apartment she shares with her pet parakeet, Mr. Right.

About the Author

Camerin Courtney is an editor and writer for Today's Christian Woman magazine and a popular columnist for the Singles Channel of ChristianityToday.com. When she's not writing or helping her suburban Chicago church launch a Gen-X ministry, she enjoys hanging out at coffee shops, bookstores, movie theaters, and antique furniture stores-alone or with friends. Camerin says "there's some sort of Eiffel Tower" in every room of the apartment she shares with her pet parakeet, Mr. Right.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Revell (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800757955
• ISBN-13: 978-0800757953
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #348,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT for women only!!!, May 29, 2003

By 

Mindguy (SoCal - United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Table for One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness (Paperback)

Camerin knows our hearts...both women's AND men's!

As a 40ish never married male I bravely (somewhat) purchased her book today...and I'm really glad I did!

She really can relate to struggles and feelings of us over 30 singles: the alienation, the awkwardness, the frustration, profound disappointment, pain, longing, the feeling left out...of our society AND the church.

She has really fantastic tips and ideas for how to build a friendship support system, how to open up to your parents to give you the support you need (instead of the "why aren't you married yet" that we usually suffer), how to realize the benefits of single hood (yes, there are perks, just ask a married friend), etc.

I really liked her middle-way approach...between the typical "how to find a (wo)man" books, and those which encourage one to basically give up and resign oneself to a lifetime of singleness. Personally, I don't think I have the "gift" of singleness (as it's called in Christian circles), and if I did get it, I'd stamp on it "RETURN TO SENDER"!

Come on guys, get up the nerve and buy the book and read it. If you just can't face the cashier, ask a woman in your life to buy it for you, a sister, mother, friend, whatever. You'll be glad you did!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HUGE ENCOURAGEMENT IN A little package!, July 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Table for One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness (Paperback)

This is one that I am giving all my single girlfriends! Finally, a selection not written by a long time married albeit well meaning person. Camerin does a great job staying focused on God and uses her wit to help us do the same. Definately a "You Go Girl" accomplishment. She doesn't try to act like there isn't pain involved in unrealized Godly desires and unfulfilled dreams, she just helps us remember how precious we are to God and how we can live life out loud-with no apologies in just the situation God has placed us NOW. Great survival tips as well. I gave this book to my Pastor and he said it opened his eyes to a bit of what being single is like for Godly women over the age of 25. He is having leadership team at our church read it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Feel-Good Book for Single Women Everywhere!, July 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Table for One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness (Paperback)

Wow! This book is probably the best book written for singles that I have ever read! It is not one of those oh-you're single-let's-go-and-find-a-mate kind of books. With impeccable humor and blunt honesty, the author gives practical advice on dealing with the single life, in various areas of life. She does not give any false hope, but instead encourages singles to face up to the grim possibility that they might be alone for a long time or maybe even forever.

After reading this book, I felt empowered to live my single life the best way I can instead of obsessing about why I don't even have a boyfriend. The author has opened my eyes to the incredible advantages and opportunities of single life that I will never have again if I get married someday.

One caution, though, is if one is not a conservative Christian like the author is, some of the things she discusses would not have any relevance to a reader's life.

Overall an excellent book. Whether you're 22, 33, or 46, and a single woman, I say, GET THE BOOK!