Better Single Than Sorry: A No-Regrets Guide to Loving Yourself and Never Settling
Schefft, who famously turned down two marriage proposals on national TV, would seem the perfect source for a book on finding inner happiness and self-sufficiency without a man; unfortunately, the former star of TV's The Bachelorette has a positive message and little else. Instead of providing juicy behind-the-scenes stories from her two seasons on TV, Schefft illustrates her message with anecdotes from a number of average women, a technique she leans on so often that these real-life tales start running together. Lists of questionable utility and appeal are provided throughout, such as "50 Reasons Why It's Great to Be Single" ("You still have an opportunity to hook up with Justin Timberlake if he suddenly knocked on your door"); ditto in-book quizzes and activities. Familiar lessons like "Don't Be a Doormat" and the grass isn't always greener lack fresh perspective, and the text can be frustratingly repetitive ("Chapter 4: Tell Mom-and Everyone Else-to %$#* Off" doesn't preclude sections in Chapter 8 on "Parental Consent" and the "Dutiful Daughter"). Though she provides an occasional surprise-a helpful look at the distinction between playing hard to get and being hard to get, for example-Scheff's advice is largely stale, providing more comfort than constructive ideas.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.