Spinster

Making a Life of One's Own

By: Kate Bolick

Narrated by: Kate Bolick

A New York Times Book Review Notable Book

“Whom to marry, and when will it happen—these two questions define every woman’s existence.”

So begins Spinster, a revelatory and slyly erudite look at the pleasures and possibilities of remaining single. Using her own experiences as a starting point, journalist and cultural critic Kate Bolick invites us into her carefully considered, passionately lived life, weaving together the past and present to examine why­ she—along with over 100 million American women, whose ranks keep growing—remains unmarried.

This unprecedented demographic shift, Bolick explains, is the logical outcome of hundreds of years of change that has neither been fully understood, nor appreciated. Spinster introduces a cast of pioneering women from the last century whose genius, tenacity, and flair for drama have emboldened Bolick to fashion her life on her own terms: columnist Neith Boyce, essayist Maeve Brennan, social visionary Charlotte Perkins Gilman, poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, and novelist Edith Wharton. By animating their unconventional ideas and choices, Bolick shows us that contemporary debates about settling down, and having it all, are timeless—the crucible upon which all thoughtful women have tried for centuries to forge a good life.

Intellectually substantial and deeply personal, Spinster is both an unreservedly inquisitive memoir and a broader cultural exploration that asks us to acknowledge the opportunities within ourselves to live authentically. Bolick offers us a way back into our own lives—a chance to see those splendid years when we were young and unencumbered, or middle-aged and finally left to our own devices, for what they really are: unbounded and our own to savor.

©2015 Kate Bolick (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

New York Times bestseller

One of Flavorwire's 10 Books That Will Define the Conversation in 2015

One of Newsday's Books Not to Miss

One of Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 Social Science Titles of 2015

One of Bookpage’s "15 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2015"

One of Vogue.com’s Recommended Spring Books for 2015

Featured in Bookish’s Spring Preview

Featured in Bustle’s Spring Preview

“What’s surprising about Spinster is how, in its charmingly digressive style, the book sets forth a clear vision not just for single women, but for all women: to disregard the reigning views of how women should live, to know their own hearts and to carve out a little space for their dreams.” —New York Times Book Review

“Awakened and inspired by the lives of five historical women, Bolick revels in her own singledom in this blazingly smart memoir, which argues that “spinster” should be a coveted destination, not a dirty word. Her eloquent, provocative story illustrates how charting a unique course can make any life truly singular.” —People

Great content. Not just for single women.

Great content brought to an even higher level by the author reading. This is for any independent and creative person, offers much more than just a tale of a single woman

Not what I expected.

I tried to hang through the entire book, but I only got through chapter 4. I felt as if I were listening to a 16th century novel. Not what I expected from the title. I'm so sorry to leave this review, as I can only imagine the amount of work that goes into writing a book.

Loved it.

even went back to listen again to a chapter or two. creative and fun without being predictable.

Better in Book form

The content is fine but the narration was difficult for me, the authors voice goes low and quiet and doesn't sound sincere. It would make a better book than audio so you can jump into any chapter. Audio form was hard to stop and pickup as it couldn't skip back a few pages to see who she was talking about or what she was referencing so I suggest the hard copy if you're interested in the subject.

Exceptional!

A truly exceptional piece of literature. This is not a "how-to" on single life, as you might think - but so much more than that. It's about the true need to be alone - yet forever yearning, and having, deep connections with other human beings, sexual or not. It's about wanting something else than you are expected to want, and it is about finding "your people". Thank you, Kate Bolick. I have found my people.

Too academic and she always has a man in her life.

The author is always dating or has a boyfriend. overly academic and seems like she is just capitalizing on a current trend

Great writer. Great subject. I loved it!

This book and its subject matter is dear to my heart. The author is a truly great writer. Thank you Kate for writing about a subject long overdue. Love, Amber

get in touch with your inner spinster

i’ve listened to this book several times. Each time I pick up something new that helps. I think the biggest thing it gives me is courage. Courage not to settle. Courage to keep inquiring what is possible.

Encouraging, unique and necessary

An honest, searching, poetic memoir that I'd recommend to anyone who loves writing, feminism 19th and early 20th century women's history or fascinating stories of how creative single women make their way in the world. Get it and allow yourself to be surprised!

A very enjoyable journey

This book was not what I thought it would be but I found it a very enjoyable journey that was both well researched and lived.