Live Alone and Like it.

You may recall a few months ago, (here) I mentioned a book by Marjorie Hillis. And I have gotten around to reading 'Live Alone and Like It,' (was there ever such a great title?!)

Despite originally being published in 1935, this book isn't as dated as you may imagine. Yes, there are some archaic notions, mostly involving servants and bed jackets, but on the whole this book contains advice which is worth it's weight in gold. The bottom line of the book - self reliance. Yes, a girl will have great family, friends, and suitors however above all else, she sustains herself alone.

Marjorie Hillis is often quite stern, and the preface contains this great little quote: 'Everybody feels sorry for herself (to say nothing of himself) every now and then. But anyone who pities herself for more than a month on end is a weak sister and likely to become a public nuisance besides.'

There is advice in here from setting up your home (or room) in good taste, to advising on how to make friends in a big city, and throwing dinner parties. Every chapter is absolutely brilliant, however I found 'Pleasures of a single bed' particularly enjoyable (and, no.. this chapter isn't about sex.. that comes next, in the euphemistically named chapter 'Will you or won't you.') 'A lady and her liquor' has great advice for cocktail making (and drinking) - very important to any young lady!

I would strongly suggest this to any gal with a inclining towards independence.

PS: It has funny illustrations too - love the front cover, smoking in bed - the height of decadence!