I found this book to be very validating, but didn't learn many new things. But I'll be buying copies of the book for my friends and nieces who are just beginning to question the societal structures, patriarchy, and figuring out what's best for them as the individuals they are.

So much of the message we hear from society are around tying our worth to a romantic partner. This is so important to read, especially for younger women who are being pressured into a relationship they don't want.

Party of One spoke to me on a soul-deep level. This book isn’t just about learning to enjoy your own company; it’s a celebration of who you are at your core. The insights and exercises within are like a gentle yet powerful reminder that the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. It’s personal, engaging, and incredibly liberating. If you've ever struggled with self-love, this book is the friend you didn’t know you needed.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Party of One” is a warm, witty, and affirming self-help guide that invites you to embrace your own company, regardless of your current relationship status.

Authored by Meghan Keane, the creator of NPR’s Life Kit, this book is a beacon of encouragement for those seeking to become their own soulmate (an excellent goal for us - regardless of our relationship status)

Keane’s journey from feeling anxious about being single to celebrating her independence is relatable and inspiring (I also found this book exciting and self-affirming)!🌹💕

Drawing on expert advice, the author offers practical tools for strengthening self-compassion, halting rumination cycles, and navigating nosy friends and relatives. The vibrant illustrations by LA Johnson add an extra layer of charm.

Whether you’re partnered or flying solo, “Party of One” empowers you to love yourself fully and to live a fulfilling life.

This story is a delightful reminder that being your own best life partner is a celebration, not a compromise. 🌟🌿

Party of One is a non-fiction, self-help book about single hood and the qualities of being solitary.
Unfortunately, I was not the right audience for this because I picked this book up to find fresh perspectives and information, and I love Chronicle books; this book is great for those who are starting to think about how most modern societies are structured, the obsession over marriage, nuclear family, romantic love and enjoying one’s own company. If you are already very informed, have been thinking and doing research on these topics, have unapologetically been valuing your own company and love and bonds other than romantic love (perhaps on top of being married or in a committed relationship/romantic relationship, having your own family as well), you will likely not be very engaged with this book.

It is a nicely presented and structured book. Just not for me (I like reminding myself, refreshing my memory/knowledge but this one fell short).

Society would have you think that there is no way that you could possibly be single ... and happy?! However, talk to single women here, there, and everywhere, and you will find that not only are single women happy, they are thriving - growing, exploring, and achieving in leaps and bounds that, frankly, may not have been possible had they chosen another life. As a woman who is single by choice, I have never looked back on my decision to not legally entangle myself with another person; however, it can be difficult to find like-minded people who are standing in their truth. Single women are often painted with a broad brush, and little attention is seriously given to the specific obstacles that women who do not have a life partner face.

Enter Meghan Keane, with her singles' self-help guide, Party of One. Party of One affirms the single woman's journey, whether by choice or circumstance, providing compassionate support and understanding to the singles' unique path and plight. This is the first book that I have read that gave kind and specific focus and empathy to what it means to be a single woman in today's couple-driven society. Thoughtfully-written and affirming, Party of One helps singles navigate this season of their life with wisdom and grace.

More of an "I see you" sort of guide than one with actionable steps and solutions, reading of Party of One is like sitting down and having a meaningful conversation with that one person who gets you.

My neck is sore from nodding along with every sentiment in this book! While this book is probably better for those who are new to embracing their singlehood, Party of One helps unpack the destructive thinking around being single and reframe your attitudes around a single life. As someone who has done therapy, there are lots of great reminders on how to deal with your emotions in a healthy way. The author doesn’t just tell you not to be sad. She allows you to feel your feelings but also offers alternatives to waiting around for a partner to live your best life. Highly recommend to anyone struggling with being single, and pairs well with the Single Serving podcast.

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this ARC.

"Party of One" is a practical and encouraging guide by Meghan Keane, aimed at embracing single life with self-love and fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences and expert advice, Meghan shares strategies to boost self-compassion, overcome negative cycles, and handle social pressures with confidence. With engaging illustrations and relatable insights, this book empowers you to celebrate your own journey and thrive independently, whether you're single or not.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book has some great tips and ideas about being single. It can definitely feel like the world is made for couples or those that are married with families. Being single year a bad tging and it’s ok to embrace that.

This book was absolutely fantastic and I wished this book had existed 5-10 years ago when I felt I had to keep going out and dating, when I felt there was something wrong with me for not having a partner or when I didn’t want to buy a house until the right person came about.
I love how this book reframes living on your own and explores societal expectations and how to break down with them.
I’m definitively getting a physical copy once this books comes out in October because I want to go back to some of the exercises and I want to be able to highlight this book.
As someone that has been single for several years and has read a lot of books about being single this one is fantastic!

An interesting look at the pressure to pair up in our society and culture. Many helpful tips for anyone looking to enjoy their own company a little bit more.

Loved this book. It wasn’t preachy. It was to the point in an achievable and believable way. Would recommend this book to friends.