On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone | 
 enlarge | Author: Florence Falk
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Category: Book
List Price: $13.95
Buy New: $7.90
You Save: $6.05 (43%)
New (26) Used (3) from $7.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 7062
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.8
ISBN: 1400098114
Dewey Decimal Number: 158
EAN: 9781400098118
ASIN: 1400098114
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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Product Description
At some point over the course of the average American woman’s life, she will find herself alone, whether she is divorced, widowed, single, or in a loveless, isolating relationship. And when that time comes, it is likely that she will be at a loss as to how to handle it. As a society, we have an unspoken but omnipresent belief that a woman alone is an outcast, inherently flawed in some way. In this invigorating, supportive book, psychotherapist Florence Falk aims to take the fear, doubt, confusion, and helplessness out of being a woman alone. Falk invites all women to find their own paths toward an authentic selfhood, to discover the pleasures and riches of solitude, and to reconnect with others through a newfound sense of self-confidence.
Like so many women before her, Florence Falk found herself divorced, alone, and unsure of herself. Soon she realized that by embracing her solitude for what it was—a potentially enriching and life-altering experience—she could turn what once would have felt like “loneliness” into a far more positive and empowered “aloneness.” Falk notes that each of us has two opposing drives: one causes us to yearn to make close connections with others, and the other pulls us back into ourselves, into the need for selfhood and certainty that can only be shaped through solitude. In order to be whole, she says, we must heed both of those impulses. But in our modern culture, the former is stressed while the latter is neglected, even vilified. On My Own boldly shifts that paradigm.
With inspiring, intimate stories of women from all backgrounds, Falk illuminates the essential role that being alone plays in women’s lives. Whether she is in a stable relationship or on her own, every woman must learn to be by herself; for if she can be fully free, unfettered by society’s stigmas about being alone, life and all its possibilities will open up for her. And as Falk demonstrates, once a woman has discovered the richness of solitude, she is not likely to give it up so easily.
From the Hardcover edition.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN June 23, 2008
One of the most profoundly true statements in this book is that "aloneness is an opportunity, a state brimming with potentiality..." I wish this inspirational book had been available when I was going through my alone times; it would have provided the extra inspiration and strength I needed. So glad it's available now. I may need it in the future. In the meantime, I'll be recommending it to my women clients and quoting from it in my next book. Florence Falk reminds us that each woman alone is a work of art in the making. Pamela D. Blair, author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond
On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone May 27, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The book is excellent.
When I ordered it I did not realize it was a paper back book. Had I known I would not have spent the money I did. My income is very limited and I felt the price was to high. In retrospect I am glad I purchased the book - in the future I wish I knew if the books were hard covered or paperback.
Thanks
Ruth Boshart
Fascinating, smart read May 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have read many self-help books, including several relating to the single life. This book stands out for its singularly focused message: partnered or not, women benefit from cultivating a rich, vibrant inner world. This is a wonderful read for the literate woman, single or coupled. Falk pulls in a wealth of relevant writers and thinkers, from Rainer Maria Rilke to Virginia Woolf, always keeping the narrative driven toward the joys inherent in loving your own self, and keeping your own company. I cannot emphasize enough how important her smart message is: for all women, in all stages of relationships, to honor her inner self and to be independent and strong.
ON MY OWN May 1, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I THINK ITS A GREAT IDEA FOR ANY WOMAN AT ANY STAGE OF HER LIFE TO BE AS STRONG AS SHE CAN BE AND ALWAYS COMFORTABLE WITHN HERSELF.WE COME TO DIFFERENT PLACES IN OUR LIVES TO GROW.THIS IS WHERE WE BECOME OUR BEST.
Much needed book! January 6, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I'm a 25 year old single woman who lives alone, works, and goes to grad school. I was thoroughly captivated by this book, not only because of the writing, but because I realized more and more how essential this book is to every woman. Falk is right, most books exploit the insecurities of women, this book actually takes a different viewpoint and grounds its claims on reality. Instead of looking outward, it forces the reader to look inside. When you focus on yourself and improving yourself, the circumstances of your life improve. When you focus on trying to rationalize the behaviors of others, you neglect yourself and get farther away from your true self.
There are times I feel alone and insecure and times and when those moments creep up, I tend to pick up this book and read it again and soon I realize, I had just simply lost sight.
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