Single Woman of a Certain Age

September 1, 2005
If there is a best way to safely traverse the treacherous waters of a single midlife, none of the 28 writers who contributed to Ganahl's collection has found it. Of the five thematic sections (dating, giving up myths, personal growth, independence and children), the funniest collects dating stories, including Ellie Slott Fisher's concerns about her love life affecting her children: "A cool mom is one thing, but a red-hot mama is utterly disturbing." Wendy Merrill, whose family describes her dating history as "Wendy's catch-and-release program," dryly notes, "Whatever I have contempt for, I should set a place for it at my table, because it's either already in my life or it's coming." (In her case, alcoholism, eating disorders and being a "serial mater.") Possibly the best-known contributor is Merrill Markoe, David Letterman's former collaborator and girlfriend, whose amusing essay feels out of place, since she discusses her live-in boyfriend. A few works delve into thera-speak: one writer suggests "we replace 'empty nest syndrome' with 'open nest syndrome,'" while another, remarking about a road trip she and her boyfriend are on, informs readers, "Our other journey-the one we're on as a couple-is in its fifth year." Readers who can overlook this preciousness will enjoy the other warm voices of compassionate, hard-earned knowledge within.