So here's the thing. On paper, I think I am supposed to fall all over myself about this book. It's a series of essays from a 'comedian' who lives in New York and writes for publications I know and does comedy shows in places I frequent. But...in reality, I could not connect with this book. Maybe turning 40 has changed the way that I read, or the way that I feel things.
Lane Moore is a talented writer, that's a fact. However, I wasn’t able to connect with these essays. With a title of "How to Be Alone" I assumed this would focus on empowering oneself to be an independent person (a la Spinster, one of my favorite reads), living your best life, despite what obstacles may pop up. Instead this focuses on Moore's anger about her family and past, as well as her striving for romantic relationships. It felt empty to me.
Bad childhoods aren’t all that rare. Many, many people have them. Moore had a home, a car and was able to travel to Germany while living at home. Other people were homeless and barely able to make it to school every day, if at all. It’s that….blindness that bothers me the most. The lack of awareness to the greater picture.
The need to fill the hole left by the lack of a support system is very apparent in these essays. I get it, I totally understand, but this writing feels like pre-therapy journal entries of a self-depreciating writer. Find your family, create it out of the support system around you. Accept the love and support that your friends offer.
Also, not to be a total bitch, but moving to New York City on your own, with no fallback plan, doesn't make you special, millions of people do it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.