Having been a solo traveler for decades, I found this book to be an interesting take on the skill and aptitude needed to enjoy the solo travel experience. Rosenbloom shows how being both attentive and open to the unexpected can be balanced smoothly to make such trips unforgettable. Interestingly, it was the last -- her home city of New York City -- that was the most interesting. With the other three cities, I wish she had strayed off the beaten path somewhat -- away from the expected itineraries of sightseeing and restaurants to something non-touristy. I would recommend this book to those who have never traveled solo but would like to do so. Rosenbloom's part-memoir, part-travelogue, part-literary essay will appeal to others as well, of course. But, despite the extensive list of resources at the end, do not go to this book looking for a how-to guide on solo travel. There are many better ones out there for that. Go to this book if you want to enjoy an armchair journey or two with a traveler whose wonder and delight are contagious. [I will add a full link to the review when it is published on PopMatters.com.]

ALONE TIME by New York Times columnist Stephanie Rosenbloom is the non-fictional account of her solo travels to four cities: Paris, Istanbul, Florence and New York, one in each of the four seasons. Rosenbloom advocates for time alone and cites research that says, "even fifteen minutes spent by ourselves, without electronic devices or social interaction, can decrease the intensity of our feelings, leaving us more relaxed, less angry, and less anxious." Although her text is a kind of reflective travelogue, with varied focus on food, beauty, knowledge and home, she does devote about fifteen percent of the book to notes and refers to social science writing by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (Flow) or Pew Research Center, for example. ALONE TIME is a diverting read and I would be curious to also see her thoughts about less urban destinations. Her chapter with advice about tips and tools is definitely worth a look – places to stay, games and apps, etc. are outlined – and she again promotes the ideas of trying something new and valuing unscheduled time so as to better focus on the present moment.

This book did nothing for me so sadly, I quit at 20%. I really don't care to read about "being alone" or why I'm "alone" and how it affects me. I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

An interesting, light read. The author explores four different cities in four different seasons. She does it alone, to experience the benefits of solitude that can disappear when you are with someone else or with a group. Basically, slow down, open your eyes (and ears, and nose), and let your mind make it's own memories. It's a great idea.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Part travelogue, part memoir, author Stephanie Rosenbloom offers her readers a delightful text full of short essays that explore several unique benefits and skills to be considered when traveling alone. The quotations and data facts used throughout the book provide an educational counterbalance to the humorous accountings of the author’s adventures. Rosenbloom’s ability to fully describe and illustrate each of her four destinations made this reader hungry not only for the locations and cultures, but also for their individual cuisines. Readers will find a wealth of resources and tips at the end of the book so they can create their own travel memories.