‘Party of one: living single with faith, purpose and passion’ is a thought provoking book on the much maligned and misunderstood vocation of single life.
Knobbe who admits to being ‘intentionally single’ has used personal insight and experiences as well as that of friends and family to produce a book that explores what it means to be single, how the non-single judge and treat their single counterparts and also provides practical advice for those who are single, intentionally or otherwise.
In each chapter Knobbe expounds a myth about being single and these include: ‘You’re not an adult until you are married’, ‘Singles want to be set up’, ‘Being single means being alone’, ‘Men and women can’t be just friends’ and ‘The more single date, the more they increase their chances’. Each of these debunked myths is explained further by essays writing by single (and in some cases, now married people) as well as by Knobbe’s practical insights and suggestions.
From the beginning, Knobbe is honest; ‘Being single means more than waiting to fall in love,’ she explains. ‘The key to a fulfilling single life is to believe that I can be a complete person on my own. It is enough to be single and not waiting for another to complete me.’ And at times brutally so: ‘Sometimes I want to scream, “My life isn’t broken!” Being single isn’t a problem that needs to be ‘solved’ or an issue that needs to be ”fixed”.’
In a world where our media – magazines, films and television shows – tell us that we need to have a partner, this book is a breath of fresh air. I recommend this to all single people – whether they are intentionally single or not – from 14 years (or when the pressure to have a boyfriend/girlfriend becomes apparent) right through the ages.
This is not just a book for those who have discerned their call to single life, those who have discerned they are called to marriage but have not yet found their future spouse would also benefit greatly in reading this book.
This would also be a helpful book for those who have recently lost a partner or spouse as they navigate their newfound singledom in a healthy and constructive way.
I would highly recommend this a book that all families should have in their bookshelves. It is beneficial for teens and young adults as they discern their futures, but it would also be helpful for families who have a member who is single and most often misunderstood. This truly an interesting, at times confronting and yet always engaging read.
Originally posted 2014-10-02 22:52:52.