Books
We’ve read almost everything there is to read on how to live well alone, and these are some of our favourites! All links redirect to Amazon, and the Project will receive a small commission for anything purchased using these links. While we review everything ourselves before we recommend it, and only include the books we think are most helpful, we’d definitely recommend having a good browse and a read of the reviews before you buy – we’re a diverse community, and everyone has different tastes.
We also have a research section for anyone interested in the rise of living alone, what we know about people living alone, and what policymakers need to do differently.
Have we missed something? Email us at hello@livingwellalone.com if you have read something you’ve enjoyed, or if you are an author and would like to have your work considered for inclusion on this page.
How to Live Alone
The Art of Living Alone and Loving It
Jane Mathews (2018)
A beautiful, comprehensive, down-to-earth guide to living well, alone. Targeted at women, however lots of useful advice in here for those of all genders
Honjok: The Art of Living Alone
Francie Healey and Crystal Tai (2020)
This beautiful book introduces the Korean concept of Honjok (‘tribe of one’) and thoughtfully examines the positive aspects and possibilities of living alone.
Living Alone And Loving It
Barbara Feldon (2002)
Feldon shares her secrets for living alone and loving it, from one of the most enriching and joyous periods of her life.
Solo Identity
Single That
Acamea Deadwiler (2019)
Acamea Deadwiler believes that ‘single’ does not have to mean broken, lonely, or desperate. In dispelling the top 10 myths of the single woman, she suggests instead that you, alone, are enough.
How To Be Single and Happy
Jennifer L. Taitz (2018)
Psychologist Jenny Taitz draws on her personal and professional experience and gives readers strategies to stop overanalysing romantic encounters, get over regrets, and identify and cultivate the mindset, values and connections that make them most fulfilled.
Living the Life Unexpected
Jody Day (2016)
Jody Day addresses the experience of involuntary childlessness and – with compassion and understanding – helps those negotiating a future without children come to terms with their grief.
Life after trauma
It's OK That You're Not OK
Megan Devine (2017)
Megan Devine offers a profound new approach to both the experience of grief and the way we try to help others who have endured tragedy. She invites us to build a life alongside grief rather than seeking to overcome it.
Getting Past Your Breakup
Susan J. Elliott (2020)
Susan Elliott has helped thousands of clients and readers transform their love lives. She believes the end of a relationship can be an opportunity for change, and sets out a roadmap for overcoming the painful end of a romantic relationship.
How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies
Therese A. Rando (1991)
A compassionate, comprehensive guide focused on helping you resolve grief, and take care of yourself after a loved one dies.
Self-Awareness and Living Well Alone
Braving the Wilderness
Brene Brown (2017)
Brene Brown talks about loneliness and disconnection and gives practical advice drawn from her own research on how to stand strong in your own identity, while building deep, authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world
Mark Williams and Danny Penman (2011)
A practical beginners guide to ‘mindfulness’ practice – the art of fully appreciating the present moment. A great skill if you live alone, which will give you a greater sense of connectedness to your surroundings.
Good Vibes, Good Life
Vex King (2018)
Discover inspirational messages and univeral wisdom as Vex King shares his own stories of overcoming adversity to practice self-care and to build a more positive life.
The Untethered Soul
Michael A Singer (2007)
Michael SInger explores the question of who we are and arrives at the conclusion that our identity is to be found in our ability to observe ourselves and the world around us.
The Little Book of Hygge
Meik Wiking (2017)
This definitive guide to the Danish philosophy of Hygge, which loosely translates as a sense of comfort, togetherness and wellbeing, will help you feel happier, calmer, and comforted.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler (1998)
An accessible guide for a Western audience, looking at how to defeat day to day anxiety, insecurity, anger and discouragement.
Books on the experiece of being alone
The Lonely City
Olivia Laing (2018)
Olivia Laing writes about her experiences of moving to New York and experiencing stark loneliness in her mid-thirties. She investigates what it means to be lonely using art as a medium.
What a Time To Be Alone
Chidera Eggerue
Award winning blogger, speaker and creative director Chidera Eggerue talks about evaluating your self worth, protecting yourself from toxicity, and learning to love your solitude.
How To Be Alone: If You Want To, And Even If You Don't
Lane Moore (2002)
This memoir charting Lane’s journey from difficult childhood to vulnerable, aware yet successful adult is by turns poignant, funny, raw and deeply moving.
Looking for research on living alone? Try our research section.
